Just before Reading Week, forty five media and film students left the British rain behind when they travelled to sunny LA, the film and media industry’s capital, accompanied by staff Jane Thomas, Ross Sarginson, Stephanie McGuiness and Graham Thompson.

The students partook in an extensive programme of educational excursions beginning with an an exclusive Q&A session with Maria Perkurovskaya, Executive Vice President & Head of Creative Advertising for Universal Studios.

The rest of the trip was packed with activities including behind the scenes visits to both Warner Brothers and Universal Studios. Students had the chance to explore the Friends’ set and visit the Mike and Molly set. A couple of students were even lucky enough to spot the cast of The Big Bang Theory arriving at the Studio.

A visit to the Grammy Museum gave students an insight into the awards and they were able to explore the history of musical genres. A trip to the Hollywood Museum included seeing the very chair where Marilyn Monroe became blonde, The Grand Budapest Hotel miniatures and the set from Silence of The Lambs.

In addition to museums and studios the students visited the locations of many famous films and TV shows, this included a trip to Griffith Observatory, one of the most filmed buildings in Los Angeles and locations for such iconic films such as The Terminator and Rebel without a Cause.

To round off all the excitement of the visit there was the opportunity to experience the real LA and see landmarks such as Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Pier.

When asked to describe the experience students commented:

“The best week of my life”, “LA was a once in a lifetime trip”, “LA was very enjoyable and enriching.”

During the trip the students also took part in a photography competition following different themes ensuring their photographic memories were not just ‘selfies’!

Trip leader, Jane Thomas, Subject Tutor in Media and Film Studies said, “The Students were impeccably behaved, making an excellent impression wherever they went. The thing that impressed me most was their constant enthusiasm and engagement; they made the very best of every activity.”