Written Works (For Masters Program): Op-Eds, News Releases, FAQ Sheets, Feature Stories

Op Ed: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Relive Your Favorite Childhood Memories

By Amber Darbouze

  For the first time ever, I felt like I belonged somewhere that inspired me and made me want to laugh, cry, and smile all at the same time. I promise I’m not talking about food; I’m recalling my recent visit to the brand-new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. 

 As a little girl I dreamt about making films, the bright stage lights, the director shouting out lines, the actors making a script come to life, I loved anything film related, and now I’m able to visit The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to see where films all began. 

The museum is the go-to destination for film enthusiasts or just casual visitors alike because of its profound insight into the world of film and behind the scenes of some of the most popular films ever curated. Maybe I’m just an ecstatic film goer but walking through the museum gave me a sense of nostalgia in the best way possible. The museum features exhibit after exhibit, and most of them include televisions playing Academy Award winning films. As I was watching these films I was reminded of my childhood, when my parents would take me to the movies on a school night to watch the newest age-appropriate movie. They knew I wouldn’t stop asking to go so they just took me, and every time I was smiling from ear to ear. Strolling through the museum gave me that feeling I had when I was younger -- walking through I knew there was something special about this place.  

Films have tremendously evolved over time, and at the museum you will understand that it wasn’t always “Hollywood” that made a film popular. It took a while to get filmmakers properly equipped to create their masterpieces. While you slowly make your way through the museum you learn that it’s truly an incredible process for how props, and animation come to life on screen. The exhibits are all delicately constructed to tell the history behind filmmaking, and what it means to the world. While you walk through seven floors of film posters, art, props, two large theaters, and a plethora of exhibits this grand museum truly encompasses how vivacious and enormous the film industry really is. Paying homage to the film industry's diverse group of talented artists it also explains how much it has evolved in terms of race, religion, and gender. You get to see a lot of firsts throughout the museum; the first African American to win an Oscar, the first time the Oscars occurred, and also the fact that this is the first Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. 

Academy Museum director Bill Kramer stated, “From the conception in 2011 to opening was a full 10 years. To start with nothing, just an idea, and to arrive at a privately-funded fully realized project, is not a long time. We needed this much time to create something that is an invention. There is no film museum in the US; there's no museum in the US solely devoted to movie making. There was a lot of experimentation and iterating, and conversations, and I think it's brought us to this incredible place."

I was able to feel like I was a part of all these different worlds that I had grown up watching, and now I was actually looking with my own eyes at original character props they used from some of the most famous, and Oscar winning films:

  • Star Wars (R2-D2 & C-3PO).

  • Edward Scissorhands (costume).

  • The Shape of Water (the creature's outfit).

  • Up (Original 3d mold)

  • The Nightmare Before Christmas (Claymation figures)

  • The Fantastic Mr. Fox (Claymation figures)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community where you can relive some of the most influential and sentimental films from your childhood. At least for me I couldn’t ask for a better museum. Admiring more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film, this museum was built from love and dedication to the beautiful history and innovative present of the film industry. 



News Release: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

The Curtains Have Been Raised

By Amber Darbouze

  Lights! Camera! Museum! The long-awaited Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has opened its doors for moviegoers to see the magic behind their favorite classics.

The museum opened its doors to the public on September 30, 2021 and they opened in none other than sunny Los Angeles. Visitors will walk through the evolution of filmography. Of special interest to visitors now through June 2022 is the new Hayao Miyazaki exhibit. Opening September 30, 2021, this dreamy exhibit takes you through the world of animation films.

Bill Kramer, Director of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, said, “The design of the circular entrance to the exhibit was to make the audience feel like they’re a part of something special within Studio Ghibli.”

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 to facilitate the film styles of two of its leading filmmakers, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. These artists are genuine in everything they do -- with authenticity, they have created an empire that’s admired by billions. Nostalgia will take over as you see characters from, “Ponyo” and “My Neighbor Totoro” as they walk you through their elaborate filmmaking process that brought you your most beloved characters to life. You will get a glimpse of their original sketches from their films, insight into their filmmaking process, and the beauty of Studio Ghibli. You have until June 5, 2022, to head over to sunny Los Angeles and enjoy the immersive experience of Hayao Miyazaki through The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

What makes this exhibit so special are the mesmerizingly beautiful fixtures and interactive designs:

  • The first thing visitors walk through is a circular wall playing films like Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and so many more. 

