Why are Los Angeles Film School alumni dominating the 2024 Emmy Awards?

The Emmy nominations for 2024 have been released, and the contributions from the alumni of the Los Angeles Film School are nothing short of remarkable. This year, a total of 50 alumni have been credited on 50 projects, amassing an impressive 299 Emmy nominations. This achievement underscores the exceptional talent nurtured at the Los Angeles Film School and highlights the school’s significant impact on the entertainment industry.

Notable Alumni and Their Contributions

Among the noteworthy alumni, Joshua Gitersonke stands out with an individual Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program. Gitersonke, who has been the Director of Photography on “The Amazing Race,” previously won an Emmy in 2019 for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork. This year’s nomination marks his 11th overall. Reflecting on his journey, Gitersonke stated, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for my work in cinematography, especially for a project as challenging and rewarding as ‘The Amazing Race.’”

Mehrnaz Mohabati, another recent inductee of the 2024 Spotlight Academy class, has been credited as an ADR Mixer on seven Emmy-nominated projects, including Fallout, American Horror Story, Palm Royale, Ripley, The Other Two, The Righteous Gemstones, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. Mohabati, who boasts an additional 30 credits in the Sound Department, expressed her gratitude, “Being inducted into the Spotlight Academy and seeing the projects I’ve worked on receive Emmy nominations is a dream come true.”

Collaborative Successes and Rising Stars

The collaborative efforts of the Los Angeles Film School alumni are particularly evident in the project Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, where seven graduates worked together. Their roles included Mitchell Gebhard as Boom Operator, Julia Hapney as Makeup Artist, Ian Hopperton as Visual Effects Editor, Mehrnaz Mohabati as ADR Mixer, Matthew Purkis as Additional Grip, Carley Steichen as Camera Utility, and Lucy Spa as Research Coordinator.

Additionally, recent graduates Christian Baldonado and Nikita Smekalkin are making significant strides in their careers. Baldonado has worked as an Audience Coordinator on two nominated shows: America’s Got Talent and American Idol. Smekalkin has been credited as a Visual Effects Coordinator on The Righteous Gemstones.

Spotlight on Previous Inductees

Two previous Spotlight Inductees, Kyle Newacheck and Paquita Hughes, have also made notable contributions to Emmy-nominated series. Newacheck’s work as a Director and Co-Executive Producer of What We Do in the Shadows has garnered eight Emmy nominations, including one for Outstanding Comedy Series. Hughes worked as a Key Assistant Location Manager on two Emmy-nominated series, The Brothers Sun and Physical.

Keith Morrow, a film graduate, has been acknowledged for his exceptional work as both an Assistant Editor and Mix Tech on a total of 10 Emmy-nominated projects. His credits include notable titles in reality television and comedy such as American Idol, Love is Blind, The Voice, Celebrity Family Feud, Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer, and Nikki Glaser: Someday You’ll Die.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city brimming with opportunities and experiences, especially for those interested in the entertainment industry. For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame and taking a studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens. These experiences provide a glimpse into the world of film and television production and are a must-see for any entertainment enthusiast.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known but equally fascinating aspects of Los Angeles. Visit the Los Angeles Film School and take a tour of its facilities to understand the environment that has nurtured so many talented individuals. Additionally, attending industry events and networking with professionals can provide deeper insights and connections within the entertainment world.

In conclusion, the achievements of the Los Angeles Film School alumni at the 2024 Emmy Awards are a testament to the school’s dedication to fostering talent and creativity. Whether you are an occasional traveler or an expert, Los Angeles offers a wealth of experiences that can inspire and enrich your understanding of the entertainment industry.