Reel Works took a trip to Los Angeles!
This January, Reel Works took a break from the cold and headed to Los Angeles to host in-person events to serve our growing west-coast alumni community. We were welcomed with open arms by local industry professionals and our partners at companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery and Harbor Picture Company. The week was a beautiful showcase of community, creativity, and collaboration.
Our first stop was to Harbor Picture Company. Their Los Angeles studio is tucked away in Santa Monica and hosts both picture and sound. They opened their doors to local MediaMKRS alumni who completed our post-production training. Harbor hosted a tour of their facilities, which included a discussion on color science and workflows. Harbor has been an outstanding partner and champion of Reel Works in both NYC and LA.
Santa Monica was the playing field for a facilities tour and our first Los Angeles MediaMKRS Alumni Mixer. Previous program participants gathered at a local bar to talk shop, meet other alumni, and connect with their cohort (some for the first time) in person. The evening brought together VFX Coordinators, VFX Supervisors, Post Production Coordinators, Post Production Supervisors, and Career Accelerator participants.
“The alumni mixer was such a fun, timely, and necessary event. At such an uncertain time in the industry, it was great to connect with fellow creatives and see where everyone has landed since their program. We networked but most importantly connected as humans who happen to love the same things. I am really looking forward to the next one!” (Destiny Owens, Post Production Coordinator Training.)
Our last event of the week was a joyous graduation of 14 participants who completed our inaugural VFX Coordinator Training, made possible by Warner Bros. Discovery Access. The celebratory event was hosted at Warner Bros. Discovery - Ivy Station, where we were joined by VFX Professionals from the Los Angeles area who took the time out of their schedules to come and connect with our trainees. Janet Muswell (SVP of Visual Effects), Cynthia Kanner (SVP of Post Production and Reel Works Board Member), and Kaitlyn Herring (Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Pipeline Programs) represented Warner Bros. Discovery Access and spoke at the graduation.
“We were so impressed by the whole team at Harbor LA. Not only did they show us their lovely facility, but their artists, producers and engineers were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. The students had a rare opportunity to ask detailed questions about all aspects of the dailies, color, and delivery process. And the Harbor team even offered to answer questions at any time in the future. They were incredibly supportive!” (Cynthia Kanner)
These gatherings exemplify our ongoing efforts to elevate new and diverse voices, illuminate career pathways, and provide comprehensive support for people entering the film and entertainment industry.