Passing The Torch

Mentoring the Entertainment Industry of the Future

This intergenerational mentorship program connects students exploring careers in Film and TV with retired and semi-retired industry members. Mentors enhance existing programs either in-person or virtually. Participation can include hands-on classroom activities and filming, panel discussions, and 1:1 mentorship. Retirees share their knowledge not typically found in academic settings, focusing on underserved communities.

In an industry where knowledge is often passed informally, Passing The Torch formalizes mentorship to ensure that students—many of whom may only be aware of high-visibility roles like actor or director—can discover the vast range of essential behind-the-scenes jobs that bring film and television projects to life. From camera operators and costumers to editors and production coordinators, these roles are often overlooked yet offer stable, union-backed careers that form the backbone of the entertainment industry.

The program launched with a pilot panel at SoLa Studios Film Production Program that trains and inspires the next generation of entertainment leaders from South Los Angeles, where industry veterans like retired first assistant director John Poer and production coordinator and IATSE Local 871 member Lois Walker shared candid insights with high school students. The experience earned positive responses from the students.

Since then, the program has expanded to include in-class mentors; 1:1 mentorship; script to screen and capstone project mentors; and mentor workshops with students from the Roybal Film & Television Magnet High School, Grant High School, Venice Arts, and more thanks to financial support from The Eisner Foundation and partnerships with EIF (The Entertainment Industry Foundation) and MENTOR California.
 

“Thank you to the mentors that made me feel more sure on what I want to do. I’ve been so scared not knowing how to accomplish my goals, but they made me realize it doesn’t matter how I get there.”

-ROYBAL STUDENT

Passing The Torch has been recognized by both Generations United and the National Council on Aging for intergenerational innovation.