Skip to main content

Blog

Rick Morris Prepares MSLCE Students for Legal Challenges in Creative Industries

Posted by asb0782

By Minda Cerva

“Superman” sued “The Greatest American Hero.” “Jaws” sued “Great White.” “Star Wars” sued “Battlestar Gallactica.” Hallmark sued Maya Angelou. 

Each of these complicated lawsuits were brought to court, some with merit while others were found to be without. But the topics, though nuanced, were consistent. The issues typically involved either a charge of copyright infringement or breach of contract. And each case individually had repercussions in their respective industries, and were terrific learning tools in Professor Rick Morris’ Arts and Entertainment Law and Ethics course.

(more…)

No Comments

Categories: Faculty + Courses

Tags: ,

A Musical ‘Jack of All Trades,’ Unique DaCosta Hopes to Pinpoint and Pursue an Industry Career

Posted by asb0782


By Jacob Nelson

Unique DaCosta has wasted little time getting her creative career off the ground.

The Illinois native and current MSLCE student has always been interested in the music industry, and has taken a variety of steps to enter it professionally. For example, she started an organization called I-NSPIRE in Grand Rapids, Michigan to provide a platform for young women in the community interested in creative expression. She also runs a podcast that she began in college, where she and a co-host discuss hip hop culture and music. And DaCosta sang in a choir as a child, andmade DJ mixes in college.

It’s unsurprising, then, that DaCosta aspires to be a “jack of all trades.” (more…)

No Comments

Categories: Student Profiles

Tags:

Northwestern Lecturer Brett Neveu Discusses His Writing Career with MSLCE Students

Posted by asb0782


By Dominique warren

Brett Neveu has been writing plays since he was 15, and currently finds himself between the “I can’t believe I’m doing this still” and “satisfaction” phase.

During a faculty talk with MSLCE students, Neveu reflected on finishing the draft of his latest production, Traitor. The playwright and teacher of Northwestern University’s Radio, Television, and Film Department describes his profession as the only job that has ever made him feel this way, referring to the “strange high” he gets while writing.
(more…)

No Comments

Categories: Faculty + Courses

Tags:

MSLCE Students Learn About Steppenwolf’s History and Future During Site Visit

Posted by asb0782

By Minda Cerva

On Friday, Nov. 17, MSLCE students had an opportunity to sit down with leaders from Chicago’s Tony Award-winning Steppenwolf Theatre Company for a discussion about their respective careers, the history of the organization, its current focus, and its future plans.

Students met with the Executive Director David Schmitz, Artistic Producer Jonathan Berry, and Professional Leadership Assistant John Rooney. The conversation started with an overview of the work history of both Schmitz and Berry, which served as inspiration for many of the students in the group who are pursuing careers in theatre management and administration. Both of their paths started with masters degrees in directing, and led them to leadership positions at one of the most renowned regional theatres in the country. 

(more…)

No Comments

Categories: Industry Immersion

Tags: ,

Designer and Innovation Consultant Amy Guterman Leads Project Management Workshop for MSLCE Students

Posted by asb0782


By Nick Roman

MSLCE students arrive at Northwestern with substantial professional experience, which typically includes project management. In reflecting on experiences in the field, MSLCE students discovered that while end results of their projects were positive, the process leading up to them proved to be more difficult. 

To breakdown project management, MSLCE students recently attended a workshop with Innovation Consultant Amy Guterman, a designer and illustrator who guided the cohort through the fundamentals of project management, the various tasks involved, and the best practices for completing those tasks. Throughout the day, Guterman referenced several creative industries, allowing students to apply takeaways in their respective fields.

(more…)

No Comments

Categories: Faculty + Courses

Tags: , ,

Disney Director John Musker Talks Making ‘Moana’ and Skyping with Lin-Manuel Miranda During Northwestern Event

Posted by asb0782

By Nick Roman

Moana, The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Aladdin, and The Fox and the Hound: what do all of these have in common? 

Sure, they are favorites among Disney fans of all ages. However, they also demonstrate the creative genius of John Musker, who recently spoke at Northwestern University’s School of Communication. School of Communication students got to listen to the man behind the animation of these films, and witnessed a behind-the-scenes look at some of Disney’s finest classics, getting a new, personal and artistic perspective through Musker’s presentation.

(more…)

No Comments

Categories: Guest Speakers

Tags: , , , ,

Oluwamuyiwa Oyatogun Wants to Use Theatre to Bring Together Different Cultures

Posted by asb0782


By Jacob Nelson

Oluwamuyiwa Oyatogun loves theatre. Specifically, he loves the way that a theatrical production can bring a story to life, and the impact that process can have on the audience.

“I’ve always loved being on stage doing,” the new MSLCE student said during a recent interview, “I love the ability for someone to take real life situations and bring them onstage. It transcends race and ethnicity — it means the same thing to different people.” (more…)

No Comments

Categories: Student Profiles

Tags:

Field Foundation President Angelique Power Discusses Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity at MSLCE Speaker Series Event

Posted by asb0782

By Jacob Nelson

During the most recent MSLCE Speaker Series event, Field Foundation President Angelique Power asked the audience to define the terms “diversity,” “inclusion,” and “equity.” When the attendees struggled to respond, she asked them to imagine they owned a restaurant.

“Diversity is like keeping your restaurant completely the same and inviting a few people different than you are to enjoy the meal,” Power explained. “Inclusion is checking in on those people who are different to see how they’re doing, and equity is about redefining the whole dining experience… who has the power to own… who has the power to invite… and sharing power and resources.” (more…)

No Comments

Categories: Guest Speakers

Tags: