BULA Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Alumni & Staff Share Memories, Gratitude
Program continues to have large BU alumni support network
Boston University Los Angeles (BULA) started in 2002 – at the dawn of the digital age – an exciting time in the industry with the internet getting integrated into communication and entertainment.
Realizing what a terrific opportunity it would be to bring College of Communication (COM) students out to LA, then Dean of the College Brent Baker and other COM leaders got together with several BU alumni who had made LA their home and were working in the industry. Some of the first alumni to meet with COM leaders, help shape and launch this idea, and generously contribute funding for it were Marcia Lewis Smith (COM ’74), Television Producer and President of Lewis Smith Media; Bruce Feirstein (COM ‘75), Screenwriter, Journalist, and former BU Advisory Board member; Jay Roewe (COM ’79), HBO’s Senior Vice President for West Coast Production and BU Advisory Board member; and George Lilly (GRS’54, COM’56), Chairman Emeritus of SLJ Broadcast Group.
What started as short-term visits to Hollywood studios, one or two weeks long each spring, grew into a successful academic internship program that now contributes to – and benefits from – COM’s powerful alumni network of studio heads, TV executives, producers, and more. Bill Lawson, who was Chair of the Film & TV Department in COM at the time, recalls how valuable the studio visits were for students and how gracious the alumni were, giving tours, meeting students, and explaining the inner workings of studios.
From the beginning, the experience was designed to give students a launch pad for their careers in the entertainment capital. Larry Weinberg, Esq. (COM ’86), who still lectures for the program today, was involved in instruction from the beginning. He also stepped in to lead BULA when there was a gap before the late William “Bill” Linsman took the helm as Director in 2005. Bill had been teaching at the College of Communication when he was tapped to lead BULA, which he grew into a program that enrolls more than 100 students each year. Before joining BU, Linsman enjoyed a successful career directing TV commercials for well-known consumer brands
“The program showed students that they could go to LA – coming all the way from the east coast – and take advantage of the huge network of BU alumni who are ready to support them,” says Michael Ouellette (Wheelock ’08), former BULA Associate Director and current BU Assistant Director of Alumni Career Engagement. “That network of alumni has grown exponentially over the years. LA is a huge city but BULA feels really personal and connected.”
“Bill [Linsman] created this amazing platform for the school in the LA community and grew it,” says Lewis Smith.
Many students who went through the program talked about Linsman’s thoughtfulness and interest in helping them line up internship opportunities that would propel their careers.
“He was the face of the program and cared a lot for the students,” says Ouellette. “He was extremely dedicated, and I don’t know if the program would have become what it is today had it not been for Bill. He ushered many students into their careers.”
Just as the media and entertainment industries have evolved, so too have the BULA programs to remain relevant. Lewis Smith, who lectured for BULA for 20 years, noted the dramatic acceleration of viewers moving to streaming content rather than consuming network TV and how the entire business model has shifted in recent years. “This is TV today,” she says. “Students need to learn how to be critical viewers, how shows are developed, and how the business works so they can be prepared to enter the industry.”
Another way the program has evolved is related to the growing numbers of graduate students spending time in BULA. “It was primarily an undergraduate program, but some years ago – probably at least a decade ago – the graduate students in the MS TV program started coming out to LA,” says Paul Schneider, Chair of the Department of Film & Television. “Now, we have the MFA screenwriting students who come out and the MS Media Ventures students who come out to LA for two semesters. We have more of our graduate students going out there than staying here [in Boston] because it’s a value add for them. We’ve put a lot of thought into how to make that the best experience.”
Former BULA Internship student Jenn Carroll (COM ’10), Creative Executive at Vince Gilligan’s High Bridge Productions, recalls the value of her classes and, in particular, Lewis Smith’s class. “Marcia Lewis Smith’s class prepared me to be a citizen of the industry. What I mean by that is — she would send us packets of articles that were the big stories of the week in Hollywood. This prepped me to read the trades, and knowing what was going on in the business gave me something to talk about with the folks at my internships. I seemed so much smarter and more in tune with the industry than I had any right to — and the more I engaged with the people I was working with about the Hollywood news du jour, the more I learned.”
Students also gain insights into the business and where the industry is headed through guest lectures with experts and alumni who regularly participate in classroom discussions and events hosted by the program.
Today, BULA is led by Charisse McGhee-Lazarou, who worked at NBC from 1986 to 2003 and climbed the ranks to Vice President of Primetime Programs. Prior to joining BULA in 2018, she also taught and ran programs for California State University Northridge and High Point University.
