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Assistant Professor Kai Swanson and 17 Elon students traveled to Park City, Utah, and Hollywood during the winter term to gain in-depth experience in the film and entertainment industries.
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From freshmen to graduating seniors, 17 Elon students travel west in the winter semester to participate in the Sundance Film Festival Experience, learning about the history and culture of the mainstream film industry and the independent film market around the globe.
Led by Assistant Professor of Film and Television Arts Kai Swanson, with support from Los Angeles-based Elon Program Coordinator Cierra Seawright ’18, students began the short course Isabella Cannon Global Education Center Project In Los Angeles, gain insight into the city’s history and neighborhoods.
The class visited the timeless Sony Pictures Studios and Paramount Studios, where they got an up-close look at the sound stages where many of the major films of the past century were shot. Students also meet Elon alumni who work in the film and entertainment industries, brainstorm on their creative process, learn about their career journeys and develop relationships.
Among the Elon alumni who met with the students were Netflix production coordinator Jordan Roman ’15, award-winning documentary filmmaker and editor Alex Harden ’13, and Imagine Entertainment producer Joey ’19 Scott Cui. The trio each offer invaluable perspective on life after college and moving to Los Angeles.
Reflecting on her role as a teacher leader, Swanson said she enjoys meeting her students where they are, which is especially important because the program includes students across academic programs and levels of experience.
“One of the things I love about this program is that the students come from a variety of backgrounds and professions,” said Swanson, who served as director of the World Aquatic Short Film Festival last year. “For some, it’s their first film class. For others, it’s an opportunity to network with film industry professionals.”
Part of the mission of the course is to develop an appreciation for Los Angeles as a whole.For this work, the group volunteered for several hours packing sanitation kits valley of change For individuals without housing in downtown Los Angeles. Students also hiked the Hollywood Hills and spent an afternoon in Santa Monica.
Studying in the Entertainment Capital of the World has made an impact on students, including Callie Brodeur ’25, a sophomore studying Film and Television Arts.
“My experience in Los Angeles was an eye-opener,” she said. “Not only have I made some really good friends because of this course, but I’ve gained a lot of insight after talking to people in the industry. After meeting several Elon graduates who have been successful in the entertainment industry, I realized that Having more career paths to choose from made me feel more comfortable not being sure about my career options after graduation.”
After just over a week in Los Angeles, the class refocused and headed to Park City, Utah, home of the Sundance Film Festival since 1978. Sundance attracts more than 100,000 filmmakers, film lovers and industry professionals each year to see and celebrate new releases and innovations in feature films, documentaries, short films and new media. The festival provides a platform to discover and support new talent in the film industry, with opportunities for networking, distribution and exposure.
While at Sundance, the Elon contingent participated in screenings, panels, and various sponsorship events. Students watched films that ended up in $20 million deals, as well as little-known independent projects.
“Sundance reminds me of the value of seeing a film with a large audience,” said Brandon Talton ’23, a senior in the Film and Television Arts BFA program. “The value of forming a short-term community to watch a story on screen and experience its emotional highs and lows is incalculable.”
By the end of the course, the students had increased understanding of the film and entertainment industries, which was evident to Swanson.
“It’s been an incredible experience to see the students make such strides in the way they read about film, their understanding of the mainstream versus independent film market, and how they express their ideas about film,” said the professor.
Interested in studying in Hollywood, Los Angeles and Sundance next winter term?Contact Swanson kswanson8@elon.edu.
Additional reporting and editing by Tommy Kopetskie
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