ϳԹ

Magic on the Lot, Woodbury Students Get a VIP Look Inside Warner Bros

Magic on the Lot: Woodbury Students Get a VIP Look Inside Warner Bros. Discovery

Forget going to the movies because for ϳԹ students, the real action was happening behind the camera. Professor and Chair of Filmmaking Dr. George Larkin, has his students trade the classroom for a visit to Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank. This wasn’t just a sightseeing tour; it was a high-access, professional development masterclass at a studio that has become one of Woodbury’s most vital industry partners.

A Partnership Built on Production

Warner Bros. Discovery has long been a part of Woodbury’s mission, donating and providing critical filmmaking equipment. This trip marks the second time Dr. Larkin has arranged this exclusive experience for his students and is part of his ongoing “media liaison” work to bridge the gap between student life and the professional world.

“To me, the way to become a professional is to meet professionals,” says Dr. Larkin. “Our industry connections are one of our best recruiting tools. Trips like this show students they can work at legendary places like this, especially as they meet people who actually do. WBD has been an incredible partner, helping our students see that a career at a major studio isn’t just a dream—it’s a destination.”

The Alumni Advantage

Woodbury’s key to this visit was their guide and alumnus John Conroy. Because he knows exactly what it’s like to sit in a Woodbury classroom, John skipped the standard “tourist” script and gave the group a curated, deep-dive experience. John showed the students the mechanical heart of Hollywood from the cavernous prop houses to the intricate costume departments and even the cameras used to film!

What the Students Are Saying

The feedback from the lot was electric, with students noting that the trip made the “industry pipeline” feel tangible for many of them.

  • “It was extraordinary,” said Ashley Tavarez. “John made sure we had a curated experience… bringing us to places like the prop room and costume department where normal tours don’t usually go.”
  • Ivanna Felix noted the educational value: “Visiting the lot was one of my favorite experiences… Learning about the hidden side of my favorite productions will always be a memorable experience.”
  • For Jahruneel Rai, the highlight was seeing how a single location can transform. “My favorite was the lagoon/jungle area. Seeing how movie magic works behind the scenes was truly eye-opening!”
  • Monique Fierro found inspiration in the specific landmarks, like the cabin used in Annabelle. “All those interesting landmarks gave my peers and me such motivation to keep pursuing storytelling.”
  • Danika Bleasé summed it up perfectly: “It’s one thing to learn about the industry, but it’s completely different to actually stand in those spaces. It truly feels like getting a small slice of our dream.”

Beyond the Backlot

As our students return to their own sets and editing bays, they carry with them more than just photos and now carry the advice, insights, and motivation gained from walking the same halls as the experts and masters of the filmmaking world.