  • An interactive skylight that was curated for the exhibit.

  • Fixtures that were modeled after some of the props within the Studio Ghibli productions.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.



FAQ Sheet: The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

FAQ

By Amber Darbouze

1. What is the mission of The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures?

The museum opened as a way to pay homage to the extensive history behind motion pictures. Giving ecstatic movie goers an inside and immersive experience into the beginnings of film and expanding people’s knowledge of what the film industry truly entails.

2. What is the best way to view/walk through the museum?

The museum was curated for the viewer to be taken through a passage of time in film history. Therefore you start on the lower level, and as you walk up to the fifth floor you are able to see film history evolve into what it is today. Additionally, there is a gift shop and restaurant located on the first floor to take home some of your favorite film merchandise while grabbing a bite to eat. 

3. What is the museum’s photography policy?

You are allowed to take pictures throughout the entire museum except for the Hayao Miyazaki exhibit located on the 4th floor. In addition, there is a designated outdoor deck on the 5th floor of the museum with a view of the Hollywood Hills where you can snap as many pictures as you like.

4. Which exhibits offer the most interactive experiences?

Almost all of the exhibits include interactive parts such as seats to view screens, a shadowgraphy wall, and a theater to watch a short film that was created for a very deep viewing experience. 

5. How has the opening of the museum changed people’s perception of the film industry?

The museum was not meant to change anyone’s perception, it was created to tell a story. Just like films are stories -- the museum tells the story of when it all began. If the museum is able to positively change people’s perception of the film industry then that’s just a plus for us. Special attention has been paid to offering access to an array of visitors.



Feature Story: Thanksgiving

The One Day a Year You Can Unbutton Your Jeans at Table 

By Amber Darbouze

The time has come for the family to assemble and share funny stories from the action-packed year, share a tasty glass of wine with a friend that you haven’t had time to see, and don’t forget about the best part: the long-awaited Thanksgiving dinner where you’re grandma whips up her infamous mac n’ cheese. It’s the one day of the year you are allowed to unbutton your jeans at the table, let your greasy hair down, and have those awkward conversations with relatives whom you may not have seen in years. It’s about scrambling the day before trying to find the last turkey left in stores, and a possible fight ready to pop-off in your local Ralphs between you and a fellow last-minute-turkey-goer, and honestly would it really be Thanksgiving if you aren’t fighting over turkey? 

What makes the holiday season so special is that no matter how stressful it becomes there will always be laughs and memories that will be engraved in your mind for the rest of your life.

Christmas has rolled around and you are bringing your new college boyfriend to meet the family for the first time. Except, I’m not talking about meeting just the immediate family but I’m talking about meeting the second cousins, your dads cousins, and for whatever reason there’s always that random family friend that comes up to you to squeeze your 24-year-old cheeks saying “Do you remember me, ugh I remember when you were 2 years old!” I’m talking about how your boyfriend has to meet the whole squad and the anxiety that you acquire from that task. 

What about hell on earth when you drag yourself to wait in those ridiculous lines on Black Friday just to make sure you get every bang for your buck since the holiday season can become extremely expensive. You do it anyway just to make sure you buy your mom the most basic sweater from JC Penney’s that you know she will never wear but when she opens it on Christmas day tears will swell up in her eyes because she’s just happy you’re home. The lies you tell your younger siblings about how “Santa ate all the cookies,” but in reality, you stayed up all night trying to stuff the burnt gingerbread cookies down your throat and the excitement they get when they bounce on your bed at 5 am wanting to open presents. These are the moments that we cherish.

The 31st of December has come, and as you make the same old New Year’s resolution of losing ten pounds like you do every year you find yourself smiling as you watch the alluring fireworks bloom in the distance, because as much as the holidays were stress-inducing there’s something oddly loveable and stress-reducing about them that leads you to say, “I love the damn holidays.”

 



Personal Op Ed: Squid Game

“Red Light, Green Light, then No Light…”

By Amber Darbouze

Squid Game has been all I can think about for the past week and as insane as it sounds I keep asking myself: “Would I play this game?”

