In California, the world of the creative industries takes on a unique energy, and for Katie Albright, a recent Chapman graduate, it's all about navigating the ropes of one of the most competitive fields out there: entertainment.
After earning her BA in Creative Producing at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with a minor in CCI this past May 2024, Katie has been using her time to expand her creative horizons. She currently works as an Entertainment Advertising Sales Coordinator at the highly regarded entertainment trade publication, The Wrap, while also doing freelance work and pursuing her passion for film. Katie sat down with us to share how CCI has given her the foundation to not only chase her dreams but also thrive in the fast-paced city of Los Angeles.
From a young age, Katie was immersed in the arts, pursuing her passion for theater, art, and singing. As she was applying to Chapman University, she knew she needed to explore what she truly wanted to do. After much consideration, she was honored to be accepted into the Creative Producing major at Dodge. While she loved it, she realized that she was learning the business and tactical ways in which films are made, but was missing some of the more creative influences that make storytelling via film and television so meaningful to her —that's when she discovered CCI and the wide range of opportunities offered.
At the very beginning of Junior year, having just gotten through the remote learning during the pandemic, Katie faced a life-changing car accident that kept her from attending school in person for months, forcing her to continue her studies online. Though her journey has not been easy, these experiences have shaped who she is today and the projects she chooses to be a part of. Her deep love for storytelling is rooted in her own life experiences, and she is passionate about giving a voice to those who often feel unheard. During her senior year Katie produced a short film that is currently headed to film festivals and additionally was awarded the Chapman Women in Film grant (more on that in the interview)!
I had the chance to chat with Katie about her life after graduation, her thoughts on CCI, and how it has helped her navigate her career.
What did you enjoy most about the minor?
KA: My favorite aspect of CCI was the freedom to explore any passion within the creative industries at any time. At Dodge, the focus tends to be on a specific type of creative field, but I have always been involved in a variety of arts, from theater to film, ever since elementary school. When it came time to choose a college major, I felt the pressure to pick a single path. Although I chose to pursue film, my passion for other creative fields remained strong. CCI allowed me to explore different creative industries—such as marketing, fashion, and writing—through hands-on classes, which was an experience I truly loved and appreciated.
Which professor did you enjoy learning from the most, and did you stick with one particular instructor or explore different ones?
KA: To be completely honest, I initially chose my classes based on their content and objectives. However, I was particularly impressed with Professor Patrick Fuery and his approach to teaching. He communicated with the class in a way that felt genuinely respectful and free of any sense of superiority, which I really admired. Each professor had their own unique style, and I appreciated learning from all of them in different ways. But Patrick definitely stood out to me. I remember a class where I had to give a presentation, and I decided to put my own unique spin on it. Not only was he supportive, but he gave me the freedom to make the project my own. It's rare to find professors like that, especially in college, where they juggle so many students. CCI is such a personal experience, and having that kind of support made a big difference.
How do you believe CCI has influenced your journey after graduation?
KA: A significant part of my job at TheWrap involves working with the sales team as we bring Entertainment News to consumers, and one of our sections, WrapStyle, focuses on fashion in the entertainment industry. If I hadn't taken a CCI class related to fashion, I wouldn't have developed the passion I did during the interview process, which likely would have impacted my chances of securing my current position. Additionally, my creative passions are fueled by various hobbies, and being a CCI minor has helped me stay connected to my creative side. Even though I work full-time now and apply much of what I learned in my Creative Producing major to my role, being a CCI minor kept me engaged with other creative disciplines, something my major alone didn't provide.
How has it been adjusting to a 40-hour workweek right after graduating?
