Friday, June 26

Film and Photography Society provides experience, community for aspiring creators

The Film and Photography Society is shining a spotlight on creators of all skill levels alike. Located in one of the film and media capitals of the world, the Film and Photography Society (FPS) at UCLA aims to provide firsthand industry experiences to filmmakers and photographers regardless of experience level. Read more...

Photo: Members of UCLA’s Film and Photography Society prepare to shoot a scene for the short film “St. Michael’s Honour Council,” written and directed by student Ian Cardamone. The campus organization strives to provide firsthand industry experiences to student filmmakers and photographers with multiple in-person productions each quarter. (Courtesy of Hannah Hope)


Alumnus-founded company Gourmais celebrates diversity in brand leadership

This post was updated Oct. 10 at 7:45 p.m. Gourmais has plans to crunch down on cravings. Owned by founder Stephanie Chui, the premium cracker brand Gourmais crafts polenta crisps baked into three flavors: Porcini Mushroom, Mediterranean Sea Salt and Herbs de Provence. Read more...

Photo: Smiling into the camera, Stephanie Chui holds a tray with three boxes of Gourmais crackers. The alumnus launched the polenta chip brand Aug. 1. (Courtesy of Stephanie Chui)


Sustainability, personality drive alumnus-run fashion business allisunny designs

This post was updated Oct. 8 at 8:20 p.m. Allison Scott is running a one-woman show over at allisunny designs. The alumnus-run clothing brand aims to provide sustainable yet trendy designs to consumers seeking to break free of larger corporations such as Urban Outfitters and Zara, Scott said. Read more...

Photo: Donning one of her pieces, Allison Scott smiles as she looks down. The alumnus runs the clothing line allisunny designs. (Courtesy of Allison Scott)


UCLA student bakes dreams into reality with business One Cake Fitz All

This post was updated Oct. 19 at 9:43 p.m. Fitz Freeby’s business is more than just icing on the cake. The rising second-year theater student runs One Cake Fitz All, which she said she started when she was a high school student in Minnesota. Read more...

Photo: One of Freeby’s cakes, which was inspired by a camera, sits on a table. The rising second-year theater student started her business One Cake Fitz All in high school. (Courtesy of Fitz Freeby)


Q&A: Justin Hurwitz discusses musical adaptations for La La Land in Concert

After several trips around the sun, the music of “La La Land” has made its way back to the city of stars. Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz will conduct a 52-piece symphony orchestra and jazz band at La La Land in Concert on Saturday, six years after performing the concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Read more...

Photo: Dressed in all black, Justin Hurwitz stands amid a sea of picnic blankets at an outdoor screening. This Saturday, the award-winning “La La Land” composer returns to Los Angeles for another screening where he will conduct a live orchestra as part of “La La Land in Concert.” (Courtesy of Street Food Cinema)


Q&A: Stop-motion film ‘The Inventor’ presents Leonardo da Vinci to modern audiences

“The Inventor” is animating the reinvention of an artistic legend’s story. Set in the Renaissance age, the stop-motion film follows Leonardo da Vinci (Stephen Fry) in his quest to understand the human soul. Read more...

Photo: Stephen Fry and Daisy Ridley voice Leonardo da Vinci (left) and Princess Marguerite de Nevarre (right) in “The Inventor.” Directed by Jim Capobianco, the stop-motion film will premiere Sept. 15. (Courtesy of Curiosity Studio)


Theater review: ‘Aladdin’ offers magic carpet ride through enchanting vocals, humorous dialogue

“Aladdin” is granting audiences far more than three wishes to come true. Based on Disney’s 1992 animated film, the hit Broadway musical “Aladdin” has returned to Los Angeles, parading a fresh yet familiar approach to the Academy Award-winning comedy. Read more...

Photo: Senzel Ahmady (left) and Adi Roy (right) star as Princess Jasmine and Aladdin in “Aladdin,” respsectively. Based on Disney’s 1992 animated film, the musical will have a limited run at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre through Sept. 23. (Courtesy of Deen van Meer/Disney)