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Twelve University of North Georgia (ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿) film students spent spring break making connections and learning about the industry as part of a study away program in Los Angeles, California. Robyn Hicks, associate professor of film and digital media, led the professional development opportunity.

(CFA) facilitated many of the learning opportunities for students while they were in California. Founded in 2022, "CFA has been on a mission to empower underrepresented filmmakers and actors by providing comprehensive education and community-building opportunities," according to its website.

On the East Coast, the film industry in Los Angeles can seem "light years away," but this study away opportunity flipped that narrative for the students.

"When you're young and you grow up so far away from that world, it doesn't feel like you can be a part of it. I saw lightbulbs going off, saying, 'I can do this,'" Hicks said. "I wanted to empower my students and give them the confidence to not be afraid. This industry can be scary, and there can be a lot of people who are harsh within it. They realized they can be part of that world and they can have that world here, as well. It will help establish them for their future careers."  

Claritssa Vargas, a senior who plans to graduate in May with a degree in communication with a concentration in public relations and a minor in film production, is originally from Anaheim, California, but has lived in Gainesville, Georgia, for awhile now. She was able to connect with the organization  about helping with her production company concept of highlighting stories about immigration. 

Vargas's time in Los Angeles made a major impact on her future.

"This changed my plans after graduation and changed the work I'm getting," Vargas said. "I'm a lot more confident in my networking skills. The experience blossomed me when it comes to those interactions. I have such a heightened energy after going there, and I want to keep that going. It ignited more passion in me for the work I want to pursue."

Dani Salame, a senior pursuing a degree in film and digital media with a production concentration, was born in Ecuador and raised in Woodstock, Georgia. The experience in Los Angeles brought the film industry to life for her.

"A classroom can only teach you so much," Salame said. "Being able to go to the root of cinema, it's something no amount of reading books could give me." 

Salame also wants to move to Los Angeles to pursue her career in script supervising, which focuses on ensuring the continuity of story and visuals in films. Thanks to her time at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ and the encouragement of faculty like Hicks and Christopher Sailor, Salame is confident about her future career.

"We have professors who care and put everything into making sure we're prepared for what comes next," Salame said.

In addition to some of the networking and industry education, the study away program included visits to the Warner Bros. Studio lot and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Students saw Academy Award trophies, outfits from "Casablanca" and the original Iron Man suit. They witnessed the spot where Prince was photographed for his "Purple Rain" album cover.

While all of those excursions were among the highlights, the students consistently pointed to the value of networking in Los Angeles. Calvin Bowers, a junior from New Milford, Connecticut, who is also pursuing a degree in film and digital media with a production concentration and plans to move to L.A., particularly appreciated that aspect.

"It was very easy to approach these people and get their contact information and connect with them on social media," Bowers said. "A lot of them offered us places to stay if we ever come to L.A. again. Everyone was super supportive and open to working together."

Hicks was grateful to see her students' confidence grow throughout the week.

"This was really meant to be a bridge between what we study here and the professional world in Los Angeles," Hicks said. "I wanted to help them establish connections. As they are gearing up for graduation, I didn't want them to be confined to one market." 

Hicks will lead the Film in L.A. study away program during the 2026 spring break and aims to build on the momentum of this first year. Applications will be due in November, and students can email Hicks at robyn.hicks@ung.edu to learn more about the program.