Daniel's TCF in LA Reflection

Senior year of college is supposed to be the best year ever right? Well for my senior year of college I traded in socializing and karaoke parties for my camera and pen and paper. I wrote non-stop, filmed non-stop and worked non-stop. Why? Because I knew I wanted to go to LA. I’ll be completely honest… It sucked. Seeing the snap chats and IG photos of my friends hanging out and going out always made me feel left out. But in the back of my mind, I told myself it would pay off. And I’m happy to say that it did. All thanks to the TCF in LA program.

When Dr. Raimist told me about this trip, I knew that this was my chance. I worked three jobs, applied for scholarships and educational grants to help finance the trip. It was a huge sacrifice and a he leap of faith, but I was able to acquire two internships and I was ready and excited to go to LA… and then that’s when an amazing thing happened. Back in February, I applied for The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences internship. It is the most prestigious student internship for students who want to go in the TV industry receive. And guess what? This 6’4 black guy from Harvest, AL got it. It just affirmed for me personally that I was actually good enough. That in itself made my summer.

When I came out to LA with the other TCF students and Dr.Raimist, I really didn’t know what to expect. My goal for coming out here was to make connections so I could hopefully find a job since I graduated. But what I found was an extremely odd, unique and talented group of friends that would soon become my LA family.

For my internship, I was placed at Hasbro Studios. Home of “My Little Pony”, “Transformers”, “GI Joe” “Littlest Pet Shop” and “Pound Puppies” to name a few of their shows. As their development and programming intern, I was able to read pitches, production bibles, script outlines and scripts as well as watch rough cuts of episodes not airing for another year. I have learned so much and have come to appreciate animation so much. I know for a fact that this is the industry I belong in and I can’t wait to continue growing in it. From the minute I walked into Hasbro, I knew that working in Children's TV is wanted to do for the rest of my life. 

The class also offered me a support system. Unfortunately while in LA, My grandmother passed away back in Alabama. We were very close and that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with. The amount of love and support shown to me by my classmates was unreal. Just knowing that I had a group of friends that not only support me professionally but also personally really just made me feel cared for which meant a lot.

The class provided us with so many cool opportunities, from dinners with industry insiders, to TV Show tapings, to trips to museums… It didn’t take me long to feel fully submerged in LA culture.

Overall, the class was amazing. I learned a ton, met awesome and inspiring people, and worked at the internship of a lifetime, but the biggest takeaway from this class was being able to grow professionally with my classmates. My classmates are the ones I will climb the Hollywood ladder with. Who knows where we will be in 20 years! Our network is so strong, I know if I were ever in a position to help get them a job I’d do it blindly and they’d do the same for me because that’s what family does and I love my LA family! 

Best summer of my life. I can't wait until we can reflect on this summer 20 years from now, with future TCF in LA students :)  Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice Dr. Raimist! We promise to make you, Dr. Warner, Prof. Corrao and the rest of the TCF department proud!