Friday, Apr 14, 2023
Semester in LA Program now pairs students directly with industry professionals
by Adam Grybowski
Jordan Anderson, a senior film and television major, signed up for Rider University’s Semester in Los Angeles Program with big expectations. She wanted to immerse herself in the entertainment industry and land not just one but multiple internships — anything that could help her get her foot in the door in the hyper-competitive world of Hollywood.
Her long-term career goal is to become a producer or production manager working on the sets of popular movies or television shows. A new aspect of Semester in LA that pairs mentors with students gave her direct access to a working professional, Jeffrey Breeden ’05, an executive producer on the ABC game show Press Your Luck. The two speak throughout the week, and she has watched him while working on set during live tapings of the show.
“Jeffrey is very open and passionate about production and does not hesitate to provide advice,” Anderson says. “Going to see him in action at Press Your Luck was amazing, and I’m grateful to have been given a mentor who likes to be on set as much as I would like to be one day.”
This semester, other mentors have brought students to movie premieres, a discussion with movie director James Cameron and actress Sigourney Weaver, events at Disneyland, and more.
Mentorship has always been a part of the program, which gives students the chance to spend 14 weeks living and learning in Los Angeles while earning academic credit. In the past, a mentor may have been responsible for 15 or 20 students, now each mentor works directly with only two or three.
“It wasn’t always easy with the larger groups to ensure there were enough seats at events,” says Dr. Barry Janes, a professor of film and television and the director of the Semester in Los Angeles Program. “The smaller groups allow more contact and interaction and make sure students can have access to the various opportunities mentors make available.”
Lour Mitchell ’07, a marketing recruiter at RJR Partners and mentor who has previously taught in the program, moved to Los Angeles three weeks after she graduated from Rider. While she felt prepared professionally, she came to realize that her lack of local connections created a barrier to entry. As a mentor, Mitchell, who has more than 15 years of experience working in the TV industry, including as the co-executive producer of Botched on E!, leverages her contacts to expand students’ networks. She also provides feedback on resumes and cover letters and gives them strategies to boost their confidence and understand professional etiquette.
“After graduating, it’s very difficult to get your first job anywhere, let alone in the entertainment industry 3,000 miles from your home,” Mitchell says. “That’s something I’m working with these students on. The skills you need in real life are so complicated and often go beyond what can be taught in the classroom. If I can make it a little easier for them, that’s very fulfilling for me. I want them to succeed.”
Mentors, many of whom are Rider alumni, are strictly volunteers. Other alumni mentors include Chris Lee '05, the owner of DSM Studios, Emily Row '18, a department coordinator for Encore VRX, and Erika Sosa '13, manager, Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution Networks Commercial Marketing.
Ann Marie Williams-Gray, an adjunct professor and an Emmy Award-winning television producer, has been instrumental in coordinating the new and enhanced mentorship aspect of the Semester in LA Program, strengthening the Engaged Learning opportunities for which Rider is known.
“Everyone needs a mentor,” she says. “The more experiences and information students have, the better they can understand the inner workings of the industry and the better they will do. We need a workforce that is prepared, and I know these students will be very prepared.”
