Those interested in a film and television career can enjoy panels and demonstrations showcasing various creative crafts. (©Academy Museum Foundation / photo by Dana Pleasant and Nick Agro)

The Academy Museum is opening its doors again to introduce aspiring creatives to the world of filmmaking, offering a full-day event with workshops, panels, demonstrations and talks with high-profile professionals such as Jessica Alba and Keke Palmer. The Careers in Film Summit will last from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, and is aimed at high-school and college students, although it is open to all.

“I think there is still a hunger for in-person experiences,” said Christina Ybarra, the museum’s director of education and public engagement. “So, we have a Teen Council here at the museum, and they’re all high school students. We’re on our third or fourth cohort and [in] talking to them to really hear what the things that they are interested and are yearning for, it is that in-person experience. They are very versed in looking things up online and searching and going across social media for information, but to have that conversation – to be able to ask that question in-person, to hear directly from people – is different. I think it’s very intimate and special to have that experience as you’re trying to figure out, ‘What do I want to do as a career? What am I already interested in? And I want to hear from a variety of people all in one day.’ I think that’s also what makes it really unique.”

Alba will kick off the proceedings with an address at 10:30 a.m. in the Ted Mann Theater, showcasing the purpose of the day, which is showing how many different ways there are to be involved in the film and television industry.

“[Alba’s] been in the industry for so long – in front of the camera and then also as a producer – so [we] really [wanted] to share that experience to kick off the day,” Ybarra said. “Somebody can be multi hyphenate and have a lot of experience in different ways in the industry.”

Among the highlights will be the Las Fotos Project.

“It’s an organization that works with young women to learn about photography. And so, every year they come and they do complimentary head shots,” Ybarra said.

At the fifth floor’s Tea Room, attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience a sample film set, orchestrated by cinematographer Ruben Contreras.

“We do kind of like a hot set, so learning about lighting and creating shots and cinematography. People can go and work with cameras and different lighting setups and learn about that in a very open air space,” Ybarra said.

Screenwriting, voice and sound workshops will also be available, including Bob Bergen (Porky Pig) in the education studio.

“This is something that he’s been wanting to do, to reach more people to learn that [voice acting is] also part of the industry – that you can have a really great career doing voice acting,” Ybarra said.

A particular highlight that will showcase  the breadth of careers available in the film and television industry will have sound artists John T. Cucci and Mikaela Padilla – alums of “Superman” and “Wicked: For Good,” respectively – revealing the art of Foley. Foley effects are sound effects, essentially, created in a studio during postproduction to enhance a soundtrack.

“People get really creative with the items they choose to make sounds,” Ybarra said. “This is still something that people do for the film. They’re out there. They still need Foley art.”

Palmer will lead her keynote conversation at 4:30 p.m.

“[Palmer] has a new production company that’s really invested in telling diverse stories and getting more young people to learn about that. And so, every time we have somebody who’s in front of the camera, they also want to share something that they’re working on behind the scenes. I think that’s also good for our students in the audience to see that there’s multiple ways that you can be active in the industry,” Ybarra said.

Palmer’s keynote event will be followed by a panel that showcases other working creatives with their unique advice for aspiring filmmakers and workers.

“We have a [costume designer] on the panel, we have an editor on the panel, we have a production designer on the panel, so really a variety of options for people to hear about their experiences,” Ybarra said.

The day will end with a coffee and career mixer, allowing guests to meet and discuss opportunities with the professionals.

“To get a film made, it’s hundreds of jobs,” Ybarra said. “And so, I think also that’s really enlightening for students to learn about as well – to be like, ‘This isn’t unattainable. There is a way to work inside of this industry and really be part of the storytelling.’”

Attendance is free, but guests are asked to RSVP. For information, visit academymuseum.org/programs/detail/2026-careers-in-film-summit-019c6dd1-f08b-c9dd-086c-822ab4c5f7a5. The Academy Museum is located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd.