Uniting Past and Present through Film and Television
Marking 60 Years: A Journey through Time
The UCLA Film & Television Archive's 60th anniversary in 2025 is a momentous occasion. It has been a custodian of cinematic history, preserving and sharing stories that have shaped our cultural landscape. This anniversary celebration is a testament to its enduring commitment to the art form.The winter lineup is a diverse tapestry of public programs. It includes rarely screened classic gems that take audiences on a journey through different eras of filmmaking. Retrospectives pay homage to influential filmmakers like Luc Moullet, while family flicks provide a delightful cinematic experience for families. International cinema expands our horizons, and TV treasures offer a glimpse into the golden age of television.Engaging Public Programs: A Celebration of Creativity
The Archive's commitment to sharing stories is evident in the various programs it presents. The "Celebrating Ivan Dixon" series honors a prolific actor, director, and producer who fought for more professional opportunities. The world premiere restorations of his works are a testament to the Archive's dedication to preserving cinematic heritage.The "Luc Moullet: A Retrospective" is one of the season's highlights. Moullet's early recognition for his insights into pulpy masters laid the foundation for his successful career as a director. The new digital restorations of his films bring his works to life in a new light.Peter Falk's "Columbo" episodes are a beloved part of television history. The Archive's screening of these classic episodes, along with rare commercials and Falk's Emmy acceptance speech, is a treat for fans.The "Family Flicks" series continues to provide a haven for families, showcasing new and classic family-friendly films from around the world. It creates a sense of togetherness and shared experiences.Spotlight on Ida Lupino: A Trailblazing Career
Ida Lupino's unique career is celebrated in the "Spotlight on Ida Lupino" weekend. Her contributions as an actor and director are showcased through rare screenings and in-person Q&As. The restoration world premiere of her noir television drama is a significant event that highlights her artistic vision.The "Archive Talks: No Way Out" discussion accompanies the screening of a pioneering film that explored controversial themes. The in-person Q&A with the author provides new insights and interpretations.Documenting Michelle: Uncovering Hidden Treasures
The "Documenting Michelle" program shines a light on the remarkable career of Michelle Parkerson. Her work, often overlooked, explores the lives of Black women in the arts. Her Q&A sessions offer a rare opportunity to hear from an influential artist.The "Legacy Project Screening Series" presents works from the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, the largest publicly accessible collection of LGBTQ+ films. The screening of various camp classics and in-person Q&As add depth to the series.Disclosure: Trans Re-Reading of American Cinema
The "Disclosure: A Trans Re-Reading of American Cinema" series examines transgender depictions in television. In-person appearances by key figures like Tre'vell Anderson and Zackary Drucker bring a new perspective to the screen.The Genius of Jay Ward: Rocky, Bullwinkle, and Beyond
Animation enthusiasts are treated to a mega-mix tribute to Jay Ward. The screening of beloved characters like Rocky, Bullwinkle, and Super Chicken, along with rare gems, showcases the genius of this iconic producer.A Tribute to Bob Rosen: A Legacy Remembered
The Archive pays tribute to the late Robert "Bob" Rosen with a screening of "Kiss Me Deadly." His significant impact on the film community is remembered, and his contributions are celebrated.Food and Film: A Culinary and Cinematic Delight
The season concludes with the "Food and Film" series, partnering with Alice Waters. The screening of "The Automat" captures the nostalgia of a famous restaurant chain and fosters a sense of community.Screenings held at the Billy Wilder Theater at the Hammer Museum are free through June 2025, thanks to an anonymous donor. This makes these cinematic experiences accessible to a wider audience.The UCLA Film & Television Archive's winter lineup is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and cultural heritage. It invites audiences to immerse themselves in the world of film and television and discover the stories that have shaped our lives.Preserving Britain's TV Industry through Diversity
Impact of Streaming on TV
Nandy fears that if people continue to rely on streaming services, Britain will become a fragmented society. When the shows they make don't mirror and resonate with the country, and don't directly connect with people, they'll switch off. This is evident as we see people leaving TV for streaming or online platforms. It's not just detrimental to the TV industry but to the nation as a whole, as it leads to atomization. She emphasizes that TV won't survive without addressing this issue.For instance, consider a popular drama series that fails to represent the diverse backgrounds of the country. Viewers from different walks of life may feel excluded, leading them to seek entertainment elsewhere. This shows the importance of having a diverse range of shows that can connect with everyone.
Government's Role in Addressing Diversity
This is not the first time Nandy has warned TV industry leaders about the lack of diversity. She admits that the government's information on diversity within the industry is "very, very poor" due to the large number of freelancers. As part of her three-step plan, she hopes to bolster statistics on the industry's workforce, making it difficult for industry leaders to make excuses when the data is clear.She also aims to expand the government's "creative careers programme," which has already been initiated under Labour. This programme, designed and led by the industry and funded by the government, raises awareness about the various jobs available. Since 2023, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided funding to enable insiders to work with teachers, parents, and careers advisers to help young people from non-industry backgrounds find their way in.
