George Clooney, Don Cheadle and Kerry Washington helped launch a public film school for underserved students; its first class began with 150 pupils

George Clooney, Don Cheadle and Kerry Washington joined forces with entertainment industry leaders to create a public film and television school for students from underserved communities in Los Angeles. The Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet opened in August 2022 with an initial class of 150 pupils, offering teenagers an opportunity to explore careers in an industry that has often remained difficult to enter. The initiative aims to make professional training more accessible while helping address the lack of diversity behind the camera in Hollywood.George Clooney and other stars helped establish the public film schoolThe idea behind the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet grew out of concerns about unequal access to opportunities in the entertainment industry. Although Hollywood has made efforts to improve representation on screen, the people working in production roles behind the camera have not always reflected the diversity of the wider population.According to the Los Angeles Times, Clooney became involved in efforts to create a school that would give young people from less privileged backgrounds a practical route into the film and television business. He worked alongside producing partner Grant Heslov and Creative Artists Agency co-chairman Bryan Lourd to develop the initiative in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District.The project was formally established in June 2021, with plans to open the specialised programme the following year. It was set up at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center in downtown Los Angeles, making film and television education part of an existing public school environment.Clooney was joined by several well-known figures from the entertainment business. Actors Don Cheadle, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling and Eva Longoria were among those who supported the project. Their involvement helped bring attention to the school and encouraged major companies to contribute to its development.FOX 11 reported in September 2022 that the academy was designed to create meaningful opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to access careers in Hollywood.What opportunities does the school offer beyond acting and directingUnlike traditional acting programmes, the Roybal magnet focuses heavily on the jobs that keep film and television productions running. These include camera operators, sound technicians, lighting specialists, make-up artists, set decorators and visual effects professionals.The school was intended to help students gain access to well-paid, often unionised jobs that can be difficult to enter without industry connections. Clooney pointed out that many young people were unaware of the range of careers available behind the camera, despite the demand for skilled workers.FOX 11 reported that the programme was launched at a school where around 90% of students came from families living below the poverty line. The magnet programme incorporates film and television production into classroom learning, allowing pupils to develop practical skills alongside their regular education.Students can also explore careers that do not necessarily require them to become actors, writers or directors. The wider aim is to introduce them to professional opportunities early enough to help them make informed decisions about their futures.How are students getting practical experience in the entertainment industryThe programme goes beyond classroom lessons by giving students opportunities to work on creative projects and learn from people already employed in the entertainment business.LA School Report offered a closer look at how the programme works. Students were learning to develop film concepts, design sets, select costumes and understand how make-up and lighting contribute to storytelling.One assignment involved creating a science-fiction film concept set in 2053. Students Jaison Noralez and Aiyanna Randolph explored how different production elements could help establish the atmosphere of a story.Other projects included producing mock film trailers and creating a horror adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Pupils learnt how to film and edit their work, use cameras and position microphones to capture dialogue.The school also arranged visits to professional production facilities. Students were given opportunities to visit the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, tour a local NBC television station and learn about special effects work at KNB EFX, a studio associated with industry professional Howard Berger.The programme also benefits from teachers with professional experience. LA School Report highlighted instructor Brittany Hilgers, who previously worked as a production assistant and screenwriter. Her background allows students to learn about the practical demands of the industry rather than relying solely on theoretical lessons.Kerry Washington, who serves on the school's advisory board, also took part in a question-and-answer session with pupils, giving them an opportunity to interact with someone who has built a career in entertainment.The programme brings Hollywood companies into public educationFinancial support from the entertainment industry has been an important part of getting the school started. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet Fund raised more than $4 million for the initiative.Its founding partners included Amazon Studios, Walt Disney, Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal and Telemundo Enterprises, Netflix, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, the History Channel and A&E Networks, and Warner Bros. Discovery.The programme requires continued financial support to maintain its facilities, training opportunities and industry partnerships. FOX 11 reported in February 2023 that its annual operating costs were approximately $1.5 million.Principal Blanca Cruz explained that partnerships with entertainment companies made it possible to bring real industry experience into the school. The initiative also involves professionals who can introduce students to different areas of production.The Entertainment Industry Foundation, which supports the Roybal programme, describes its broader mission as building a more inclusive group of students prepared for college and careers in film and television.Its programme includes an immersive curriculum for pupils in grades 9 to 12, professional internships, industry knowledge and certifications that can help graduates secure employment.The school hopes to create a lasting route into HollywoodThe Entertainment Industry Foundation estimates that nearly 500 students could benefit from the programme over its first 5 years.The school also plans to strengthen the connection between education and employment. LA School Report noted that students would be matched with industry mentors, with an apprenticeship programme also planned to help them gain experience in their chosen fields.Older pupils can choose specialised areas of study, including post-production, technical work and craft-related careers. An editing studio was also planned to expand the training available to students.The programme has also attracted attention beyond Los Angeles. In February 2023, FOX 11 reported that US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona had visited the school alongside Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Cardona described the institution as a model that could be replicated across the country.Clooney had previously expressed hopes that a successful programme could eventually be introduced in other major entertainment centres, including New York, Atlanta and Chicago.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.