RTA in LA
RTA in LA was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met so many incredible people and experienced the city of my dreams in a whole new way. For those who don’t know the program, RTA in LA is a two week program between Toronto Metropolitan University and UCLA which covers all things television and the city of Los Angeles, the heart of it all. At the end of the course we have the opportunity to pitch tv show ideas to various executives and receive feedback about our format, ideas, and delivery.
The course starts in Toronto, teaching us how to pitch, the ins and outs of the US market, and preparing us for our trip to Los Angeles. The trip itself takes place on the UCLA campus where we were staying for the duration of the trip.
The campus is beautiful. I can never go back to TMU and look at it the same way (I’m sorry I still love the TMU campus, it just does not have America level funding). I’m convinced I would never be depressed if I went to UCLA. The campus is huge, it is like its own village. The athletic facilities are amazing, I was able to use the gym while I was there. There is greenery everywhere and it is a very walkable campus.
As someone who is on a gluten free diet I was a little nervous about the food options in the UCLA cafeteria. However, we had our own private gluten free room stocked full of food which was great. Plus, I was still able to eat a lot of the other food that they provided elsewhere including everything from the salad bar, fruit, and various vegetarian and rotating options. UCLA had us covered and the variety of food options was very impressive (until I was eating the same gluten free Mac and cheese for three days straight).
California was sunny everyday that we were there. I loved the weather. I loved Westwood. There was always something to do and always something to see. It has a real sense of community, it feels safe, and its definitely a great place for students.
Surprisingly I was able to do everything on my Los Angeles bucket list. I went to an Angel City FC game with my friend. It was my first National Women’s Soccer League game! I went to an LA Dodgers game vs the Seattle Mariners. I got to visit another ballpark to add to my list, and there were so many ex-Blue Jays players so it was nice to see them play again. It was also Teoscar Hernandez’s bobblehead night and I was able to get one before the game. I got to visit the Major Motion Picture Museum which I have wanted to visit forever. The exhibits are so beautiful, my favourite was the Godfather exhibit and all the props and costumes from a variety of films.
We went to the Grove mall, hiked to the Hollywood sign, and tried so many different bars and restaurants. We truly got to experience all sides of Los Angeles, walking around like tourists taking pictures and videos of everything.
California was sunny everyday that we were there. I loved the weather. I loved Westwood. There was always something to do and always something to see. It has a real sense of community, it feels safe, and its definitely a great place for students.
Surprisingly I was able to do everything on my Los Angeles bucket list. I went to an Angel City FC game with my friend. It was my first National Women’s Soccer League game! I went to an LA Dodgers game vs the Seattle Mariners. I got to visit another ballpark to add to my list, and there were so many ex-Blue Jays players so it was nice to see them play again. It was also Teoscar Hernandez’s bobblehead night and I was able to get one before the game. I got to visit the Major Motion Picture Museum which I have wanted to visit forever. The exhibits are so beautiful, my favourite was the Godfather exhibit and all the props and costumes from a variety of films.
We went to the Grove mall, hiked to the Hollywood sign, and tried so many different bars and restaurants. We truly got to experience all sides of Los Angeles, walking around like tourists taking pictures and videos of everything.
An unforgettable experience was going to Warner Brothers Studios for a studio tour and live taping. All I can say is that what happens at the taping stays at the taping. Even though I had visited Warner Brothers in the past it was a completely different experience than the last time I visited. Last time when I was there they were still taping the Big Bang Theory because it was still on the air, and this time the Big Bang Theory sets were added to the studio tour for guests to experience and walk through. I was even able to sit in Sheldon's spot.
The speakers were incredible and their experiences were all so different and opened my eyes to all these different possible career paths in the entertainment industry. From writing and producing to licensing and distribution, we learned so much over these two weeks. At first I was not looking forward to the no devices rule, including laptops! All through university I have used a laptop. But I do have to say I have never absorbed so much of what a lecturer was talking about until I had just a pen and paper. Maybe James is onto something here lol. I wish I did all of University with a pen and paper… who would have thought.
The speakers were incredible and their experiences were all so different and opened my eyes to all these different possible career paths in the entertainment industry. From writing and producing to licensing and distribution, we learned so much over these two weeks. At first I was not looking forward to the no devices rule, including laptops! All through university I have used a laptop. But I do have to say I have never absorbed so much of what a lecturer was talking about until I had just a pen and paper. Maybe James is onto something here lol. I wish I did all of University with a pen and paper… who would have thought.
Going into this trip I was so confused about what area of entertainment I was most interested in working in... and now I am even more confused but in a good way. This trip has opened my eyes to even more possibilities and career paths that I still did not know existed. I am more motivated than ever and more open to trying different things and seeing what I like best.
The pitch process was originally very daunting to me and I was scared to pitch my project. But once I got into the room and saw my friends sitting there, the nerves washed away. We had practiced together all week long, re–writing, rehearsing, and bouncing ideas off of each other. Sometimes it felt like we had our own little writer’s room in the UCLA dorm “lounge” or on the terrace.
I’ve made 26 new friends and they are all such wonderful people. If you changed one person from this group it would be a completely different dynamic. Every day was an adventure, full of fun and laughter. These people have inspired me to try new projects, be creative, and to not be afraid to pick up a camera and go shoot whatever you want. You don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to you.
If you are at Toronto Metropolitan University and are interested in a career in Film & Television you have to apply for this program! It was a dream trip to experience LA and learn about the industry in a totally unique way. I had the best time, I made new friends and connections, and I feel much more prepared, knowledgeable, and motivated graduating and going into the real world.
It was an honour to be selected to be a part of this experience. This was the perfect end to my TMU journey.
(pic cred: Michael Jutte @michael.jutte)
The pitch process was originally very daunting to me and I was scared to pitch my project. But once I got into the room and saw my friends sitting there, the nerves washed away. We had practiced together all week long, re–writing, rehearsing, and bouncing ideas off of each other. Sometimes it felt like we had our own little writer’s room in the UCLA dorm “lounge” or on the terrace.
I’ve made 26 new friends and they are all such wonderful people. If you changed one person from this group it would be a completely different dynamic. Every day was an adventure, full of fun and laughter. These people have inspired me to try new projects, be creative, and to not be afraid to pick up a camera and go shoot whatever you want. You don’t have to wait for opportunities to come to you.
If you are at Toronto Metropolitan University and are interested in a career in Film & Television you have to apply for this program! It was a dream trip to experience LA and learn about the industry in a totally unique way. I had the best time, I made new friends and connections, and I feel much more prepared, knowledgeable, and motivated graduating and going into the real world.
It was an honour to be selected to be a part of this experience. This was the perfect end to my TMU journey.
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