A Helpful Guide of Resources Available To UCI Students Interested In Film & Media
With the rise of interest in students pursuing a career in the entertainment industry (whether it be through social media, film and television, or in media production), I thought I’ll curate a useful guide of on-campus resources that are available to all UCI students to help you gain experiences and skills to prepare you professionally. There are endless opportunities that you can partake in to explore your interests and passions, so I hope you find this guide very useful!
Student Organizations
One of the best ways to meet other student filmmakers, content creators, and media enthusiasts on campus is to join student organizations. Here are a few of popular creative media organizations at UCI:
Zotfilm (the only filmmaking club on campus where you can make a short film each quarter with a crew; affiliated with Film-Arts-Drama-Alliance)
Zotfest (the longest running, student-run film festival in Southern California; affiliated with Film-Arts-Drama-Alliance)
DigiFilm Society (an organization to network with current and prospective students of the UCI Digital Filmmaking program)
AnteaterTV (a group of students who create digital content about campus news and events)
KUCI (a college radio station where you can learn to host your own show)
Her Campus at UCI (a digital magazine and media site for writers and content creators — I’m currently the Editor in Chief!)
On-Campus Internships
A lot of students at UCI find it hard to participate in in-person film and television internships, most commonly in Los Angeles, throughout the school year because of a busy schedule. However, with COVID-19 regulations, there are many more opportunities for virtual internships that students can apply and get course credits for. If you are concerned about not having enough relevant work history and experiences to put on your resume, consider participating in on-campus internships! I understand how competitive many of the film and television internships are, but you can learn valuable skills and network with other amazing creators through student organizations.
I have also gained so much experience, skills and confidence from participating in an internship at the UCI Humanities Center. I participated in the Stories of the Sea project all through my 2020-2021 academic year where I learned about digital storytelling and ethical journalism, which I know will serve me well in narrative fiction storytelling. The School of Humanities collaborates with the UCI Humanities Center, UCI Libraries, and UCI Illuminations every year to organize internship opportunities for students. Make sure to be on the lookout for any announcements because they are always working to create learning programs for humanities students!
Off-Campus Internships
While there are many internships that are available for students who are interested in media production and digital marketing, it may be hard at first to find opportunities in film throughout Orange County. Here are two local organizations that many students get involved in:
The Newport Beach Film Festival is an internationally recognized film festival, you guessed it, in Newport Beach. Many students at UCI get involved in the festival by either interning or volunteering their time in support of organizing the annual festival. Many short films by UCI students have been showcased in the collegiate showcase every year, which is something to be proud of. As an intern, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other interns from local universities. I have heard such great things about the festival’s internship program, so I highly suggest you express your interest to the program directors!
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa is great organization that aims to promote accessibility of cultural education and arts programs throughout the Orange County community. Their internship program offers career-building opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain professional experience. You’ll get to work side-by-side with administrators, artist and technicians, as well as attend professional development sessions, performances, workshops and classes presented at the Center.
Independent Research Project
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program is an amazing opportunity for any students who are interested in conducting research, and either write a paper or make a creative project. Under the mentorship of my academic advisor, I am currently participating in the research program throughout the 2021-2022 academic year. I received funding to self-produce and host a podcast, where I analyze Asian Americans media and culture. If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree or applying for a job, conducting your own research helps you stand out amongst other applicants, and inform others that you are a self-motivated worker. It’s also a great way to build your portfolio and resume. My experience in participating in the program has led to so many other opportunities that I would not have been able to receive if it weren’t for this program.
Study Abroad
One of the advantages of being student with interests in the humanities is that there are so many study abroad programs you can participate in. Most study abroad programs focus on cultural and/or language education, so you can be fully immersed into whichever country you’d like to visit. You may need to complete some prerequisite courses before your departure, so make sure to consult with an academic advisor. For more information, visit the UCI Study Abroad center’s website here.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm
UC Washington or UC Sacramento
If you’re interested in documentary filmmaking or video journalism, I highly recommend checking out the UC Washington Center or UC Center Sacramento program! After being accepted into the competitive program, you are required to attend workshops that will prepare you for your move to the capitol(s). As a student, you are expected to participate in an internship during the duration of the program. You will be able to attend workshops that will prepare you for the new learning environment, and will help you strengthen your interviewing skills, resume, cover letter, and overall professionalism. There are many resources available for you to make the process manageable.
If you’re an undocumented or international student, you are still able to participate in these program. Some internship organizations may require you to be a U.S. citizen, so be sure to check the citizenship requirements of the internships you plan to apply for.
Access to film/camera equipment and editing room
On the second floor of Humanities Gateway, you have access to rows of iMac desktops and editing software in the Media Editing Lab. While you are not able to rent out filmmaking equipment from the equipment office unless you’re enrolled in a Film & Media Studies production course, you are still able to rent out cameras at the Multimedia Resource Center, located next to the Science Library.
Media Editing Lab Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 8:00pm; Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Writing Center
Next to the Science Library is the UCI Center for Excellence in Writing & Communication. If you are taking any humanities classes, you are most likely going to write papers instead of a multiple-choice midterms and finals. Schedule an appointment with advisors at the Writing Center if you want to improve your writing skills and/or essays! They can also assist you with personal statements for any internships, scholarships or graduate programs you may apply for. Again, the service is available for all students.
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 8:00pm; Fridays 9:00am - 3:00pm
UCI Libraries
If you need to cite any scholarly readings in your essays, I highly encourage you to check out of all the great resources that the library offers. There are hundreds of books on film production, screenwriting, and media analysis that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. In addition, there is a database for the Film and Media Studies program, where students can get access to films, scripts, articles, film stills, film archives, and so much more from across the University of California system. In addition, all students have access to free subscriptions to digital publications and newspapers.
Free or discounted services by registering with a UCI email
Adobe Creative Cloud (free throughout your time as a student)
Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus 365 (free throughout your time as a student)
Final Draft (free trial for 18 weeks)
Kanopy (A streaming service where you can watch a huge variety of classic cinema, independent films and beautiful documentaries)
6 month free trial, $6.50 per month of Amazon Prime (includes Prime Video, Prime Music and free delivery on orders)
Discounted tickets at Regal Theatres in select locations including University Town Center, Irvine Spectrum, and Edwards Market Place (make sure to bring your student ID with you)
Discounted tickets for Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA, and so much more!
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The Film and Media Studies department might not have many production nor screenwriting classes that are available for non-major students, but I hope that does not discourage you to take all the other amazing classes that are taught throughout the school year. Some of my favorite classes I’ve taken so far were all about utilizing cultural analysis and critical race and gender theory to deconstruct narratives and storytelling practices. Some classes I’ve enjoyed so far are “Black Cinema” with Professor Mary Schmitt, “Japanese Avant-Garde” with Professor Keiji Kunigami, “Asian American Documentary” with Professor Julie Cho, and “Bollywood” with Professor Beheroze Schroff. During the 2021-2022 academic school year, UCI students are able to take classes in Korean cinema, documentary filmmaking history, hiphop culture, Black television comedy, game studies, and so much more.
From my experiences in taking classes that solely focus on cultural theory, I have gained skilled that allow me to articulate my thoughts through critical thinking and writing. I feel more confident to express my opinions on a particular topic with the knowledge I have learned in my classes at UCI. I hope that this list will assist you throughout your academic career! Good luck!
