LAFS & LARS Alumni on BTS’ Arirang, One Piece, Imperfect Women & More
Sometimes, the credits speak for themselves. From a number-one BTS album to premium HBO drama to one of the biggest streaming franchises in the world, alumni from The L.A. Film School & The L.A. Recording School are working on significant projects right now and we want to take a moment to recognize it. Here’s a look at some of the recent projects and honors making us proud.
On the Record
Jaycen Joshua (Recording Arts, 2003) served as mixer on tracks 3 (“Aliens”) and 5 (“2.0”) from Arirang, the landmark comeback album from BTS, the group’s first studio release since completing their mandatory military service and one of the most commercially and critically anticipated records of 2026. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Working alongside him as assistant mixer on both tracks was Jacob Richards (Recording Arts, 2017). Two LARS-trained engineers in the credits of one of 2026’s biggest albums is a genuine milestone.
On Screen
Jesse Sternbaum (Film, 2008) is producing Imperfect Women, a new HBO mini-series generating early buzz for its sharp writing and strong ensemble cast featuring Kerry Washington. Sternbaum is also a producer on The Studio, which earlier this year won the Golden Globe for Best Series (Comedy or Musical) and took home the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, making this a particularly strong year for him.
Damani Blair (Film, 2019) is working as a Visual Effects Producer at Barnstorm Productions on two high-profile productions simultaneously: One Piece Season 2 and For All Mankind Season 5.
Spotlight Academy member Angelina Faulkner (Recording Arts, 2012) contributed her expertise as Dialogue Editor on two episodes of The Madison, a series that demands careful attention to vocal clarity and sonic continuity.
The Second season of The Last Thing He Told Me features two alumni in its credits. Michael Carreno (Film, 2006) served as Assistant Editor on four episodes; Mark Farago (Film, 2005) contributed as a Finishing Artist through Streamland Media; additionally Clinton Jones (Audio Production, 2010) worked as a mix tech on the series in previous seasons. Three alumni on the same show is a reminder of just how many LAFS and LARS-trained professionals are working across the same productions.
Mikaela Padilla (Audio Production, 2022) has been busy on two feature films in a row. She served as Foley Coordinator on the children’s animated comedy, Goat and then stepped into the role of Foley Editor on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, an impressive progression that shows both range and upward momentum just a few years out of school.
Recognition
We recently profiled alum Maddie Goldberg (Animation, 2022) who earned three Sports Emmy nominations for her work on Monsters Funday Football. An animated NFL broadcast event that blended sports and entertainment, the program was recognized in three categories: Outstanding Sports Graphic Design (Event/Show), Outstanding Live Sports Special: Non-Championship Event, and Outstanding Studio or Production Design/Art Direction: Sports.
Angie Venegas (Audio Production, 2019) was an honoree at the She Is the Music event, a non-profit which recognizes women making meaningful contributions to the music industry. Angie has been building her career in audio since completing her program, and this recognition reflects the kind of impact she’s already having.
If you’re an alumnus working on something you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you.