The Trojan Who Makes Hollywood Go Boom
The coolest job ever? David J. Barker blows things up for movies like Avengers: Endgame and Transformers.
How Animators Bring Their Doodles to Life
Some of the most compelling animated stories on screen start as scribbles in a notebook.
USC School of Cinematic Arts to share in $50 million gift from Patricia W. Mitchell Trusts
The gift, split among three universities, honors television trailblazer John H. Mitchell and will support major initiatives in diversity, ethics and film preservation.
Top Hollywood Blockbusters With Trojan Ties
From Star Wars to The Avengers, USC alumni have created some of the most successful movies in history.
A Tale of Two Oscar-Winning Documentaries Made by Trojans
Short films made by School of Cinematic Arts moviemakers bookend more than 65 years of Academy Awards.
The Strong Women Who Broke Ground (and Barriers) at the USC School of Cinematic Arts
A 28-year partnership between Elizabeth Daley and Marlene Loadvine helped shoot the school to the top.
Creating Video Games for Social Good
Video games can influence society for the better, and these USC game creators are trying to do just that.
Celebrate Nine Decades of Cinematic Arts History
As the school hits 90, it’s about much more than movies.
USC grad tested his love of filmmaking in the jungles of Peru
Inspired by an animation class, 2019 graduate Amri Rigby embraced filmmaking, directed a Sundance-winning short film and was commissioned by Werner Herzog to shoot a documentary in Peru, all as a USC student.
Why it’s important to see marginalized communities in pop culture
As the Oscars near, USC anthropologist and playwright Dorinne Kondoto argues that we all need to be ”mirrored” in popular culture, media and the arts.
USC 2018 | Did you see who was on campus?
✌ Year in review: There are definitely perks to being in the entertainment capital of the world and the business capital of the West. Take a look at some of the famous faces who stopped by for a visit.
The 15 most significant social impact films of 2018
The Media Institute for Social Change at the USC School of Cinematic Arts identifies 15 movies that not only entertain but expand our understanding, change our perspective and challenge us to do something.
Filmmaker taps into the tragedies of life in documentaries
MFA student Mary Gerretsen uses film to work out troubling issues in her own experience.
Cinematic arts student wins worldwide screenwriting contest
Stanley Kalu’s timely tale about a wealthy black student who falls victim to police brutality wins film financing and an education grant.
Why do we like to be scared? USC experts explain the science of fright
USC experts in neuroscience, horror films and folklore explain why being terrified can thrill and excite, and what that says about our culture.
Why horror films are worth watching in these angsty times
USC’s William Whittington notes that projects like Get Out tap into current fears and anxiety but, perhaps unexpectedly, offer hope, too.
Josh Gad (Olaf from Frozen) inspires drama students with tales of career missteps
Actor shares stories with students, faculty and Dean David Bridel at first USC School of Dramatic Arts Spotlight@SDA event of the year.
The story behind USC sophomore’s recording of ‘Yellow’ from Crazy Rich Asians
Katherine Ho, a former contestant on The Voice, recorded the demo for hours while her parents coached her Mandarin dialect over the phone.
Why legendary Stan Lee and older adults remain relevant in movies — and life
The 95-year-old’s cameos in summer blockbusters add a human touch to big-budget franchises, reminding us that age is just a number.
Mark Hamill advises Trojans to ‘recognize the opportunities’
The Star Wars legend recalls his Luke Skywalker audition and offers wisdom to students at a USC School of Dramatic Arts event.
USC film student preps for Fulbright Summer Institute in UK
Sophomore is thrilled to be part of the prestigious scholarship program on what will be her first trip abroad.
Screenwriters urged to deliver on the promise of a great story
As audiences expect more from movies and TV, Irving Belateche exhorts students to turn their personal visions into compelling tales.
Intimate documentary shares couple’s struggle to have children
Alum’s One More Shot follows the emotional journey of friends who struggled to achieve a natural birth.
Quirky thriller earns Sundance/Amazon prize for USC alums
Search follows a father seeking his missing daughter from a unique point of view — computer screens and smartphones.