The glittering promise of Hollywood often seems reserved for those already inside the industry, but a new initiative is working to dismantle those barriers for aspiring young talent. This groundbreaking programme is set to launch opportunities for high school students in the greater Los Angeles area, giving them a tangible pathway into the world of television production. By combining professional education with crucial real-world exposure, the initiative aims to build the next generation of creative industry workers from the ground up.
The Television Academy Foundation has partnered with the consumer electronics retailer Best Buy to establish a comprehensive, ten-week training programme. Funded through the generous support of Best Buy, the entire after-school curriculum will be offered free of charge to local students. The training is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge needed for entry-level roles, ranging from production assistants and location managers to assistant directors and production accountants.
Building skills for the screen
The curriculum is designed to mirror the complex, multi-faceted nature of television production, ensuring students are trained across a wide array of support roles. Participants will not only receive classroom instruction but will also take field trips to observe both scripted and unscripted television productions firsthand. This practical, hands-on approach allows students to experience the workings of a professional set environment in a way that traditional schooling simply cannot replicate.
The program is rooted in providing opportunities for local, underserved communities, helping to shape a more dynamic and representative entertainment industry. Tina Perry, the chair of the Television Academy Foundation, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Best Buy to offer this exceptional programme to local underserved communities.” The foundation believes this combination of professional mentorship and practical training is vital for building student confidence and connections.
Guidance from industry veterans
Steering the initial cohort of students will be Donny Hugo Herran, a highly experienced industry executive with two decades in the field. Herran’s vast background includes steering production on numerous acclaimed series, such as the dramas Yellowstone and Landman, alongside popular unscripted shows like The Challenge. His extensive expertise covers a huge spectrum of television genres, giving students a comprehensive view of industry operations.
Furthermore, Herran has contributed significantly to the educational landscape himself, serving as the author of The Production Guru: Leadership Principles and Philosophies Across Film, Television and Beyond. His involvement underscores the depth of the program’s commitment to professional excellence, ensuring that the students receive guidance from a true master of the craft.
A pathway to the future
The training will operate out of accessible community hubs, specifically YMCA facilities situated in Los Angeles’s Boyle Heights neighbourhood and in Long Beach. This choice of venue ensures that the resources are physically available to the local student body, making the opportunity manageable for those in need of support. Herran anticipates that the program will successfully prepare aspiring crew members to thrive behind the scenes.
The foundation’s vision is clear: by opening doors to production jobs, the industry can become more inclusive and representative of the diverse communities that create its content. This initiative confirms that the journey into the creative world does not always require a massive budget, but rather access to knowledge and opportunity. With this support, the curtain is rising on a new career chapter, proving that the dream of Hollywood can start right down the street.
