Some of my favorite television series have been analogous to a shooting star – unexpected, attention-grabbing and one-of-a-kind. “13 Reasons Why,” a recent release on Netflix but a long-time favorite of mine since reading the book of the same name 10 years ago, is one such shooting star of a show. Read more...

Photo: The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” features 13 episodes based on the novel of the same name. A week ago, Netflix announced a second season, which will presumably answer the cliffhangers of the first season and deviate from the source material. (Beth Dubber/Netflix)

Santa Monica Pier authorities asked Marc Pannia to leave the pier. He was filming the bright, flashing ferris wheel and arcades without a permit. The UCLA Extension alumnus was attempting to get footage of an actress enjoying the carnival games at the pier for his film “OverAgain.” He ended up shooting scenes of her smiling from under the pier. Read more...

Photo: UCLA Extension alumnus Marc Pannia (left) and UCLA Extension student Rosa Costanza (right) won awards at the UCLAxFilmFest event on Saturday at the Landmark Regent Theatre. (Axel Lopez/Daily Bruin)

Susan Cartsonis watched “The Wizard of Oz” every year as a little girl. However, she quickly realized that there weren’t many other feminist role models like Dorothy on screen. Read more...

Photo: Alumni Susan Cartsonis (Middle) and Nick Moceri (Right) produced the film “Deidra & Laney Rob a Train.” The comedy tells the tale of two sisters who begin robbing a train to support themselves after their mother goes to jail. (Courtesy of Fred Hayes)

The name for Monica Payne’s latest project came to her while reading a Polish poem with imagery of clouds and skies. The phrase “Into the Empty Sky” popped into her head as she read poetry that took on the viewpoint of the clouds floating over humanity. Read more...

Photo: UCLA alumna and theater lecturer Monica Payne directed the play, “Into the Empty Sky,” which opens at Chicago’s Trap Door Theatre on Thursday. (Courtesy of Bob Turton)