HBTH Students Shine Under the Spotlight

Hollywood by the Horns, a pilot program through the California State University, Dominguez Hills Communications Department, gives students the chance to find their voice, tell their stories, and connect with the entertainment industry.

The program, now in its third year, is designed to raise the profile of CSUDH students by creating meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities with professionals in the Hollywood film and entertainment industries.

The program was launched in the Fall of 2014 by faculty members in the Communications Department and in consultation with veteran agent Lisa Callamaro, with the support of University President Willie J. Hagan.

Dr. Ryan Bowles Eagle, Assistant Professor of Communications and one of the program’s coordinators, said the mission of the program is to help students hone their own creative voices and for them to be aware of the value they add to creative industries and beyond.

“We wanted to create a way to say our students are here, talented, they’re smart, and they have unique stories to contribute,” said Dr. Bowles Eagle.

CSUDH students can earn credit if they apply and enroll in either the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class or Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop, which culminates with a performance called the Story Slam. Students are also encouraged to participate in a Production Assistant (PA) Bootcamp, which consists of two training days on a faux production set and office. Each semester, Hollywood by the Horns also hosts behind-the-scenes events for students to connect with executives in the entertainment industry.

Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry is a semester long class for credit. Students learn about various careers in film and entertainment, such as costume design and cinematography. During this class, Dr. Bowles Eagle said she finds it rewarding when students discover and make connections to people and paths that match their skill set.

“Students involved in the Deconstructing the Entertainment Industry class really the love the weeks on production design, the art department and casting,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “We know that casting has a massive impact on representations that we see. It’s not just the screenwriter or the director but there are other people who contribute to the world that we see in media and to the characters that inhabit those worlds, and that’s really what we want to introduce our students to.”

Public relations and advertising junior Sergio Tapia, 20, gave insight on his current experience in the class, adding he has also participated in the PA boot camp. He said Hollywood by the Horns introduces students to all aspects of Hollywood and teaches students etiquette on production sets as well as in the office.

“I look forward to hearing guest experiences,” Tapia said. “It’s eye-opening.”

He added this class has introduced him to everyday jobs in Hollywood.

“Every class, I get a glimpse of realness, and of so many types of obstacles professionals overcome that I gain perspective on whose path I can follow,” Tapia said.

Another way students learn the power of expression and develop their own creative voice is by learning the science, history, and structure of storytelling during a 10-week Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop and showcase, according to Callamaro.

“In this class, students examine their own experiences, values and mission statement,” Callamaro said.

She indicates this course requires students to do personal work, such as share a story within their group of 10 students that is true to their lives, and then eventually in front of a public audience. Despite being an intimidating experience for some, current and former Communications students found the voice workshop beneficial.

“I learned how to fi nd myself,” said senior Toryn Tisdom, adding that the workshop and showcase create a space to talk about themselves for once.

“We aren’t allowed to write in first person in traditional class settings, but now more than ever we need our voices to be heard, and we need to talk about how we relate to the world,” Tisdom said.

Sierra New, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2015, agreed. She participated in the Story Slam and expressed how the Hollywood by the Horns experience was the first time she stepped out of her comfort zone and found the whole process cathartic.

“I was given confidence,” New said.

Callamaro said she hopes students will exit the Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story workshop finding their authentic selves and affirming their personal and creative voices.

“I feel very honored to be trusted with helping them walk through the experience and helping them decide who they are,” Callamaro said.

Callamaro pointed out that sometimes students have multiple shifts because personal growth is challenging work, adding that the end results may even change how a person carries themself.

“It’s a thrill to see the shift,” Callamaro said.

Claudia Uballez, who graduated with a Communications degree in 2016, said knowing how to tell a story is beneficial in every aspect of life.

“Storytelling is a skill that makes personal connections stronger and will help you stand out as a professional,” Uballez said.

Callamaro also feels strongly that storytelling is important in every industry and the first thing people will say in Hollywood is that they love a person’s voice.

“Your voice is what sets you apart from another artist,” Callamaro said.

That is why Hollywood by the Horns is designed to teach students how story and voice are unique to an individual and gives them the chance to have their stories heard.

“Being able to know yourself and know the perspective that you bring is so important,” Dr. Bowles Eagle said. “There’s something about our students and where they come from that has prepared them to contribute really unique stories. That’s something that our students can take pride in.”