“I think one of the hallmarks of the program is that it remains extremely relevant, where it can be a challenge for academia to keep up with an industry that reinvents itself so quickly,” says McGhee-Lazarou. “There’s always an innovation in the business and the art of TV and film. I never taught with textbooks because by the time it’s published, the industry has morphed and the text is out of date.”
McGhee-Lazarou says it takes increasing fearlessness and perseverance to break into TV and film and that BULA offers students a platform from which to launch their careers. She has made sure that new courses in special effects and virtual production have been added to help students stay relevant.
“We’re so fortunate to have dedicated alumni and teaching staff, who are all working TV and film professionals, willing to give time, and advice to our students year round,” she says. “My staff, Assistant Director of Student Services, Erika Ljungdahl, Program Managers, Carrie Topiel and Grace DeVuono, and Program Specialist, Marianne Van Winkle work hard to help our student get great internships, explore LA, and have a fun, if intense semester. I’m really excited to help our students stretch themselves and become established in the industry as well as help expand the program.”
Enjoy the memories and tributes shared from BULA alumni and staff as they reflect on BULA’s 20th Anniversary:
Jason Sarlanis (COM ’05)
President – Crime and Investigative Content, Linear and Streaming for Discovery
“It’s bizarrely appropriate that BULA is considered part of the “Study Abroad” program. While not foreign in the literal sense, one of the best attributes of the program is that it immerses its students in the unique culture of Hollywood. Students learn the language of the media industry and are put in an unparalleled position to build a network of contacts that will set them up for success.
I am grateful to BULA for the incredible connections I made. Some of the students in my year went on to become like a family to me as so many of us transitioned to working and living in LA full-time. One of my professors not only became a lifelong mentor but a true friend. This support system is something that I absolutely cherish, and I am so grateful to BULA for giving me the opportunity to make these connections that have changed my life forever.”
Bridget Kyle (COM ’09)
Writer and Producer for Universal Television
“BU in LA has always been described as LA with training wheels, and I can’t think of a better description. LA is a big city and it can feel overwhelming, but the BU in LA program gives you some guidance and a home base. It helped us picture what our futures could be.
My experience was invaluable. I ended up getting an internship at USA Network’s development department, and what I learned there was truly vital to my future as a writer. Because development is the first stage of how a show is born, I learned how writers pitch a show idea, how networks define their brands, and what the working relationships between the networks, studios, and creatives are like. This was all helpful when, several years later, I was the one who was pitching show ideas to networks and studios.”
Jenn Carroll (COM ’10)
Creative Executive at Vince Gilligan’s High Bridge Productions
“During my semester in LA, I got to know the city. I learned how to be a production assistant at my internships. I made connections that would lead to future jobs. By the time I was heading back to Boston to graduate in May, I had an apartment in North Hollywood lined up for June and a temp job for July. I couldn’t have secured either of those things if I hadn’t physically been in LA. And — even with productions shooting all over the country — most studios, agencies, writers’ room and editorial suites are still based out of Los Angeles, so the program is as valuable to students today as it was to me in 2010.”
Kayla Cohen (COM ’17)
E-commerce Manager / L’Oréal (NYX Professional Makeup)
“BULA changed my life! The program inspired me to go outside my comfort zone and challenge myself. I interned at M&C Saatchi LA and worked under a Digital Producer on TV/movie projects such as Twin Peaks and Beauty & Beast. Through the program I learned a lot about what I wanted in my career (digital route) and how to network and thrive in an unfamiliar environment. I made amazing memories and even was inspired to move to LA 2 years later!”
Dan Salgarolo (COM ’12)
Animation Writer
“Thirteen years ago, the late Bill Linsman, director of the BULA program, called me into his office for a chat. Bill was an affable, kind fellow with a twinkle in his eye and a Nokia brick cellphone he kept on a lanyard around his neck. He loved LA, he loved his students and the BU community, and it showed. During this meeting, I was talking about my interest in animation when all of a sudden I notice Bill wasn’t paying attention. He was dialing a number on that old Nokia brick. He raised the phone to his ear and a finger out to shush me (twinkle in his eye, I knew I wasn’t in trouble or anything). After a couple seconds someone picks up. “Oh, Jeff. Bill Linsman here! Listen, I’ve got a kid here interested in animation…”
Two years later, after I graduated and moved to LA, Jeff called me up and offered me a job as a PA on a new animated series. In the animation world I found a community that embraced me, and a fun, ever-changing career. There are many other reasons I am who/where I am today, but Bill and BULA are part of the bedrock.”
