The annual Arts, Media and Entertainment Institute gathering called “Shock of the Now” was held in Burbank from Monday, June 20th to Thursday, June 23rd.
The informative conference brought together more than 400 AME teachers, funders, industry experts and policy makers to schedule a variety of local tours and discussions. This includes Warner Bros. Studios Tour, introductory classes at the Flappers Comedy Club, Disney storytelling panel conversations, and how-to guides to build a compelling professional portfolio with Nickelodeon animation professionals. I did.
Kathrenberger’s Office Operations Jason Marca Field Vice President and Sally Chan WB Community Engagement Vice President. (Photo by © Ross A Benson)
This is the eighth annual event for the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industries sector, a branch of the California Ministry of Education that develops the skills of California high school students planning to work in the creative industries. The California Department of Education co-sponsored this event in collaboration with the Burbank Unified School District.
After walking through places such as Burbank Animation Studios, Apartment D was held on Monday, and the second day of the festival kicked off with a welcome event at Warner Bros. Pictures. This happened in many of the historic Warner Bros. Stephen J. Ross Theaters. A video greeting from Senator Ben Alan was first presented, followed by a question-and-answer session by Warner Bros. Executive Vice President of Worldwide Operations, Dandark, followed by a Dolby panel discussion. Later, a cocktail reception offering networking opportunities was held at Woodbury University, attended by representatives from the University, Adobe, Walt Disney Studios, IATSE Local 80, Girls Make Beat, Warner Bros. Discovery, Toon Boom and more.
In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery offered studio tour tickets at a discounted rate to all AMEI visitors in honor of the rally. Sally Chan, Vice President of Community Engagement at Warner Bros. Discovery, said he was proud to encourage the ambitions of up-and-coming artists through such informative events.
“Warner Bros. Discovery has a long history of supporting art education,” said Chan. “We have partnered with the AME Institute’s Burbank Unified School District and the California Department of Education to provide the tools and resources needed to support both teachers and students and develop the next generation of storytellers. I wanted to continue promoting it. “
Julianne Aguilar, one of the participants in AMEI, is a film and theater instructor in career technology education at Atwater High School in the Merced Unified School District. She expressed her joy in being able to connect with “incredibly talented and knowledgeable professionals in natural habitats.” This was especially appreciated following the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
“Many of us AME teachers are’solo acts’ in our school … and the pandemic exacerbated isolation,” Aguilar said. “This conference felt like a great AME four-day group hug. I met other educators, industry experts, and fellow government officials. Everyone is the next generation of young people. Passionate about creative education … everyone! “
Apart from joining like-minded professionals, the Games provided AME educators with valuable hands-on training. The event demonstrated game platforms, sound mixing, Adobe products and more. Peggy Flynn, Arts & Career Technical Education Coordinator at Burbank Unified School District, explained that these presentations ensure that state-wide high school students meet the strongest possible curriculum in their pursuit of an AME career.
“Partnerships with experts in this area are essential to ensure that what we teach is related to the current and projected future workforce needs of the arts, media and entertainment industries. “Flynn said. “Technology is constantly evolving and the school district is working within budget. This is primarily a grant for CTEs, so it’s wise to get hands-on experience with the latest technology. You can be sure of your investment. ”
Allison Frenzel, AME Arts Lead of the California Department of Education, praised the broad, functional education system for four days.
“As a lover of interactive learning, this year’s institute has provided learning opportunities that are deeper and industry-related than traditional educational conference models of the past,” Frenzel said.
Burbank, known as the “World Media Capital” and hosting the booming AME industry, was considered the best place to host the resurrection of the event. Visit Burbank, DreamWorks, and 5D Spectrum are additional local groups that have stepped up and contributed to “Shock of the Now.” Flynn, on behalf of BUSD, thanked the participants for enabling this year’s conference.
“There’s a lot to do and see here. Burbank Unified has so many generous and supportive partners that we have had the opportunity to share it with educators across California. I’m excited, “Flynn added. The charm of all areas of Burbank. “
Adhering to the COVID-19 safety guidelines remains a top priority for all supporters, and community partners have been meticulously working with the “Shock of Now” plan over the past year. The result of this unwavering commitment has proven to be beneficial to the satisfied guests of the rally.
“I learned more in four days than in the last five years, and I was able to connect with the industry and the educational community,” said Aguilar.
For more information on the art, entertainment and media industries, please visit this site.
