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Frances Fisher, film actress and mentor in new program
For those living in Los Angeles it’s not uncommon to brush up against some aspects of the entertainment industry. Now LAUSD students have the chance to meet and get life advice from Hollywood leaders.
The district is partnering with The Creative Coalition, a non-profit arts advocacy group, to create “Show Biz Gives Back,” a mentoring program that brings students together with actors, writers, producers, directors and other entertainment industry professionals who will provide skills support, and role modeling to kids across the district.
Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, told LA School Report it’s difficult to nail down details for specific mentors of mentoring programs because of the nature of the entertainment industry.
“Actors, writers, producers, directors, they never know where they’re going to be. They could be in Romania one day and then back home the next,” she said. “But when we’re able to lock them down, we’ll get them in a classroom, talking to a small group of students or a whole school.”
More than 50 mentors have agreed to participate but many more are likely to sign on, Bronk said. The Creative Coalition’s president, Tim Daly, who recently played a dreamboat on “The Mindy Project,” will be a mentor. Drake Bell, the voice of Peter Parker on the Ultimate Spider-Man, and film actress, Frances Fisher, have also committed to the program.
Several entertainment companies will also participate, including Sony Pictures, The Walt Disney Company, Open Road Films, ICM, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.
Some entertainment company leaders also plan to offer internships.
“[This] is an opportunity for seasoned professionals to help young people develop both personally and professionally,” Bronk said.