Hannah Petosa (COM ’20)
Showrunner’s Assistant
“My best memory from BULA was the opportunity to work as a Production Intern at The Ellen DeGeneres Show and take courses that shaped my understanding of the entertainment industry. BU LA helped to shape my career path by teaching me the business of Hollywood and allowing me to find an internship to learn what production is genuinely like. I made long-lasting, memorable connections at The Ellen Show that enabled me to continue my career in entertainment after graduating from Boston University in May 2020. While interning at Ellen, I learned the ins and outs of talk-show production, working with high-profile talent, and understanding upper-level executives. These tools carried into my professional career, as I started as a Production Assistant in scripted television after I graduated college. I am forever grateful to BULA for the experience of a lifetime and for helping me understand the importance of networking with like-minded peers and higher-ups in entertainment. I thoroughly enjoyed the immersive culture of living and working in Los Angeles. It was terrific working at my dream job as well.”
Arestia Rosenberg (COM ’07)
Consultant
“BULA was my most valuable semester at BU. In one semester, I not only felt prepared to enter the film and television industry, but it gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams with gusto. A big part of that was the late great Prof. Bill Linsman who not only built this incredible program but cared about every single one of us. Bill became my friend (and neighbor! My first place in LA was right down the street from him), and I miss him so very much. My first job was also thanks to my internship during that semester – a studio executive I had met on my internship hired me to be his assistant. I don’t think I would have felt as ready, confident, or prepared after graduation had it not been for BULA.”
Adam Wescott (COM ’06)
Chief Content Officer
“BULA was a profound and lasting experience. I was able to experience life in Los Angeles and work in the entertainment industry firsthand. I made lifelong friendships and business relationships. Most recently, I worked with my fellow BULA classmate Rebecca Stone to produce a low-budget feature film. I also recently sold a film adaptation of WattPad’s #2 best-selling book title, QB Bad Boy and Me, based on a relationship formed during my internship at FOX Broadcasting Company. Lastly, I’ve had the honor and opportunity to hire many BULA interns over the years and there is a consistency and quality in the work and knowledge they bring to the table each semester. Thank you Boston University and the team behind BULA for allowing me to participate in the early years of the programs existence!”
Emily Raymond (COM ’19)
Administrative Assistant at NBCUniversal
“BULA was the perfect capstone for my grad program! I was specifically looking for a program that was television-focused that would get my foot in the door in the industry, and that is exactly what happened. My internship was with Current Programming at ABC Network (my direct internship supervisor was a fellow BU alum) and I even stayed on with the department an extra 5 months after the BU program ended. Covid put a brief pause on my LA plans, but I moved back in May 2022 and have been working with NBCUniversal ever since.
One of my favorite parts of the program was hearing from recent grads about their post-BULA career journeys – it opened my eyes to just how many paths people can take to make it in this industry. I look back on the program so fondly!”
Aidan Trevisan (Lafayette College ’19)
Associate Producer at CBS News Streaming
“I can’t say enough about the BULA program. At first, I was afraid to join the program as I did not go to Boston University, but I am so glad I did. I met lifelong friends (from schools other than BU, too!), pushed myself to my full potential, and learned so much about the entertainment industry. Studying “abroad” in LA confirmed my passion for television. Interning from 9-5 and then having class from 6-9 was no joke, but I wouldn’t have changed a single aspect of my experience. This semester was truly one of the highlights of my college experience and I will forever be grateful!”
Chad Boldini (COM ’08)
Senior VFX Production Coordinator at Industrial Light & Magic
“BULA was very valuable in shaping my career path. As a Massachusetts native, I had never been to LA before, and I knew I wanted to move out west to pursue a career in Film/TV. By doing my final semester of BU in the program, it allowed me to experience LA “on training wheels”. I got to know my way around the city, gained real-world entertainment industry experience at my internships, and received valuable insight through classes, guest speakers, and tours. And because I was already here in the city, it made transitioning to permanently working and living in LA after graduation much easier. I was also doing it with many of my fellow BULA friends, which was great and made things much less scary. Without BULA, it would have been much more difficult and intimidating to make the move to LA and to find my footing in the industry. It gave me the perfect safety net and jumping off point to pursue my Hollywood dreams, which I’m still lucky enough to be doing in LA today, 15 years later!”
Brianna Borghi (George Washington University ’19)
On-Air News Reporter, WCVB-TV (Boston)
“BULA kick-started my career in journalism by helping me land my first news internship at Dateline NBC, working on the Universal lot. That internship led me to my next news internship, and so on, until I was ultimately accepted into NBC’s prestigious Page Program upon graduating college. I then went on to work as a PA at the TODAY Show in NYC before transitioning into local news. I am now living out my dream as an on-air reporter in Boston (my home market) and wouldn’t be here without that first Dateline internship thanks to BU LA.
