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For aspiring professionals in the entertainment industry, the journey from film school to a thriving career can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. Despite investing years of their lives and substantial financial resources into education, many find themselves at square one, struggling to break into the industry. However, MediaU, an innovative online program founded by former Disney executive Adam Leipzig, is revolutionizing the way individuals learn about and navigate the complex world of entertainment.
With over four decades of experience in the industry, Adam Leipzig has an impressive track record that includes overseeing renowned films such as “Dead Poets Society” (1989) and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” (1989). Additionally, he has produced notable works like “Titus” (1999), “The Way Back” (2010), and “A Plastic Ocean” (2016). Leipzig’s unparalleled expertise and insight into the inner workings of the industry have guided him in creating a platform that addresses the gaps in traditional film school education.
The genesis of MediaU occurred during Leipzig’s tenure as president of National Geographic Films when Macmillan approached him to write a standard filmmaking textbook for universities. As part of this journey, Leipzig taught a three-semester course at a local film school, which revealed the limitations and shortcomings of the traditional film education system. Reflecting on this experience, he explains, “The training isn’t really practically focused, and it doesn’t result in an understanding of how the business works and specifically how to have a creative career, whether you are independent as a gig economy worker or if you’re going to be hired by a company.”
Driven by the desire to bridge this gap and empower aspiring professionals, Leipzig and his team conceptualized MediaU. “We decided to create MediaU so people who want to come into the industry can have accessible, affordable training that is very career-focused,” Leipzig shares. Since its inception, MediaU has become a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to thrive in the competitive entertainment industry.
MediaU offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to provide aspiring professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network they need to succeed. Students benefit from up-to-date course content, including entertaining, informative, current, and actionable training. But MediaU goes beyond theory; it offers real-world opportunities to connect with industry experts and hiring managers through virtual, live networking events. Regardless of their location, MediaU students gain access to individuals who can help them achieve their goals.
Moreover, joining MediaU grants individuals membership in an active online community, providing a platform for career discussions, feedback, and networking with like-minded creatives from around the globe. The platform’s dedicated MediaU Message Boards allow students to seek coaching, receive answers to their questions, and obtain valuable feedback from working industry professionals.
One of the most interesting aspects of MediaU is their FREE series of live mentoring sessions that gives you unprecedented access to Hollywood executives and filmmakers behind high-profile films at studios such as Netflix, Disney, and National Geographic, to name a few, giving you feedback, coaching and expert guidance that you can start using right away to create your career breakthrough. Examples of past speakers in the Breakthrough series have been top film, TV, and digital content executive Steve tao, founder of the Make A Film Foundation and an award winning writer, director & producer, Tamika Lamison, prolific academy award nominee and winner, writer and director Terry george, and many more.
And these programs are not just for those starting out in the industry Leipzig explains, “For people who are already in the industry, perhaps already making your films or started your careers and you want to scale up a level, stay current, or have a greater capacity to do the work, we have things for you too”.
With MediaU, the next wave of filmmakers is being nurtured and guided to success. By redefining what it means to learn about the entertainment industry, Adam Leipzig and his team have democratized access to practical and career-focused training. No longer will aspiring professionals find themselves adrift after film school, for MediaU equips them with the necessary tools to break through, get their work discovered, and boost their job prospects.
For more information about MediaU and to embark on a transformative learning journey, visit www.mediau.com
