Hollywood High helps student filmmakers break into film and TV

Hollywood High's New Media Academy: Where Student Filmmakers Forge Futures in the Entertainment Industry

In the heart of a city synonymous with dreams, a unique high school program is quietly revolutionizing how young talent enters the demanding world of film and television. At Hollywood High School, students aren't just learning about the magic of the screen; they're actively creating it, building portfolios, and forging direct pathways into the industry that defines their city.

From Auto Shop to A-Roll: A Hands-On Launchpad

The hum of activity in what was once an old auto shop classroom at Hollywood High School is a testament to a different kind of production. Here, students like Mawuena Akorli, a junior, navigate the controlled chaos of a film set. Armed with a tripod and a clear vision, Mawuena is directing the creation of "black goo," a crucial element for her horror-comedy project.

“And the secret to it is food dye and blue agave,” Mawuena explains, her voice carrying the confidence of a seasoned professional. “It’s very sweet and very yummy, but it’ll get the job done. You’ll look terrifying.” This meticulous attention to detail, even in the most unconventional materials, is a hallmark of the program.

Mawuena’s project, a thrilling horror-comedy about ghost hunting on campus, culminated in her character’s possession, a moment she embraced with palpable enthusiasm. “I loved it because I love writing, and that’s when I get to put my creative energy out,” she shares, highlighting the program’s ability to channel passion into tangible work.

The New Media Academy: Cultivating the Next Generation of Storytellers

Mawuena is one of over 300 students enrolled in Hollywood High’s New Media Academy (NMA), a career-focused arts program designed to equip students for success in the visual media landscape. In Los Angeles, where the entertainment industry remains a dominant economic force, NMA offers an immersive, practical education.

“We work with industry partners to create internships and provide students opportunities to get jobs,” says Alice Nezu, the program coordinator. This direct connection to the professional world is a game-changer for many students, particularly those who may have struggled in traditional academic settings.

“We’ve seen students, particularly ones who may have had a challenging time in the classroom, make a lot of progress over their years in the program and respond to all the community that we’re able to offer,” Nezu adds, underscoring the supportive environment that fosters growth.

A Curriculum Built for Collaboration and Creation

The NMA’s curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation. Ninth graders begin with a fundamentals course, after which they can specialize in either video production or animation. For the next three years, students engage in interdisciplinary projects that seamlessly blend core academic subjects with visual media skills.

Abigail Cordova, a senior, exemplifies this integration. She recently wrote and produced a narrative film exploring the legacy of former President Barack Obama and his impact on student financial aid. This project allowed her to translate her historical research into a compelling group production.

“I used to be a very shy person, and I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone,” Abigail reflects. “I was able to rely on my friends, contact my teachers to explain my problems and learn communication as smoothly as possible.” This journey of personal and professional development is central to the NMA experience.

From Script to Screen: The Full Production Cycle

Students at NMA don't just learn theory; they live the entire production process. They are responsible for writing, shooting, and marketing their films. The culmination of their hard work often involves presenting their projects to a panel of industry professionals for critical feedback.

The most outstanding projects earn a coveted spot at SheikFest, the school's own film festival. Named after the school's mascot, the festival culminates in an awards ceremony where students compete for the 3-D printed Larry award, a tribute to filmmaker alum Lawrence Fishburne, in an event that mirrors the prestige of Hollywood's biggest nights.

Alycia Escobedo, lead teacher at NMA, recalls the inaugural SheikFest with immense pride. “They’re being asked these questions like, ‘Why did you use that coloring? What’s that shading about?’” she says, describing the insightful critiques from industry judges. “I just remember being in that room with an intense feeling of pride for our students, because they were so excited to explain their ideas and thoughts behind their filmmaking.”

Developing Directors, Writers, and Industry Leaders

Santino Marchetti, a junior, has embraced the multifaceted nature of filmmaking. He wrote a short film that uses the lens of school bullying to critique dictatorships and indoctrination, and also directed a documentary examining Native American representation in the media. His journey is one of deep commitment and earned respect.

“It was my first time being in a director role and being able to direct the actors and write the script — that was just an amazing experience for me,” Santino shares. He quickly learned, however, that leadership is built, not given. “I’m not just going to wake up one day, be the best director or the most trusted person on set. I have to earn those spots.”

A Program Rooted in Practicality and Purpose

Alice Nezu, who helped establish the New Media Academy over a decade ago, recognized the power of hands-on learning while working as a special education teacher. She observed that many students thrived when instruction was applied and tangible.

The program's success, marked by a 100% graduation rate, led the Los Angeles Unified School District to officially designate it as a magnet arts program. This expansion has allowed NMA to grow to 312 students from across Los Angeles, supported by a dedicated team of 16 teachers.

Beyond the Classroom: Real-World Application

SheikFest, according to Nezu, is a powerful demonstration of the depth of knowledge students acquire through practical work. In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the ability to engage authentically is paramount.

“With AI, you can fake a lot of things,” Nezu points out. “You can’t fake being able to have just a spontaneous, authentic conversation with an industry professional in front of your peers unless you really, really dug in and did the work and feel invested and committed to it.”

Beyond their coursework, some students gain invaluable experience as paid interns, contributing to the school's live news show, "Inside H Studios." This provides them with real-time production experience, honing skills in a professional broadcast environment.

The Pulse of the School: Live Production in Action

The energy is palpable as Mawuena, headset on, issues confident directives: “Quiet in the studio, stand by to record, take color, bars and tone.” Nearby, Abigail cues a pre-recorded student report on Black History Month icons, her count-in precise: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, take black, ready to dissolve and cue.”

Abigail then smoothly pans a camera to Santino, who delivers a live stand-up segment covering the latest Hollywood High sports news. “Having to learn about switching through cameras, I think that’s my favorite part right now,” Abigail admits. “I do want to explore audio, but I know I’ll get that opportunity step by step.”

Video production teacher Jonathan Tirado moves fluidly between student crews, offering guidance on camera angles, lighting, and audio challenges. He emphasizes that beyond technical skills, fostering a strong sense of community is paramount.

“I tell them that these are the people that you’re going to move forward with, and maybe win a Larry with, or also go to college with and have the rest of your life,” Tirado, himself a stage actor and filmmaker, advises his students, highlighting the enduring bonds formed through shared creative endeavors.

Bridging Gaps and Diversifying Hollywood's Future

In recent years, the entertainment industry has become exceptionally competitive for internships, with women and people of color often underrepresented. The NMA actively addresses this disparity by integrating community partnerships, field trips, trade certifications, and targeted panels for students from diverse backgrounds.

“We’re breaking down barriers by making sure that there’s equity of voice in the industry,” Escobedo states, underscoring the program's commitment to inclusivity. This proactive approach ensures that a wider range of perspectives and talents are nurtured and given opportunities.

For Mawuena, this means aspiring to not only enter the industry but to change it. Inspired by shows like "Insecure," created by Los Angeles native Issa Rae, she now feels empowered to create art that reflects her own experiences.

“It means so much to me to be able to create stories out of my experiences, to make other Black little girls feel represented,” Mawuena shares, her voice filled with conviction. “It’s such a special feeling to look at a screen and be like, ‘Wow, I’m not alone.’”

Mawuena's dream of filmmaking began in middle school, a passion her mother initially viewed with practical skepticism. “Dreams do not pay the bills,” she used to say. But three years in the NMA have shifted that perspective.

“Now, I can actually pursue my passions, fulfill my dreams and collaborate with other people who have the same dreams as me,” Mawuena concludes, a testament to the transformative power of a school program that truly prepares students for the work they love.