Semester in Hollywood Program
Hollywood is where the magic happens. This is your opportunity to join us.
91视频 the Program
From movie studios to streaming and television networks, to agencies and production companies, Los Angeles is the capital of the entertainment industry. The 91视频 Semester in Hollywood Program (91视频/SHP) provides students the opportunity to live, intern and study in the heart of Hollywood during their time at 91视频. Sponsored by the Film and Visual Media Program (FVM) in the Department of English, students earn 48 units interning approximately 24 hours per week in any sector of the entertainment industry, while taking classes taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty. Students in the program will come into direct contact with writers, directors, producers, agents, managers, studio executives, and other industry-specific leaders to learn the nuts and bolts of creating entertainment.
Through this experiential learning program, 91视频/SHP participants develop professional and networking skills, explore how coursework connects to the real world, learn to give and receive constructive feedback in the workplace and classroom, and intentionally reflect on their learning and growth. FVM also sponsors events and opportunities in Los Angeles for students participating in the program to further enrich their experience and enhance their understanding of how Hollywood functions as a hub of international and domestic filmmaking.
How to Apply
Full-time undergraduates from any college and major at 91视频 are eligible to apply to the 91视频 Semester in Hollywood Program (91视频/SHP), although Film and Visual Media majors and minors will be given first priority.
Junior year is the ideal time to participate in the 91视频/SHP. The program, however, is open to second-semester sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Students must declare a primary major before attending the 91视频/SHP.
To facilitate the internship search process, applications are accepted on a rolling admission basis with a final deadline of October 1 for spring semester. The application form will be available soon.
Academics
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record with a minimum cumulative QPA of 3.0. Exceptions may be made for students with lower QPAs based on strong recommendation letters and application materials. Students must pass 76-239 Introduction to Film Studies with a minimum grade of B in order to be eligible to attend the Semester in Hollywood Program.
Curriculum
During the semester in Hollywood, students earn 48 units, taking a combination of mini and full semester courses. Students take classes three evenings per week. Each class meets only one evening per week. All courses are taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty. The academic program consists of the following:
LA Internship Seminar
Course Number: 76-500
Semester(s): Spring Units: 24 Location(s): Los Angeles, CA
The internship is the experiential "core" of the Semester in Los Angeles Program. Students intern four days per week, for approximately 24-25 hours, at studios, networks or streamers, for directors, writers or producers, or in talent agencies or management companies. Through the internship, students gain professional experience and make long-lasting professional and personal contacts. In addition, students meet once a week with the program director for a 90-minute seminar to report and reflect on their internship experiences, and address pressing current issues from the perspective of their internship organization. In addition, the weekly seminar typically includes 91视频 alumni based in Los Angeles. Their personal and professional experiences become part of the seminar conversation, and they make themselves available to students as ongoing sources of information and advice.
Story
Course Number: 76-501
Semester(s): Spring Units: 12 Location(s): Los Angeles, CA
Every compelling pitch, job interview, first date, and public speech has one thing in common: a story. But most of us were never taught how to tell one — and almost no one is taught how to find one. This course draws on the techniques behind unscripted television, documentary filmmaking, and reality storytelling to teach you how to develop, shape, and deliver a powerful narrative with no script required. You will learn the difference between an idea and a story, and why that distinction is everything. Through screenings of real unscripted work, in-class exercises, fieldwork, and a curated reading and watch list, students will learn to spot stories in the world around them, draw authentic narrative out of real people, and communicate with clarity and confidence in any room that matters.
Inside Hollywood
Course Number: 76-502
Semester(s): Spring Units: 6 Location(s): Los Angeles, CA
This weekly mini-seminar is designed to broaden student knowledge about entertainment industry careers, especially in areas not covered in their academic coursework. It will give students an overview of possible career options and ways to pursue their professional interests by providing exposure to various jobs. Each session will feature a deep dive with a different guest presenter who is a professional working in the entertainment industry. The professionals will talk about their jobs, show samples of their work, and answer student questions, enabling students to identify areas of career interest. These presentations will provide a realistic picture of the occupation, and inform student career planning, by allowing students to listen, receive information and ask questions.
How to Pitch
Course #76-503
Semester(s): Spring Units: 6 Location(s): Los Angeles, CA
You've got a killer idea for a movie or a TV show, so, what next? Do you know how to pitch it? This mini-seminar explores the art of pitching, which is more akin to performing than writing. Yet even though pitching is primarily a speaking skill, pitches DO need to be plotted out before they are performed, and pitches have unique formats, depending on whether they are film pitches or TV pitches. This course will give you the knowledge and structure to fully realize your concepts and pitch them with confidence.
Financial Costs and Fees
Students who attend 91视频/SHP will continue to pay Carnegie Mellon full-time tuition, standard double room fee, and other fees to Carnegie Mellon for the semester in which they are in Los Angeles, and are eligible to receive the same financial aid package. To discuss specifics of financial aid packages, please contact .
Students will be responsible for their own dining and transportation costs.
Financial Assistance
Students can apply for grants and financial assistance. To discuss specifics of financial aid packages, please contact .
Living in Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles will provide students with academic and professional growth as well as interesting social and life experiences. LA offers a wealth of museums, restaurants, movies, clubs, sporting events, networking, speaker’s series, and festivals that are readily available to the public.
Internships
91视频 Semester in Hollywood Program (91视频/SHP) staff provides comprehensive and hands-on support to help students find and successfully complete the ideal internship that aligns with their professional goals and personal interests. Our personalized approach ensures that every student receives the guidance and resources needed to succeed in Los Angeles.