Diversity in the Creative Industries
Younger adults from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to work in the creative industries compared to their middle-class peers, according to the Sutton Trust. The charity's research also highlights the extent of the problem in the UK's arts and music industries. For example, 43% of Britain's bestselling classical musicians and 35% of Bafta-nominated actors attended private schools, while only 7% of the British population does.This emphasizes the need to go to schools and help young people not only acquire the necessary skills but also instill the belief that the industry is accessible to them. Attracting diverse young people into the industry is one thing, but ensuring their progress is another challenge.
National Story Initiative
As part of the final step in her plan, Nandy hopes her national story project will thrive. It serves as a means to bring in thoughtful individuals for a better debate on how to address long-standing problems that governments have promised to solve but haven't.She believes that governments don't change things alone; people do, but they need government support. By promoting this initiative, she aims to create a more inclusive and diverse creative environment.
Funding for Grassroots Music Venues
Addressing concerns about funding for grassroots music venues, Nandy wants to implement statutory levies on arena and stadium tickets to raise funds. However, she first wants to see if the industry can "get its own house in order." The voluntary levies are showing promising signs of success, as she has met with musician Ed Sheeran and other industry leaders to discuss this.The Commons culture, media and sport committee has welcomed the government's backing for a levy but has called for a clear deadline for the industry to act. If no significant progress is made, a hearing with the sector will be held in six months.
Nandy also notes that the government is considering various funding models to assist struggling freelancers in the industry, given the prevalence of unpaid internships.Uniting Creativity and Expertise at Telemundo Studios
Executive Director at Sony Pictures Entertainment
Jacqueline Castro recently served as the Executive Director of Unscripted Content and Production for Sony Pictures Entertainment. During this time, she oversaw projects for both the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets, demonstrating her ability to navigate diverse markets and deliver high-quality content. She was responsible for executive producing several high-profile unscripted series, such as Netflix's "Dale, Dale," TV Azteca's "Escape Perfecto" (2023), and Sony Channel's "Shark Tank Mexico" (Seasons 7–9) and "Shark Tank Colombia" (Seasons 5 and 6). Her work at Sony Pictures Entertainment laid the foundation for her future success.Her leadership and creative vision played a crucial role in the success of these projects. She was able to bring together a team of talented professionals and guide them towards achieving their goals. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in every aspect of the production process.
Through her work at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Jacqueline Castro established herself as a respected figure in the industry. Her expertise and experience made her a valuable asset to the company and helped to shape its content strategy.
New VP of Production at Telemundo Studios
Introducing the new VP of Production at Telemundo Studios, Jacqueline Castro. She served as an executive producer for more than 11 years at TV Azteca in Mexico City, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. In her new role, she will lead production strategy for in-house and third-party productions under the Telemundo banner.Castro will collaborate closely with the team and report directly to Javier Pons, Executive Vice President of Telemundo Studios. Her deep understanding of Spanish-language media and her commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative productions will play a key role in driving the growth of Telemundo Studios and strengthening its connection with Latino audiences across the globe.
With her extensive experience in production and content development, Castro is well-positioned to lead Telemundo Studios into the future. She is passionate about delivering bold, groundbreaking content that will captivate and inspire audiences everywhere.
Early Career at Televisa
Castro began her career at Televisa in March 2006 as a Production pro. After graduating from Universidad Anáhuac, which has campuses across CDMX and other areas of Mexico, she embarked on her journey in the media industry. Her early years at Televisa laid the groundwork for her future success and gave her the opportunity to develop her skills and gain valuable experience.During her time at Televisa, she worked on various production projects and gained a deep understanding of the industry. Her dedication and hard work earned her the respect of her colleagues and superiors, and she quickly rose through the ranks.
Her early career at Televisa served as a stepping stone for her future achievements. It gave her the confidence and skills needed to take on more challenging roles and responsibilities.
Head of Production at Mediapro Studios in Mexico
From April 2008 through April 2019, Jacqueline Castro was at TV Azteca. During this time, she became the Head of Production and Content for Mediapro Studios in Mexico. Her leadership and expertise in production and content development were instrumental in the success of the studio.She was responsible for overseeing the production of various projects and ensuring their quality and timeliness. Her ability to manage teams and resources effectively was evident in her work at Mediapro Studios.
Her time at Mediapro Studios further enhanced her reputation as a talented and experienced production professional. She was able to bring her creative vision to life and deliver exceptional content that resonated with audiences.