The nation’s second largest school district recently opened a school designed to build a more inclusive pipeline of historically underrepresented, college and career-ready students interested in the film and television industries.

The Roybal Film and Television Production Magnet was founded by actor George Clooney, producer Grant Heslov, and agent Bryan Lourd, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District. The school offers students early exposure to career pathways, an immersive 9-12th grade curriculum, professional internships, a foundational knowledge base about the industry, and certifications that are essential to securing jobs after graduation.

In September, the school welcomed 150 ninth- and 10^th-grade students in its inaugural class and has secured more than $4 million in funding from several entertainment companies, including Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amazon Studios, Disney, and NBCUniversal/Telemundo Enterprises. The school is supported by the Roybal Fund, a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsored by the Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Roybal is particularly focused on helping students enter below-the-line professions, those positions responsible for the day-to-day filmmaking involved in pre-production, production, and post-production activities. Students will have the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships and learn directly from industry professionals such as Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth Carter. She, along with a group of distinguished artisans, are members of the Roybal Industry Council, who will bring their expertise to the development and delivery of career pathways. 

“We are grateful to have the support of these extraordinary industry leaders to create opportunities for our students,” said Los Angeles Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. “The coalition will also provide Los Angeles Unified teachers with access to renowned storytellers, along with industry professionals and experts, and hands-on experience for students from underserved communities and create a pathway to employment within the industry.”

The school will add grades 11 and 12 over the next two years, and district officials say there is an opportunity to expand the pilot program to more schools.