Students receive valuable information from the class materials, but also have the added benefit of instructors' expert advice. Using the shared insight of industry insiders, Mann says that the instructors' careers serve as positive models. For instance, Lisa Neeley, a development executive at HBO, employs practical exercises in writing coverage, story notes, and even production meetings. Focusing more on the business end of the workshop is Cameron Jones, an entertainment attorney. He will cover topics ranging from international finance to negotiation strategies.
Students can mingle and find internships with reputable film studios.
Mann sees the program as a means for students to meet people who run the film industry. Some of the students enrolled in the workshop have already taken advantage of these connections by finding internships through the workshop. The jobs usually entail working closely with professional directors, producers and other respected occupations in the motion picture industry. Although this comprehensive class gives students a better understanding and slightly more edge in Hollywood, both Mann and Moore agree that successful careers will ultimately come down to the individuals. This course will teach them how to get their own projects off the ground, but they will need tenacity, persistence, and a realistic but optimistic outlook.