Search form

LMU's TAG Program Gives Grads Career Boost

Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television is giving five exemplary recent graduates invaluable access to and opportunities for careers in the entertainment industry as part of the school's one-of-a-kind new Transition After Graduation, or "TAG," Program. Fully funded by Sony Pictures Ent., with the support of Steve Mosko, president, Sony Pictures Television, TAG is a unique one-year program in professional development designed to help graduates navigate the landscape of the entertainment business. The five budding professionals, called Sony Fellows, will be mentored by some of the industry's top talent.

Each Sony Fellow will work closely with a high level mentor tailored to the participant's career objectives, participate in monthly meetings to review professional development topics and goals, network and share their experiences with one another, and receive expert strategies and support for maximum participation at major festivals.

TAG is the newest in a series of innovative initiatives created by SFTV dean Teri Schwartz to connect the SFTV community to the global entertainment and emerging media industries.

"Thanks to the vision and generosity of Steve Mosko and his colleagues at Sony Pictures Entertainment, we've been able to start our signature program designed with the belief that a premier film school should continue to nurture its students even after they've taken their last exam, or completed their thesis film," Dean Schwartz said. "At SFTV we are committed to developing the new stories and new storytellers with a strong, practical understanding of the professional landscape. With TAG, we're able to give our outstanding graduates a crucial head start on realizing their ambitions."

"Since launching the School of Film and Television three years ago, dean Schwartz has consistently exhibited the passion, vision and creativity to produce the nation's top film and television school," Mosko said. "When she told us about her ideas for the TAG program, her enthusiasm was infectious and we knew this is something Sony had to support."

TAG's inaugural Sony Fellows are:* Lauren Carara, Recording Arts grad, being mentored by Academy Award-winning post-production re-recording mixer, Bob Beemer, who recently completed the Oscar-nominated mix for DREAMGIRLS.

* Sal Cardoni, Screenwriting grad, is being mentored by Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Joel Cohen (TOY STORY).

* Alfonso Estrada, a graduate of the SFTV animation program, is now part of the Sony Animation Directors Program.

* Debbie Formoso is being mentored by Academy Award-nominated director of photography, Wally Pfister (BATMAN BEGINS, THE PRESTIGE).

* Adam Burr, who won Best Director and Best Narrative Film at SFTV's film festival Film Outside the Frame, is being mentored by Rob Legato, Academy Award-winning vfx designer (AVIATOR, TITANIC, APOLLO 13, THE DEPARTED) and director.

Along with the high level industry mentoring aspect of the program, Sony Fellows will get access to a major film market, be introduced to agents and managers, travel to major film festivals, such as Berlin, Cannes, South by Southwest and Sundance; explore new marketing opportunities and begin implementing an outlined path for their career objectives.

This new program was designed with a "pay-forward" philosophy; each participant will pass the baton to the next TAG team and stay involved with them for their TAG year, enabling them to develop a network of contacts that will benefit them throughout their careers.

The TAG program began in September, with the start of the 2006-07 academic year, and will continue through Aug. 2007.

Tags