BY ALYSSA HOLCOMB
Professor Gail Berger’s Leading Creative Teams course reinforced more than just class themes and curriculum. Through two group-based projects, as well as an individual leadership presentation, hard work was elevated through teamwork, resulting in a busy but rewarding course that made us all reflect on what truly makes a good leader. (more…)
By ALYSSA HOLCOMB
Emmy-winning sound designer Paula Fairfield has a lot to say about a lot of things. With each example she gave from her storied career, she hit point after point about what it means to be human, finding solace and healing through your work, and letting your “freak flag fly” in your chosen industry. It was inspiring beyond a professional sense – she showed that emotion is okay in your work, and in fact, it can make it even better. (more…)
By Brenna C. Cronin
With NBC executives present, the 2019 MSLCE cohort presented their marketing plans for the future of NBC Universal, our class case study and learning sponsor this quarter. Charged with designing a rebranding strategy for NBCU, the cohort underwent nine weeks of research, design, and implementation of our brand concepts. “The project for our final was a really great opportunity. It’s very relatable to me and my background. It was truly helpful to navigate my current company’s problems. We are really struggling, and a lot of the insights from the course were helpful,” shared MSLCE student Jayoung Yang. (more…)
By Brenna C. Cronin
With a stack of impact reports in hand, Michelle Boone—Chief Engagement Officer of Navy Pier, started our site visit with the power of information. Programming and community engagement are the drumbeats of her department and deserve incredible recognition for the revitalization of Navy Pier as it stands today. (more…)
By ALYSSA HOLCOMB
Before this trip, I had only been to Los Angeles twice in a tourism-driven setting. This time, the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see the many cogs that make up one of entertainment’s driving centers was more than appealing. Third time’s the charm, right? (more…)
by Thomas Wall
On a trip that took us from Steven Spielberg’s private screening room, inside the headquarters for one of the country’s top talent agencies, and backstage during a live taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live, it’s understandably difficult to pick just one or two of the most impactful moments for me. The entire trip was an exhausting, exhilarating whirlwind that left me educated, inspired, and ultimately missing the Southern California sunshine. But, ironically enough, for a trip that covered so much ground over the course of five March days in Los Angeles, one of the most impactful moments for me personally actually began nearly two months prior, right here in Evanston. (more…)
The MSLCE Trip brought us together in San Francisco to enjoy five days of corporate visits, an alumni reception, and open networking. We met and networked with industry leaders and gained newfound experiences and knowledge across the creative industries. (more…)
by Matt Meade
Spring sunlight shined as we walked through Midtown Manhattan to our first site visit at the offices of Kevin McCullum’s theatrical and media producing company. Alchemation is unique and fresh — just like Kevin’s approach to life and leadership. As an orphaned child from Hawaii who transitioned from actor to producer, Kevin stressed how his childhood shaped him and eventually guided his career. He expressed his philosophy: “Lives with passion. Dies with hope. Builds families against all odds.” He explained the power of stories in American history and the importance of personal connection in a world filled with distorted social media networks. He encouraged rising leaders like us to lean into our story because our philosophy makes us unique. Kevin’s inspiration served as a frame for the rest of my week as I couldn’t get his distinct energy out of my mind. (more…)
by Thomas Wall
Northwestern students learned how a pitch becomes a pilot from Ron Binkwoski, the VP of Post Production at TNT/tbs and Warner Media. In this workshop, Binkowski walked students through the often-nebulous development process, breaking it down for them in an easily digestible step-by-step manner. From script production to budget creation, students were given the unique opportunity to get an inside look at how some of their favorite shows make it from the creative mind’s eye onto the physical screen. (more…)
by Thomas Wall
I first heard about the Northwestern Externship Program (NEXT) through the MSLCE newsletter this past December and my interest was definitely piqued. The program, which gives students the chance to shadow alumni for a day in various industries and sectors throughout the country was worth a shot, I figured. So when I saw that an alum was working for the Chicago Cubs, I began working on my application within minutes. I was overjoyed when I found out a few weeks later that I’d be connected with Chris Simonson from the class of 2011. (more…)
