LA Quarter

The DePaul LA Quarter offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the inner workings of Hollywood first hand. This ten-week immersion program is structured around living in Los Angeles, taking classes on a historic studio lot, and interning at high profile companies that align with students' professional aspirations. Through this experience, students learn how to navigate the studio system and build a network of professional contacts that will help them leave their mark on the entertainment industry.

The program is open to all current DePaul University graduate and undergraduate students with an interest in working in the film, television, and gaming industry.

International students interested in participating in the LA Quarter Program must check in with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) before applying.

*While not a requirement, it is highly recommended that you have access to a car due to the lack of public transportation options in Los Angeles.

Internships

Internships are a key step in gaining experience and opportunity in the film and television industry and because of this, they are the centerpiece of the LA Quarter program.

Participants are required to secure their own internship after they have been accepted into the program. Students who are proactive in their search usually have a variety of internships to choose from due to the number of opportunities in Los Angeles. Resume & cover letter support and internship leads are provided.

Past internships include: Warner Brothers, DreamWorks Animation, Sony Studios, Disney Studios, William Morris Endeavor, Panavision, Conan, Producers Guild of America, HBO, Logo, Benderspink, Jim Henson Company, Gary Sanchez Productions, Anonymous Content, CAA, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, Bold Films, Funny or Die.

Courses

Participants in the LA Quarter will be enrolled in a set of industry-focused courses designed to maximize their experience in the program. All courses are held at night at the historic Sunset Gower Studios Lot. Workday hours are reserved for the students' internship opportunities.

Undergraduate students will be enrolled automatically in the following courses:

Undergraduate students who participate in the summer session will only be enrolled in FILM 298 Internship in Media Production / Post Production.

Graduate students will be enrolled automatically in the following courses:

*Graduate students who participate in the spring quarter will be enrolled in SCWR 441 Industry and Pitching Seminar in lieu of SCWR 445 Hollywood History.

Housing

Participants in the LA Quarter reside in a fully furnished, two-bedroom apartment at Park La Brea. This centrally located complex is across the street from the Grove shopping center and the Los Angeles County Musem of Art (LACMA).

Amenities include:

Gated, secure entrance
Laundry facilities
Health club
160 acres of parks and gardens
Jogging path
Outdoor cafes
Reserved parking space

Apply

The LA Quarter is offered throughout the academic year. Applying does not guarantee acceptance.

Deadlines

Fall Quarter – Application available April 15th / due in April 30th
Winter Quarter – Application available September 15th / due September 30th
Spring Quarter – Application available October 15th / due November 1st
Special Programs – Application available January 15th / due January 30th

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements by the start of the LA Quarter program in which they intend to participate:

Must be a current full-time student at DePaul University
Undergraduate students must have junior year status (at least 88 quarter hours with at least 48 of these quarter hours completed at DePaul University)
Graduate students must have completed 44 quarter hours towards current degree program
Recommended: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
International students interested in participating in the LA Quarter Program must check in with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISS) before applying

Requirements

Statement of Intent – This 2–3 page paper should focus on why you would like to participate in the LA Quarter, what you plan to do with your time there, potential internships you would like to pursue, and ultimately how this experience will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Sample of Creative Work – Sample should coincide with your career aspirations. Please provide external links to short films/reels rather than uploading files.
Two Faculty Recommendations – Provide the names of two DePaul faculty members that support your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted.

Tuition

Tuition for the courses associated with the LA Quarter will be in addition to the Program Fee.

Program Fee

Participants of the LA Quarter are required to pay a program fee that covers housing in a fully furnished apartment, studio tours, and networking events. This program fee will not exceed $6000. The cost of tuition, food, personal expenses, and transportation to, from, and around Los Angeles are not included in the program fee.

Students who currently take advantage of financial aid may also be eligible for additional loans. The Office of Financial Aid will increase your cost of education for the quarter in which you participate in the LA Quarter to match the program fee. This will allow you to borrow an additional amount of either the Parent Plus Loan or Grad Plus Loan. For more information on this additional financial assistance and to see if you qualify, please contact the Financial Aid office:

Counseling Line:
(312) 362.8610
Fax:
(312) 362.5748
Email:
finaid1@depaul.edu
DePaul University
Office of Financial Aid
Mailing Address:
DePaul Center, Room 9100
1 E. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-2287

Contact

For general inquiries about the program, please e-mail DePaulLA@cdm.depaul.edu.