Location

Los Angeles, California, USA

Program Description

See highlights from previous programs on Instagram.

Course information:

SMAD 465, The Entertainment Industry: In this course, students will gain insight into a variety of careers in the entertainment industry through the experience of guest speakers who work in the industry; many are JMU Alumni. This course also explores LA culture through outings and events - studio tours, sporting events, museums, tours, etc.

SMAD 495, Internship in the Entertainment Industry: Students meet once a month in the spring for resume and interviewing workshops, internship search support, and team-building exercises. Through a 180-hour internship, students gain professional experience in the entertainment industry in any sector they choose (film, advertising, public relations, music, performance, interactive design, social media, business, etc.) The internships allow students to create relationships and professional connections to help them pursue their career goals and identify skills they should develop to ensure career readiness.

Location Description

Hollywood is where creativity thrives, and dreams come true. Los Angeles is the heartbeat of the entertainment industry, with an abundance of rich culture and things to do, like concerts, cultural events, studio tours, beaches, museums, theaters, art, music, and famous landmarks. All while visiting places where scenes from your favorite movies were created or bumping into to celebrities and famous influencers.

Fostering creativity and innovation, Los Angeles, Burbank is home to some of the biggest entertainment studios, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network. It is a more picturesque region of the greater Los Angeles area. Near Mount Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, and full of hiking, biking, and running trails.

Director

Talé Mitchell | mitch3at@jmu.edu | Media Arts and Design

Accommodations

Students reside in furnished apartments with Wi-Fi, cable, linens, a full kitchen, and laundry facilities. The apartment complex includes two large swimming pools, a convenience store, an exercise facility, tennis and volleyball courts, and a theater screening room. Students will share a 2-bedroom apartment, with two students per room; four students in each apartment.

Food: apartments are equipped with full kitchens. Students generally purchase groceries and prepare their food in their apartments. Occasionally, meals are provided.

Transportation: students generally use rideshares (Uber/Lyft), rent cars, or use public transportation where available; however, transportation is provided to program events.

Additional Items to Consider

This program appeals to students interested in working in any sector of the entertainment industry. This includes, but is not limited to, film studies (production, pre and post), TV, media arts, theatre, dance, public relations, sports communication, music industry, creative writing, advertising, social media, journalism, interactive design, marketing, entertainment law, graphic design, digital media, UX/UI, sport and recreation management, and data analysis.

Scholarships available.

This program is open to all JMU rising juniors and seniors, and graduate students, regardless of major. 

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.5.

Open to juniors, seniors and graduate students. 

Students must take the 1-credit course, Entertainment Industry Internship Prep in the Spring that meets once a month.

Open to non-JMU students.