VILLANOVA ON SET

Group of students smiling.

Villanova on Set is a weeklong immersive experience during spring break designed to expose Villanova students to the various facets of the Hollywood television and film industry. 

Throughout the week, students meet and learn from professionals, including numerous Villanova alumni, with a variety of skills and backgrounds who collaborate together to create art and content viewed and recognized around the world. 

Members of the Villanova on Set cohort gain an understanding of the culture and geography of Los Angeles, the creative and production processes, the importance of networking, the essentials of business and media management, and develop strong relationships with Villanova alumni contacts working in the industry.

Villanova on Set is led by Hezekiah L. Lewis III MFA, assistant professor and award-winning writer, producer and director. 

Students prepare extensively for each visit by researching the people and organizations involved, prepping fellow cohort members and introducing the organization to the full group. Throughout the week, a counselor from Villanova’s Career Center coaches students on how to present themselves and maximize their contacts for career and internship opportunities. 

In the past, students learned about various roles within the entertainment industry, created relationships with their cohort and connected with alumni that often lead to internship and job opportunities.

A special highlight of the week—and an important networking opportunity for the students—is a reception that unites the Villanova Los Angeles community of alumni, parents and friends for an evening with University and College leadership and includes a keynote from a prominent thought-leader.

    

Additional Information

Sample Agenda

Events will vary to include site visits, networking with Villanovans and presentations from individuals in the entertainment industry. Potential site visits include NBC Universal, Disney, Warner Brothers and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Potential social programs include tourist stops and sightseeing in and around Los Angeles. 

Funding

You can apply for funding for this program within your application. For other professional development experiences such as conferences, underpaid/unpaid internships and study abroad, refer to our Student Experiences Funding webpage.

Lodging

Students who participate in Villanova immersion programs stay in a hotel on location and share rooms with each other. Rooms are assigned to students and follow university housing policies and guidance. However, it is central to our mission to make sure we are as inclusive as possible to all members of the Villanova community. If you need a hotel accommodation, please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your needs and potential possibilities.

What to Wear

Throughout the trip, students will need to wear business professional and business casual attire. If clothing options are needed, make an appointment at the Wildcat Wardrobe.

How to Prepare

Attend the information sessions which will be posted on Handshake and visit the Career Center along with the professional development offices in your school to build your resume, LinkedIn and elevator pitches.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Application opens: November 25, 2024
  • Application closes: January 5, 2025
  • Program dates: March 2-7, 2025
"I've worked on countless HBO programs and spearheaded strategic campaigns for various documentaries—none of which would be possible without Villanova On Set. The program gives you a feel for the industry and epitomizes "it's not what you know, it's who you know." Without the program, I would have never met Jerry DiCanio ’79, who graciously made sure that I got an interview with the prestigious NBC Page Program, which led me to connect with a friend who referred me to HBO. I’ve been fortunate because of my hard work, but a little help from the connections I made thanks to Villanova On Set have gone a long way"-Keanine Griggs '18 CLAS

    

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