Harrington School students had the opportunity of a lifetime on their recent trip to Los Angeles. With VIP tickets to the Ellen DeGeneres Show, thanks to the show’s executive producer and URI alumna, Mary Connelly, students went back stage and into the control room to see how the show is produced. After participating in the audience for the show, with guests including Seth Rogen, Sigourney Weaver, and John Cena, they spent time with Mary Connelly learning about her job and career path starting from URI. It was “an incredible experience”, said Brendan Lorello, a senior in the Harrington School. “I can’t believe the Harrington School gave me this opportunity to learn about the film and TV industry by taking me to California to meet with people who are at the top of the field!”

While in LA, students also met with three other URI graduates, three of whom are Emmy Award winners: Hal Katersky from Pacifica Ventures, which builds and leases Hollywood-style production facilities, Matt Gallant, a well-known TV host and producer/director, and Joel Gallen, a famous Hollywood producer and director. Students also got a three-hour tour of Warner Bros. Studios, including the sets of favorite shows like Friends, props from famous movies over the years, and the Harry Potter exhibit. 

The students selected to participate in this trip had their videos chosen through a “Show Your Love” challenge, creating and submitting a 20-second video on Valentine’s Day, February 14 that explained what they are doing or plan to do to make the world a better place.