The opening of Wallis Annenberg Hall has granted USC Annenberg students access to a unique, educational workplace.
From the media center to speakers visiting the auditorium, students have learning opportunities in the classroom and beyond.
Trojan Family Weekend at USC Annenberg featured one such opportunity for students and parents. On Friday, November 14, professor Stacy Smith invited DreamWorks Animation producer Bonnie Arnold for a discussion regarding the dynamics of today’s media industry. Over the course of the discussion, both Smith and Arnold touched on topics ranging from Arnold’s successes (“How To Train Your Dragon 2”) to some of the challenges associated with being a female filmmaker in an industry dominated by males. Bonnie’s message on the matter was simple.
“Whether male or female, you have to work harder than anyone else,” Arnold said. “And even that's no guarantee. If you have something that you are passionate about, I think it shows … You can't be lazy. You have to take risks.” Arnold said that risk-taking was an integral part of her career from the get-go.
She recollected times in her career when she had to be fearless and negotiate with investors, studios, and companies with absolute confidence – regardless of her gender. Arnold also progressed her goal of female empowerment through her casting of several strong female characters in her films. Most notably, Astrid and Valka from the “How To Train Your Dragon” franchise, and Angelina Jolie in “Maleficent,” portrayed characters who defied the damsel in distress stereotype. According to Arnold, filmmakers in Hollywood bear the responsibility of depicting female characters in unconventional roles in order to break stereotypes.
Smith, whose research focuses on diversity and representation in the media, agreed with Arnold’s vision.
“This is why we bring in people like Bonnie Arnold to speak with our students,” Smith said. “She is simply inspirational and kind and humble at the same time.”
Arnold’s words resonated with the audience as parents and students joined the discussion by posing questions during the last 10 minutes of the event.
Justin Marsden, a junior at USC Annenberg who attended the event with his mother, enjoyed the open-forum discussion because Arnold focused on issues such as under representation, which Marsden is currently studying in Smith’s COMM 203 class.
“The amount of real world professionals we get access to – people from big studios and high positions – is very rewarding and it’s a great resource to have here.”
USC Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III also attended the event and engaged in conversation with parents and students at the end of the discussion.
“There are a couple of things that this events shows us,” said Wilson. “It allows our students to hear directly from leadership within the field the tricks of the trade. You can’t get this unless guests come into our building. It’s also good for the professors because they can adjust their teaching in the classroom to reflect the ideas discussed. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
