A virtual panel highlighting Hispanic + Latinx alumni and Producer Mario Novoa and Director Gregorio Davila discussing his documentary, L.A. A Queer History A feature film documenting the rich LGBTQ+ history of Los Angeles.
Let’s talk about authentic representation in storytelling. Many TV writer’s rooms don’t always accurately reflect the diverse world that surrounds them. In addition to that, the character profile and storylines on these shows are often inauthentic and don’t accurately represent the culture in which the character is supposed to be a part of.
For this year’s Hispanic Heritage + Latinx Month, we’re proud to speak with a few Hispanic + Latinx writers who are focused on elevating authentic, accurate and intentional representation in Film & TV. These accomplished group of writers and producers have worked on multi-award winning and nominated shows including Snowfall, Private Practice, East Los High, Diary of a Future President and more.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
DANNY FERNANDEZ is a writer, actor, producer, and songwriter. He is currently working on season 2 of ICARLY on Paramount Plus with previous writing credits including: DIARY OF A FUTURE PRESIDENT for Disney+, LOVE, VICTOR on Hulu, and Eva Longoria’s GRAND HOTEL on ABC. Danny was selected for the 2020 LATINXT List, a groundbreaking initiative founded by Zoe Saldana, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Robert Rodriguez, recognizing and elevating breakthrough US Latinx creatives.Danny was born in Miami and is a first-generation Cuban-American. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he has been seen as an actor Off-Broadway, and on Nickelodeon’s iCarly, ABC’s Mistresses and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World opposite Steve Carrell. After noticing the lack of authentic Latinx representation on TV and Film, Danny decided to dedicate himself to writing that material himself. He quickly fell in love with writing and telling stories that were true to his experiences as a first-generation Latino-American.For three years, Danny was the sole writer for the annual Imagen Awards, which included reworking the opening of Hamilton to honor Lin-Manuel Miranda and writing for Rita Moreno, Kenny Ortega, among others. Founded by Norman Lear, The Imagen Awards celebrate the positive portrayals of Latinx characters and stories in TV and Film. As a director, Danny produced and directed portions of Todrick Hall’s Visual Album, Straight Outta Oz, which currently has over 7 Million views on YouTube and reached #2 on the iTunes Pop Music Charts.Danny has written extensively for non-profits, creating videos that are viral hits which star Pauley Perrette (NCIS), Verne Troyer, Kat Graham, and Anika Noni Rose. His other projects feature Mariah Carey, The Roots, Dr. Cornell West, and Al Sharpton, surrounding issues regarding Civil Rights and Racial Justice as a public health crisis.
SAL CALLEROS is an LA native who started out as a graffiti artist in high school and college. He graduated from the ABC Writing Fellowship in 2006 but his first true writing job was for the Domestic Violence Clinic in the San Fernando Courthouse. After also working three years as a Family Law paralegal, and a court interpreter -he transitioned into entertainment. He started as a research analyst at FX and then as a Media Planner at a Hispanic marketing agency. Sal also has a beautiful family, that provides entertaining and challenging culture clashes that fuel his creativity!
MARIA ESCOBEDO is a native New Yorker, living in Los Angeles, who writes for both live action and animation. Her writing credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Hulu’s East Los High, plus Madagascar: A Little Wild for Dreamworks, Nickelodeon’s Santiago of the Seas, and Disney’s Elena of Avalor! She’s a 1st generation Latina raised in NYC’s Washington Heights, (yes, she was raised: In The Heights!) and she spent her summers with family in Miami and Puerto Rico. After film school, Maria co-wrote and directed, Rum and Coke, an indie film, and wrote a movie for Disney Channel, Lifetime (co-wrote), and developed a half hour single cam pilot for Nickelodeon. She recently co-wrote and developed an hour-long dramedy pilot for ABC. Maria has also written and sold pilots in the animated kids space, (Disney, Nick, Amazon, Netflix, Universal Kids, Dreamworks, PBS) earning a Humanitas nomination. She has a degree in film from NY’s School of Visual Arts, studied screenwriting at NYU, playwriting at The Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, and earned a TV Writing Fellowship from ABC/Disney. Maria served as Chair of the Latino Writers Committee at the WGAW for 5 years.
ABOUT OUR MODERATOR:
ANGELICA FIGUEROA has more than 17 years of experience as a screenwriter. In 2019, she received an award for best script in Marbella’s Film Festival for the feature film Sofia. She has worked as an educator for more than 10 years and writes for independent projects for television and film. During seven years she worked in public television overseas. In 2020, she earned a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology. She is passionate about teaching and making a positive difference in students’ lives.
