The DULA experience
A sampling of comments from our Duke in LA alumni:
The highlight of my FVD experience was definitely Duke in Los Angeles. It is a program that has not only furthered my interest in film and entertainment but also has helped me grow as person. To be completely honest, I don't think I have ever worked so hard in my life between classes, papers, presentations, and interning; however, I accomplished things that I never thought I would. It takes a lot of personal strength being out in Los Angeles on your own and trying something very new for the first time. But, it is something that I look back at now and fully appreciate. It allowed me to be creative in new ways and study things that I thought people couldn't study. - from a 2008 participant
"Everything I've learned I appreciate in a new light because Jim has the uncanny ability to make all things interesting. I am further convinced of my focus to excel in the entertainment field. PRICELESS COURSE! One of the best abroad experiences."
--from a 2006 course evaluation for U.S. Culture Industries course taught by Jim Thompson
"Without a doubt, the Duke in L.A. Program is a tremendous stepping-stone for anyone considering a career in entertainment."
I've always had the fantasy of working in the documentary industry, making meaningful programs about the state of our planet. I wasn't sure how to find my way into that realm, until I heard about the Duke in LA program. Taking cinematography classes and giving me insight into an intriguing industry, I was able to blend my major of Environmental Sciences and Policy with my Certificate in Film and Video... it gave me the opportunity to prove my worth in the "real-world" at my internship at National Geographic Television -- eventually resulting in a job offer!"
-- Robin Briggs, 1997 Program Participant
Video Commentary about Duke in LA
Alumni--tell us about your experiences with Duke in LA
Alumni participants in the Duke in Los Angeles Program are invited to add their comments in this space; please send your impressions, not more than 3 sentences long, to f-v-d@duke.edu, indicating whether you would like your name to be "published" with your statement or not.
"[Special Topics in U. S. Culture Industries] was one of the best courses I've taken at Duke. It was fun because the material was so amazing & well-taught that 4 hour class sessions just flew right by. Jim's enthusiasm and comprehensive awareness flooded over into field trips and out-of-class meetings, which helped keep the class engaging with only one meeting a week."
--from a 2006 course evaluation for U.S. Culture Industries course taught by Jim Thompson
"So much learned about the industry itself and working in it. (I) worked with great people. (I) read tons of scripts, did coverage, rolled calls, did research----> ultimately learned a ton about development/preproduction."