DBA 110 takes field trip to Writers Guild of America

A few weeks ago, excitement swept over a Palomar classroom as Professor Lisa Faas announced to her broadcast writing students that they would be attending a panel in Los Angeles.

The panel, hosted by the Writers Guild of America, West on Oct. 14 had special guest Simon Kinberg discuss his career in the film industry.

Kinberg is well known for his screenplay adaption of “X-Men: Days of Futures Past,” “Last Stand,” and other movies such as “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Sherlock Holmes” and his upcoming work “Fantastic Four.”

Kinberg was interviewed by his friend and colleague John August whose credits include “Go,” “Big Fish,” Frankenweenie,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and many others.

However, this wasn’t the only exciting news the students would hear. Faas’s Digital Broadcasting Art 110 class also headed over to the Writers Guild of America, West library to view archived scripts of some of their favorite movies.

“(Kinberg) will share his experiences of getting an idea from scripts to screen and most likely share some tips for student writers eager to break into the entertainment business,” Faas said before the event.

“Student field trips provide first-hand knowledge of the television and film industry,” she added.

Making sure that her students were able to attend, Faas reached out to WGA Foundations Kevin Ott, the marketing director, who helped coordinate the trip as well as provide student discounts. Faas also contacted Library Director Joanne Lammers of the WGA and secured a tour of the library with exclusive access to their extensive script collection.

Cerissa Farin a student from the 110 course has an extensive background with a B.A. in communications, a certificate in marketing and works as freelance videographer. Farin said she is back at Palomar to expand her knowledge in film production. She is also a student in Faas’s DBA 220 class which produces the Morning Show every Thursday.

Farin said she is looking forward to “being able to hear someone who has been through the process of being in the industry and gaining their advice.”

Joining the Media Studies Department brings students to a professional atmosphere that reaches out to those who have sparked interest in the career choices of the film, television and radio industry.

Faas explained that “field trips and extra-curricular opportunities engage students and then they are excited to share their experiences with others.”

She added that the Media Studies Department also hosts an annual Media Days event on campus each spring semester.

“We bring in keynote speakers and panelists who are working in the media industry. I believe these opportunities help our students gain networking contacts, in addition to providing first-hand knowledge from media professionals and Palomar College alumni working in the industry,” Faas said.