Not to mention…all of the amazing memories during my BULA semester. I made two lifelong friends through BULA and will never forget all of our adventurers exploring LA, Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu; taking surfing lessons; hiking to the Hollywood sign; going to Universal Studios and Disney Land; doing a Hollywood bus tour; getting into The Price is Right; trying tons of different restaurants; and so much more. I wish I could do BULA all over again!”
Richard Hinds (COM ’07)
Realtor
“I specifically applied to BU because of the existence of the BULA program. It really helped me understand the ins and outs of Los Angeles in my senior year, and helped me springboard into living there after graduation. I made many great friends and contacts during my time in the program, and was able to spend close to 10 years in the entertainment industry as a result of my internship semester.”
Clare Le (CAS ’03)
Marketing & Events Specialist
“It’s not often you interview hours after applying. That Tuesday in 2011 I couldn’t believe “BULA” was ringing my cell already. “Hi, this is Clare. Yes, I can meet Mr. Linsman at 3,” I confirmed.
Bill was warm and personable, authentic and curious. He laughed when I said my superpower is hoovering info and then blasting it to the right people. Under Bill Linsman’s wing, I set out to fill Michael Ouellette’s cavernous shoes as Program Manager, brokering 1,500 internship placements.
In those five years, I witnessed the myriad ways Bill advocated for students and staff, keeping us secure from earthquakes and fires, green juice and faux pas. He had an uncanny ability to remember everyone’s name and could ask “How are you?” in a dozen languages.
And Bill kept us relevant. He’d arrive before dawn to dutifully read the trades so we didn’t have to. One day he scooped me with “Gangham Style” AND the backstory that PSY had lived in Warren Towers. Bill scored tours so often it’s like he had a key to the city. When Bryan Cranston agreed to talk to our students the week of Breaking Bad’s series finale, Bill gently pushed him to, please, autograph a poster too?
No one could tell a great story like Bill. I’m so glad he’s part of mine.”
Whitney Sherman (SED ’08)
Scholar-Practitioner in Global Education
“BULA jumpstarted my career in global and higher education. After graduating from SED in 2008, I was hired as the Program Coordinator (and head Resident Assistant), helping to facilitate high impact learning experiences for many incredibly talented students. Every day at the office was different — whether I was preparing for our amazing site visits (attending on location film shoots, getting a backstage tour at the CBS lot or Paramount, attending table-reads or tapings, etc.) or coordinating the guest lectures for celebrities and other esteemed entertainment professionals. My time at BU LA was pivotal for both my career and my personal life — I even ended up marrying a BU LA alum (Wesley Sherman COM ’08) years later!
Lastly, BULA would not be BULA without Bill Linsman. I’ve yet to meet another educator who is as invested, advocative, and interested in supporting student success as he was. We miss you, Bill.”
Sarah Carvalho (COM ’09)
Freelance Content Writer
“BU in LA gave me invaluable career guidance and experience, but most importantly it gave me invaluable friendships. Friendships that have lasted throughout moves, career shifts, and life changes. I will always be grateful for BU in LA for the people who made it special!”
Grace deVuono (COM ’08)
Writer/BULA Program Manager
“BULA is like college concentrated. I bonded so tightly with my LA classmates (I even ended up marrying one of them!). They became my first and best career network. I came out to LA to be a writer, but it was during the writers’ strike of ’08, so I couldn’t get any internships in scripted. But the internships I had were incredible. I got to learn all the ins and outs of working in a Hollywood office. I learned how to cover a desk, which got me my first job. BULA made me feel ready and excited to move to LA. It was a huge leap of faith, but I didn’t feel scared or unprepared. The program helped me figure out what I wanted out of my first few years after college, and how to go after those goals.”
Wenyu Zeng (COM ’19)
Senior Marketing Specialist – ODK Media, Inc.
“I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the life-changing experience I had in the BULA program. As a student at Boston University, I had always been passionate about the entertainment industry but lacked the guidance and connections to get started. Fortunately, BULA not only brought me from Boston to LA but also provided me with a launch pad for my career. I started with Hylink Digital, and with the support of Michael Ouellette, I had the opportunity to work as a Social Media Assistant for the BULA program. Through these two roles, I was able to meet many amazing alumni and industry professionals, gaining invaluable insights and experiences.
I am forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in BULA and for the unwavering support of its powerful alumni network. Without it, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for your commitment to shaping the future of the entertainment industry and investing in the next generation of leaders.”
Jinny Lang (COM ’10)
Digital Sales Planner, NBCUniversal
“BULA gave me the confidence (and roommates!) I needed to move to LA after graduation. I got to experience a trial run of working in the industry and living in LA. I made great friends, fostered connections, and proved to myself that this was something I could really do.”
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