How did SVA In LA start?

Ten years ago, former Executive Vice President Anthony Rhodes approached me about initiating a Destinations program in LA. There were three primary goals for the program that still exist today: To create an environment where students can interact directly with top visual artists in the film and animation industries and who would share their aesthetic and technical approaches to visual storytelling; to demystify the student's journey and to let them know that their dream of becoming a professional artist can become a reality; and simply to inspire. Students come away motivated and with a stronger understanding of how to move forward toward achieving their goals.

What are the most significant advantages of attending the program?

For one, it is an informal, interactive environment where students personally learn from top film and animation artists. These artists share many personal stories about how they began, got here, and succeeded. Two, valuable networking and a better sense of the reality of the professional LA artist community. Meeting fellow SVA students and forming friendships and working relationships that continue after the program is completed are also super helpful. Students leave inspired with a sharper understanding of what it takes to make it in the professional industry.

Do you have any highlights or specific memories to highlight from the 10 years it's been running?

Yes, there are several highlights. We were invited to Fox Studios to observe Academy Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino (BFA 1990 Film and Video) collaborate with a conductor and a 116-piece orchestra while scoring one of the Star Trek films. While at the studio, J.J. Abrams stopped by to say hello and speak with the students. Another was meeting animation artists Rebecca Sugar (BFA 2009 Animation) and Dana Terrace (BFA 2013 Animation). For me, it was meeting Academy Award-Winning Cinematographer Haskell Wexler, who was photographing us as we attended a lecture at the American Cinematographers Clubhouse.

Program coordinator Sal Petrosino looks back on a decade of sharing inspiring experiences with students and leaders in the film and television industries.