Highly ranked U of A film school expands to Los Angeles with Film Independent partnership
Alumnus Alyssa Urgo (left), talent agent with The Gersh Agency, speaks to alumni gathered at Film Independent for the FTV LA launch on May 31. Her talk was moderated by Lisanne Skyler, professor in the School of Theatre, Film & Television.
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television has launched Film & Television Los Angeles, a Los Angeles outpost that will provide access and opportunities for students and alumni in the hub of the entertainment industry.
The highly ranked film school has entered a partnership with Film Independent, dedicated to fostering emerging talent and professional development and the producer of the Spirit Awards, which honor excellence in independent film and television, to establish a Los Angeles base for FTV LA at Film Independent's headquarters.
Directed by screenwriter and director Lisanne Skyler, professor in the school of Theatre, Film & Television, the partnership will include interactive alumni talks, high-profile screenings in Film Independent Presents, Film Independent's popular film series, and the selection of one TFTV alum in Film Independent's artist development program Project Involve. All alumni will have year-round access to Film Independent's creative spaces to facilitate creative and professional work as well as interest-based networking groups to support career development and expand their community.
The School of Theatre, Film & Television says the partnership will create opportunities for students and alumni to connect, collaborate, and build careers in the heart of the entertainment industry.
"Under the spectacular leadership of the late Josh Welsh, Film Independent has long been a focal point for filmmakers and vital to our community," Skyler said. "At TFTV, that sense of community is fundamental to the way we mentor the next generation of storytellers, film professionals and creative artists. Through this innovative partnership with Film Independent, we will foster connections between generations, spotlight the achievements of alumni working across the industry and create a base for alumni to connect, collaborate and build their community in LA."
Kate Walker D'Angelo, acting deputy director and senior director of development for Film Independent, said, "As an alum of the school, I could not be more thrilled to bring our communities together and offer further opportunities for TFTV students and alumni to develop their careers and build their networks through Film Independent programs."
Andy Schulz, dean and vice president for the arts at the University of Arizona, added that "we're all incredibly excited to be working with Kate and Film Independent on a shared mission of supporting the next generation and building a resilient community of filmmakers and industry professionals. With the seismic shifts in the industry, this initiative couldn't be more timely and important, and we couldn't have a more well-suited leader than Lisanne, a Film Independent Spirit Award-nominated filmmaker herself."
The Project Involve fellowship for a selected TFTV alum provides hands-on filmmaking experience on short film projects from inception to completion. In the inaugural year of the partnership, the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television fellowship will award $10,000 to an outstanding alum to participate in a writing, directing, producing, cinematography, editing or creative executive track.
FTV LA and Film Independent hosted their first alumni program on May 31 at Film Independent. The event featured moderated conversations with casting director Eyde Belasco ("Sorry to Bother You," "Pariah," "500 Days of Summer") and The Gersh Agency talent agent Alyssa Urgo. Alumni also toured the Film Independent creative spaces available for their use, and connected with peers in the TFTV alumni community.
The School of Theatre, Film & Television is ranked the No. 2 public film school and No. 9 overall in The Wrap's latest ranking of the country's Top 50 Film Schools.
