December 2024 was a breakout month for Los Angeles Film School graduates, with contributions to several major Hollywood productions. Mikaela Padilla, Alyssa Ulrich and Josiah Zavala were involved in the release of the Disney hit Mufasa: The Lion King to the screen. Padilla, Brandon Trost and Chun-Ning Chang had major credits Sonic the Hedgehog 3while Daniel Egbert lent his writing talents to CBS NCIS: Origins. In addition, 16 alumni worked on the award-winning short film Enipheresand received 74 festival awards. Read on to learn how our alumni continue to shape the entertainment industry.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mikaela Padilla (Audio Production 2022) has been involved as a Foley mixer on a number of high-profile films including Wicked, Mufasa and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Two other LA Film School graduates joined her in the production of Mufasa: Alyssa Ulrich (Entertainment Business 2019) was recognized as Assistant Production Coordinator and Josiah Zavala (2013 film) worked as visual effects editor for the film.
Summary:
From Fandango
“Mufasa: The Lion King” tasks Rafiki with passing on the legend of Mufasa to the young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone, until he meets a friendly lion named Taka – the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion the sprawling journey of an extraordinary group of misfits in search of their destiny – their bonds being tested as they work together to escape a menacing and deadly enemy.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Member of Spotlight Academy Brandon Comfort (Film 2000) showed his expertise as Cameraman for the highly anticipated sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 3in the main role Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves. His work helped bring the visually stunning world of Sonic to life. Trost wasn’t the only one Graduated from Los Angeles Film School involved in the film—Chun Ning Chang (Film 2013) contributed as Production Assistantwhile Mikaela Padilla (Audio production 2022) gave her talents as noise mixerwhich ensures first-class sound design.
Summary
From sonicthehedgehogmovie.com:
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season with his most exciting adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite against a powerful new foe, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers they have never faced before. With their abilities inferior in every way, Team Sonic must find an unlikely alliance in the hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
NCIS: Origins
Daniel Egbert (2017 film) works as a staff writer for CBS Studios and most recently served as a writer on four episodes of NCIS: Origins. He was previously a finalist in the 2024 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards and a semifinalist in the 2023 Academy Nicholl Fellowship. He is the recipient of the 2021 Richard P. Rogers Spirit Of Excellence Award for Directing presented by AFI Fest and is one of twelve directors , who were selected for the seventh annual CAA Moebius Showcase. A Marine Corps veteran, he served in four deployments, including both the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.
Summary:
From CBS
NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years before the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs begins his career as a newly minted special agent in the young NCIS office at Camp Pendleton, where he earns his place in a tough team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).
Enipheres
A short film titled Enipheres Sixteen alumni were represented throughout the production and post-production process. In total they have won 74 awards and 15 nominations at film festivals! Alumni credits include: SFX team: Danny Urena, Johnathan Alcerro, Daniel Vanlandingham, Kevin Palencia, Ryan Livian, Michael Rendon; Illustrator (for comics): Arkiel Fornoles; Production assistant: Jasmine (aka Jay Levi) Castro; 1st AD: Willie Bass Griffin; BTS Photographer/Boom Operator: Hernan Ancerra; Handles: Vionna Lam, Jesse Mejia, Andre Monroe; Gaffer: Dustin Prewitt; 2.AC: Omar Weatherburne; 1.AC: Teddy C. White; Composer: Josh Huck
Summary:
from IMDB
When a woman realizes that she is the link to saving Earth’s inhabitants, she and her allies take on a corrupt organization to save the planet and humanity.
Learn more:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7513360
https://www.illuminationparadox.com/proof-of-concept-photos
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If the first few days of January are any indication, 2025 will be a rock ’em, socks ’em year across the media and entertainment landscape.
We love learning about what our graduates are working on in the entertainment industry. If you’re an LA Film School graduate and have an upcoming project, tell us about it! Get in touch with us and send us your project details!
