The Los Angeles Television Experience (LATE) program provides opportunities for a select number of recent graduates or soon to graduate FSU students to work as interns in the Los Angeles television and film industry.  The program provides support for travel, housing and living expenses as well as paid internships working with leaders of major international television and film companies.  In addition, students will get the opportunity to build a strong network in the television and film industries. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2018.

Adison Oliveras (pictured second to the left), Katy Sartain (pictured third from the left), and Emma Wilson (pictured far left), three recent CCI graduates, were able to take advantage of this program. Oliveras, Sartain, and Wilson graduated in Spring 2018 with their Bachelor’s in Digital Media Production and have gone on to work for a Los Angeles Production Company called Renegade 83 specializing in reality programming. We recently had the opportunity to hear what it was really like this past summer as they learned more about the film industry, found their career paths, and created lasting memories.

 

“The LATE program allowed me to gain more industry experience than I ever could have imagined.” Wilson reflects, “I learned so much from each department at Renegade and it was great to be able to work alongside the teams and contribute to important projects. Furthermore, the networking meetings with industry professionals massively improved my confidence and were extremely helpful in order to learn more about the industry as a whole.”

Emma Wilson will be returning to Renegade 83 next month as a production assistant and is excited to begin her career in the industry with the eventual goal of progressing into unscripted television development. During her time at FSU, Wilson was an international student from the UK and emphasizes the personal value having a strong support system as she moved further away from home. “This program is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity; it allows students to kick start their career straight after graduation in an incredible city with an amazing support system in place. I would highly recommend applying to anyone who is passionate about building a career in this industry and is ready to work hard to get there.”

Katy Sartain hopes to one day become a producer in scripted television so this opportunity was right up her alley. “I learned so much in the LATE program.” Sartain says, “I was given access to industry executives and professionals who I now consider my mentors. I was able to create and prepare materials for television networks, cast several shows, and worked in production for a reality program. There’s so much I didn’t know about the nuances of the industry – until I had a front row seat to the action. These experiences and relationships have become invaluable, and have kickstarted my career.If you’re considering it – APPLY! I would not have the opportunities and job offers without this internship. You get unparalleled hands-on experiences within the industry. I am so thankful for this experience.”

Adison Oliveras echoes this sentiment and gives advice for students considering applying to the LATE program. “I would tell students that are applying to be themselves, confident, and know what you want to do, but also be open to trying anything and everything. Don’t overthink, and try to be unique.” Oliveras plans to keep working with Renegade and hopes to eventually make the transition to film or scripted television.

 

Learn more about the College of Communication & Information’s LATE program, how to apply, and more by clicking here.