KA: It was definitely a transition. I took a resume-building class during Interterm with Erin Berthon, which prompted me to begin job hunting earlier than expected. As I knew I needed to become financially independent post-grad, I applied for jobs during interterm and landed one sooner than anticipated. This meant I was a part-time student during my second semester, finishing my thesis, attending the classes I had left and working full time which also included a commute to an office in Santa Monica 3 days a week. Balancing full-time work with my final semester was unique; I had to navigate a blended experience of being both a student and an employee.. After college, the key challenge was adapting to my new schedule, moving to LA, and finding my rhythm, rather than juggling two separate lives. Senioritis is definitely real, and it's not just a high school phenomenon! During my four years in college, I took six classes each term and did interterm as well. This approach provided me with flexibility in my schedule and allowed me time to adjust to the end of my college journey. I’d definitely recommend taking as many classes as possible earlier on so that your senior year is free for you to focus on what YOU really want to do!
What was your favorite class?
KA: I took an Intro to Museum Studies class with Professor Jamie Larkin, and while I wouldn’t say I was in love with the content, it led to a memorable experience. During COVID, the course was entirely online, and we had an assignment to create audio descriptions for a piece of art. My description ended up being featured at a specific museum, and I believe it's still there today. I really appreciated the professor, who was fantastic, and the opportunity to turn what seemed like just an assignment into something impactful and real-world. Despite being online, the class made me feel truly seen and demonstrated how even virtual learning can have a significant impact.
Is there a project you're particularly proud of that you'd like me to feature in this article?
KA: My senior year film thesis was a huge learning experience for me. After a serious car accident the summer before my junior year, I spent a semester studying online and felt disconnected from college. Working on my thesis film was the first time I really felt back in the swing of things, both physically and mentally. It gave me the chance to lead not just a film but a crew I was truly proud of. We even won the Woman of Chapman Film Grant, which gave us the funding and freedom to tell our story. The film, centered on a 14-year-old girl with PCOS, was particularly meaningful to me since I was diagnosed with the same condition shortly after. My roles as a CCI minor and Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Pi Phi fueled my passion for giving a voice to those who often feel unheard. The project taught me that with the right connections and drive, you can work on projects you're genuinely proud of. I'm still close with my crew and cherish that experience. I can’t share the film right now because it's headed to film competitions, but it's called "Irregular."
Fun Fact:
Since our actors were under 18, we needed a studio teacher on set, which is a requirement for working with minors. At the time, the film industry was on strike, and many big names were out of work. As a result, we got the studio teacher from Oppenheimer to work on our set for Irregular. It’s pretty cool to think that someone from one of the films of the year was involved in our project!
What are your future plans?
KA: Even though I work at an entertainment trade publication, I still stay involved in my passion for storytelling by continuing to write scripts and stay involved by producing and engaging with independent film sets on the side. In your early 20s, right after graduation, it’s really important to stay open to new connections and opportunities. I’m not sure where I’ll end up—maybe working in animation, music videos, or feature films. A lot of successful people say they ended up where they are by chance, and I totally get that. I focus on what I love and stay open to whatever comes my way, because sometimes finding your path is just about being open to unexpected opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering joining CCI?
KA: If you're a creative person whose major is more focused on career-oriented goals, CCI offers a way to stay connected to your creativity while pursuing a structured career path. For instance, with Creative Producing, you learn the business side of entertainment, but being a CCI minor allowed me to think like an artist. This helped me communicate effectively with filmmakers and understand their vision, even if my classes weren’t directly related to film. If you're considering CCI, explore all the available courses—if something interests you, give it a try. CCI offers a lot of freedom and a variety of classes that can be tailored to your interests. Many assignments can be adapted to fit your specific industry or creative passion, which I think a lot of students would find valuable.
You heard it here first! The Creative and Cultural Industries minor offers students valuable lessons and experiences that fuel their creativity and help them to navigate real world experiences. Katie is a great example of how you can pursue what you love, even if it’s not directly tied to your major! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to her on Instagram @katiealbrightt or katiealbright@me.com. We appreciate Katie sharing her time and insights on the Creative and Cultural Industries at Chapman, and we wish her the best of luck in her career, future projects, and at the film festivals! If you are a CCI alum, or know of one, with news to share about the post-grad journey, please contact CCI Program Manager at shalvers@chapman.edu or CCI Social Media Coordinator at erosas@chapman.edu to be featured.
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