Editor’s note: The following submission is an open letter that was sent to UCLA’s Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt on Oct. 23.
Dear Chancellor Hunt,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding my experience at UCLA from 2009 to 2012, which I believe significantly hindered my career and creative drive.
During my time at UCLA, I was a proven screenwriter and a member of the Writers Guild of America West, yet I found myself in an environment that was counterproductive to my work. I believed I needed the credibility of an MFA degree to teach what I knew, but the ill treatment I experienced was relentless and unwarranted. Instead of support and encouragement, I faced challenges that undermined my accomplishments and prohibited me from discussing my work. I felt as though I had stepped into a “third-class citizen” status, where my previous achievements were not only unacknowledged but also discouraged. This treatment created a psychological complex and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, where I find myself reliving those stressful situations, including the challenges I faced as a Cuban refugee child.
This experience took a toll on my self-esteem and passion for storytelling – two crucial elements for success in the entertainment field. While I had high hopes for my time at UCLA, I left feeling that it had derailed my career ambitions and stifled my creativity. I’m left questioning how such a successful institution could have such a negative impact on my professional journey.
Additionally, I find it concerning that you previously compiled dismal job statistics regarding the employment of minorities in the Hollywood industry and later minimized their significance in your own presentations. It is troubling to see claims that conditions are improving in Hollywood when, in reality, they are not – especially when similar statistics are emerging from USC. These claims of improvement often stem from tax incentives rather than genuine progress. Furthermore, the lack of Hispanic representation among the faculty at UCLA across all departments further exacerbates these issues, limiting the perspectives and mentorship available to students from diverse backgrounds.
This pattern of behavior raises questions about the authenticity of the support being offered to students, particularly regarding recognition and access to the industry. There is also a need for greater consideration of the hidden dynamics within the film faculty’s tools, which can impact student experiences and opportunities.
As the first Hispanic female member of the WGAW with over 30 years of membership, I have built a career that includes high-profile writing credits across various mediums. I have written and produced work that speaks to diverse audiences, and my contributions have been recognized within the industry. I believe that my experience and successes could have been further amplified in a more supportive academic environment.
I hope my experience can contribute to a conversation about fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for future students, particularly those who, like me, come with prior accomplishments and aspirations.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Migdia Chinea
Chinea is a professional screenwriter, director and producer, noted for her credits in television series such as The Incredible Hulk, Punky Brewster, The Facts of Life, Superboy and many others. She received a master’s degree from UCLA after studying at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television between 2009 and 2012.
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