As a top five film school, the LMU School of Film and Television (SFTV) provides students with the education and robust network to thrive in the entertainment industry. As a film school within a Jesuit institution, SFTV also imparts students with a strong sense of social justice and champions diverse and distinct perspectives.
The intersection of these values came into focus for Lucien Marcus ‘25 this past summer when he participated in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Gold Rising program. Gold Rising is a prestigious fellowship program that creates opportunities for young artists from underrepresented communities to engage with the film world. Marcus was struck by how Gold Rising’s mission aligned with the film education he had received at LMU.
During the eight-week long program, Marcus attended panels with major directors, actors and other industry professionals. As a screenwriter, he has often grappled with how far to take his ideas and if he should write with an emphasis on practicality. When he posed this question at a panel to VFX supervisor Andrew Roberts, whose credits include Godzilla vs. Kong and Avatar, Marcus was advised to let his imagination run freely.
“[I learned that] if there’s a story you want to tell but are afraid to because it hasn’t been done before, just do it,” said Marcus. “After all, that’s the whole point of Gold Rising – to support filmmakers with new perspectives to share.”
Marcus also worked on a short film with other program participants. This experience provided him with valuable opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with other young filmmakers. Academy Award-nominated actor Colman Domingo, who spoke at the Gold Rising graduation, advised the cohort to have a service-oriented attitude toward building community, a piece of advice that Marcus took to heart.
“Throughout the summer, we helped each other with our scripts and served as crew for each others’ short films,” said Marcus. “Offering to be of service to one another can be a powerful foundation for both a working relationship and a genuine friendship.”
Marcus also interned in the Academy’s Oral History Projects Department, helping with curatorial projects and serving as a production assistant during interview shoots. Although the summer program has concluded, Gold Rising still provides program participants support through the form of an industry mentor. With the mentorship provided by Gold Rising, along with the education he has received at LMU, Marcus feels well-supported to pursue a career in entertainment.
“I hope to build a career as a screenwriter/director,” said Marcus. “As I already have several fantastic writer/director mentors among the LMU faculty, I asked [Gold Rising] to be paired with a producer who could help me understand the business side and find a starting role in the industry.”
Marcus encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in entertainment to apply for the Gold Rising program. For more information, please visit the Gold Rising website.
