Trading classrooms for film studios and exams for movie screenings, two Point Loma Nazarene University students moved to Los Angeles this semester to study the art of filmmaking. Through the L.A. Film Studies Center (LAFSC), students majoring in media communication have the opportunity to intern at a premier Hollywood film studio and learn from top industry professionals.
Anna Novelo, a fourth-year student, and Riley Kessler, a third-year student, are currently living in the heart of the film capital of the world, among approximately 100,000 professionals employed in the industry.
While Novelo and Kessler are enrolled in university-level courses, they don’t meet in a traditional classroom. Throughout the semester, students at LAFSC meet at Sunset Gower Studios, a studio lot established in 1912, which served as the original home of Columbia Pictures for five decades.
“I’ve seen Nick Kroll several times, and saw John Mulaney once,” Kessler said. “I froze when I saw John Mulaney, but I had the courage to say ‘What’s up’ to Nick Kroll, and he said ‘Hey man’ back to me, and that felt pretty good.”
Novelo and Kessler said it’s not uncommon to see famous Hollywood actors and professionals. One night at a local theater, Kessler saw Jack Black as he was buying popcorn.
“I just keep running into industry professionals randomly in public and then getting to talk to them,” Kessler said. “I also saw Jack Black one night, but my roommates and I all got starstruck and froze and didn’t say anything to him. I’m quite ashamed about it.”
James Wicks, PLNU professor of media and film studies, said the students’ proximity to Hollywood and industry professionals is important for their growth as filmmakers.
“The experience inevitably results in increased proficiency in their craft,” Wicks said in an email interview.
Beyond their classes, Novelo and Kessler gain hands-on experience through internships with different film studios and festivals across Hollywood. Novelo works as a story development intern for Iron Ocean Films, handling the pre-production phase for film projects, while Kessler reviews and selects film submissions for the Los Angeles Salute Your Shorts Film Festival.
“I’m basically telling my boss whether something is worth her time or potentially something the company would produce,” Novelo said. “I love it. I’m essentially reading and writing all day, which is the part of film that excites me the most. Bringing characters to life on paper so that one day they can shine on screen — that’s the magic to me.”
During their time at LAFSC, Novelo and Kessler also have to produce three short films, tackling pre-production and the $3,000 budget they’ve been granted by the program.
“Overall, my days are full,” Novelo said. “It’s independent, immersive, sometimes exhausting, but it feels exciting.”
Novelo said the experience is not just about learning technical skills, but also gaining exposure and immersion into the film industry and Hollywood culture, which can be challenging at times.
“No one is holding your hand anymore, and that independence is both freeing and a little intimidating,” Novelo said. “Back home, I have my friends, my family, my professors and an entire community I’ve built … in San Diego as a whole. Leaving that behind felt immensely difficult.”
With these opportunities, LAFSC students often secure job opportunities after completing the program. This is especially true for fourth-year students who may find work in Los Angeles after the semester, according to Wicks.
Kessler said he was initially unsure whether people in Los Angeles would be friendly; however, he said people have been welcoming and the program has deepened his love for the art of filmmaking.
“I want it more,” Kessler said. “I want to succeed more, and am getting to see what people are doing to succeed.”
Novelo has had a similar experience. Through its difficulties, studying at LAFSC has made her even more passionate about the craft.
“We spend so much time in classrooms studying film and making our own projects, but nothing really prepares you for stepping into the film jungle that is LA,” Novelo said. “Since landing my role in development, it’s become clear that I absolutely want a professional career in screenwriting and storytelling. It’s something I want to build my life around.”
Both Wicks and Novelo encouraged PLNU students to take advantage of this opportunity to immerse themselves in Hollywood.
“If there’s a voice inside of you telling you to do this, trust it,” Novelo said. “It will be scary. But even the hard parts serve a purpose. This program is the closest you can get to living and working in the industry without fully uprooting your life.”
Olivia Roberts