Fresh off his 2021 Spotlight Academy honor, Alex Ferrufino, is back with his business partner and fellow alum, David Mansanalez to share all about their latest project, In Broad Daylight, running a small business, and everything you need to know about the unions that run the film industry.
In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage + Latinx month we’re excited to bring you a discussion with LAFS alumni Alex Ferrufino and David Mansanalez. 2021 Spotlight Academy Inductee, Alex Ferrufino and his team at 4 Ways Entertainment don’t stop! They’re back to share the scoop about their latest project, In Broad Daylight, the ins-and-outs of running of your own production company, and everything you need to know about unions. You won’t want to miss this one!
In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage + Latinx Month, we’re excited to host a virtual conversation with LAFS Alumni Evelyn Brito! You’ll hear about Evelyn’s experiences from getting her foot in the door after graduating to creating and executive producing her own show. We’ll also talk about how she’s giving back to the community through The Bodega Makeover Project.
The Barrier Breakers event series highlights writers, filmmakers, executives, music industry professionals and entertainment icons – who not only excel in their industry but continue to pave the way for others by fighting for diversity, inclusion and representation.
Join us for an exclusive conversation with the multi-talented music producer, and LARS Alumni Widens Dorsainville. We’ll not only pick his brain about working in the industry but we’ll be celebrating his gold certified record!
Widens Dorsainville, also known as Pkolo “The Producer”, has been creating music since he was a child. Through experiences like this, he realized that music was a universal language that affected all people, whether they were in the industry, studying in school, or living on the street. Recognizing musicʼs broad appeal, Pkolo was inspired to channel his creativity through the medium of music, and he was determined to create that which would strongly affect those around him. In the year 1999, Pkolo relocated to New Jersey after separating from his family, who resided in Haiti. He found himself surrounded with various cultures and new experiences that he had never been exposed to. Curious and enthusiastic, he delved into these new experiences with an open mind. It was during this time that he discovered his true love.
PKOLO is now a music producer who previously worked for Bad Boy Entertainment (2012-2014) and co produced “You Be Killin Em” for multi platinum artist Fabolous in 2012. Operating from Elizabeth, New Jersey PKOLO has worked with and developed breakout artists such as Foushee, Kanis, and 2milly to name a few. PKOLO is currently stepping out into the limelight as he continues to craft his signature high-energy hits. Widens Aka Pkolo is now working on the new DMX Movie soundtrack “Doggmen” which subject to be out by 2022.
Get ready to celebrate the 3rd Annual Spotlight Awards on September 2, 2021. Six alumni will be inducted into The Los Angeles Film School Spotlight Academy. Watch the ceremony on YouTube!
Every year the Spotlight Awards ceremony inaugurates a new class into #LAFSSpotlight on the final day of FAME Week. These individuals have shown their unyielding commitment to excellence in their professional careers and selfless contribution to our students. We are proud to announce Kevin Atkinson, Corey Drake, Angelina Faulkner, Alex Ferrufino, Ari Levine, and Daniel Zaidenstadt as our Spotlight Academy Class of 2021.
2021 Spotlight Academy Inductee, Daniel Zaidenstadt, is a hit-making machine! Daniel has worked with everyone from Zayn Malik and Lady Gaga to the inimitable Bruce Springsteen, cranking out platinum and gold hits! Join us to learn the magic behind the music as he takes us beat by beat, sharing what makes a song work and offering sage advice to those entering the industry.
About Record Plant:
Founded in 1968, Record Plant is best known for being the studio that has created more hits and Grammy-nominated projects than any other studio. Several LARS alumni have gone on to work on multi-Grammy winning and Grammy-nominated projects that were recorded at Record Plant.
From Stevie Wonder to Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, J. Cole, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Zayn, Justin Bieber, Nikki Minaj the artist roster goes on.
With projects that include Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next, Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers EP, Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III and IV, Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 – and some of the most influential albums of all time, including Blondie’s Parallel Lines, Metallica’s Load and Reload, and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours — the legendary studio continues to build upon its legacy.
In this live interactive presentation help Corey Drake, our 2021 Spotlight Inductee, control a battle between robots and monsters. You’ll be able to control DMX lighting output, special effects triggering, animatronic control that will trigger the destruction of iconic buildings that will reveal prizes that you can win. Viewers in the chat type in these commands, and the real-world action unfolds!
