DGA Nominations, HBO & Marvel: L.A. Film School Alumni Making Headlines

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The Burbs

From major award nominations to leadership roles on some of the industry’s most anticipated releases, L.A. Film School alumni continue to shape the entertainment landscape. This month alone, graduates are earning DGA recognition, expanding the Game of Thrones universe at HBO, contributing to Marvel’s Wonder Man, and lending their talents to high-profile television and feature productions across every department.

DGA Recognition: Kyle Newacheck Earns Major Nomination

Awards season is already spotlighting L.A. Film School alumni in a major way. Kyle Newacheck (Film 2004) recently earned a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for “Best Comedy Film for Television” for his work on Happy Gilmore 2. The DGA recognition places Newacheck among the industry’s most accomplished comedy directors and marks a significant milestone in his continued ascent.

Newacheck has built an expansive career across film and television, with directing, writing and producing credits that span more than a decade. His work includes the hit FX comedy What We Do in the Shadows, the action-comedy feature Game Over, Man!, and the cult-favorite series Workaholics.

Game of Thrones Universe Expands with Alumni Leadership

The highly anticipated HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms features Ira Parker (Film 2008) as showrunner, marking a significant career milestone for the L.A. Film School alum. Parker previously served as co-executive producer on House of the Dragon, establishing himself as a trusted creative voice within the Game of Thrones franchise.

The series represents another expansion of George R.R. Martin’s beloved universe, and having an L.A. Film School alumnus at the helm underscores the school’s role in developing storytelling talent capable of managing large-scale productions.

Alumni Production Design Talent on The Burbs

L.A. Film School alumni are also contributing behind the scenes on the television series The Burbs. Rachael Ferrara (Film 2008) serves as Set Decorator across eight episodes, shaping the visual texture and lived-in details that bring the world of the show to life. Alongside her, Susie Mancini (Film 2007) works as Production Designer, overseeing the overall aesthetic and visual identity of the series.

From set decoration to full-scale production design leadership, their work reinforces the impact L.A. Film School graduates continue to have across every creative department in television production.

Marvel’s Wonder Man Showcases Diverse Alumni Talent

Disney Plus’ Marvel series Wonder Man features an impressive roster of L.A. Film School alumni working across multiple departments:

Direction and Cinematography: Tiffany Johnson (Film 2009) directed two episodes of the series, adding superhero directing credits to her growing portfolio. Meanwhile, Brett Pawlak (Film 2018) serves as Director of Photography, responsible for crafting the visual language of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest addition.

Camera and Technical Operations: Christopher Arata (Film 2007) works as A Camera Operator, capturing the action sequences and dramatic moments that define Marvel productions. His role requires precision timing and technical expertise honed through years of professional experience.

Production Support and Safety: Alyssa Ulrich (Entertainment Business 2019) serves as Health & Safety Supervisor, ensuring cast and crew work in safe conditions throughout production. David McGrory (Film 2003) works as Rigging Gaffer, managing the complex lighting setups required for superhero storytelling. Joseph Grable (Film 2022), a recent alum, gains valuable industry experience as Production Intern.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

The horror franchise sequel features Jennifer Trevino (Animation & Audio 2014) as VFX Editor. Trevino’s unique background with dual degrees in Animation and Audio from L.A. Film School positions her perfectly for visual effects work in genre filmmaking. The Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise has built a dedicated fanbase, and Trevino’s contributions to the visual effects ensure the sequel maintains the unsettling atmosphere that defines the series.

These success stories represent just a glimpse of how L.A. Film School alumni are reshaping entertainment across all platforms. From blockbuster features to streaming giants, music videos to meaningful indie films, our alumni continue to prove that L.A. Film School alumni are truly a force to be reckoned with.Are you an alum of the L.A. Film School or L.A. Recording School and want to share your latest accomplishment? Contact the Alumni Relations office!