This strangely addicting K-Drama television show, directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has taken off on Netflix because of its undoubtable closeness to reality. The idea of throwing 456 people in a game that risks their lives for a grand prize of 45.6 billion won sounds absurd, but imagine throwing 456 of society's most destitute people, willing to do anything for money, into a game where they can win 45.6 billion won. This show is taking a fresh lens on essentially the hierarchy between rich and poor, and the increase in poverty. In just 9 episodes you will be crying, cheering, laughing, and sitting on the edge of your seat impatiently to see how far these people will take it, and what will they do with their winnings. If you’re wondering why there are myriad GIFS on social media that may include a tall robotic girl and possible shapes, then that’s because you haven’t seen Squid Game.

Director Dong-hyuk said, “I came to wonder how I’d feel if I took part in the games myself. But I found the games too complex, and for my own work focused instead on using kids’ games.” 

The director left me with twisted emotions that had me horrifyingly wondering if I would participate in a game like this. Maybe in certain circumstances: 

  • The inability to pay off a debt that sucks the life out of me, a.k.a Grad School.

  • If I had kids that needed to survive, and I was unable to provide the necessities like a kidney transplant for them.

  • Trying to repay a large debt I have with the wrong people.

Then I think to myself, would I be willing to kill people for money? I know I wouldn’t, but it sure does make for some intriguing K-Drama.  I’m sure everyone watching this hit television show is asking themselves the same thing so now it’s your turn to answer, would you play…???



News Release: National Park Closure on Labor Day

LABOR DAY WEEKEND PAUSED -- ALL CALIFORNIA NATIONAL FORESTS CLOSED

By Amber Darbouze

The whole family is squished in the van that was originally made for five -- but somehow fits six-- is making the long trek up to Yosemite for the weekend. The kids are squirming, while the parents sing along to their favorite Beatles song, waiting to get out and roast their first s'mores. The van approaches the entrance to the park and after the seven-hour road trip… dun. dun. dun. The front entrance reads, “The park is closed until September 17.” Everyone takes their phone out to see what’s going on. The major news platforms state that, “All National Parks, and Forests in California are closed due to the high risk of wildfires.”

Closing the national parks was a tough decision because Labor Day weekend is historically the busiest weekend for National Parks. Officials realized that the scarcity of rain and previous fires have left the forests in a terrible condition, and just one campfire could ignite a catastrophe. The irrevocable decision to close was ignited by forest activists to reduce not only the detrimental wildfires, but they want to spare the lives of innocent tourists. 

“We do not take this decision lightly but this is the best choice for public safety,” said Jennifer Eberlien, Regional Forester at the United States Department of Agriculture.

Although the closure is only till the 17th, local stores and small businesses will be missing out on the typical holiday revenue that helps support the parks-- especially the most-visited National Parks in California including:

  • Joshua Tree (California)

  • Kings Canyon (California)  

  • Lassen Volcanic (California) 

  • Redwood National (and State Parks)

  • Sequoia (California)

  • Yosemite  (California) 

Together, state park system lands protect and preserve an unparalleled collection of culturally and environmentally sensitive structures and habitats, threatened plant and animal species, ancient Native American sites, historic structures and artifacts... the best of California's natural and cultural history. Additionally, the Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) develops grant programs to provide funding for local, state, and nonprofit organization projects. Since 1964, more than 7,400 local parks throughout California have been created or improved from OGALS' grant funding. Since 2000, the program has administered approximately $3 billion in grant funding throughout California.



Thought Leadership Piece: Written in the Perspective of Megan Savitt (I did not interview Ms. Savitt this was purely for class)

Who is Ms. Sulewski?

By Amber Darbouze

Claudia Sulewski’s consistent persona on her platforms inspired me so tremendously that I had no other choice but to willingly become her manager for free. 

She is vibrant and fresh, she has created a platform that people can relate to. She began as a naive 12 year-old girl from the windy city of Chicago, creating makeup videos on Youtube, “the best ways to style your hair for school.” At least for me and my generation these videos were all the hype back in the early 2010 era of Youtube. Ms. Sulewski has always portrayed a happy-go-lucky persona on social media and I believe this is what has given her the huge platform she has today. As her manager she constantly reminds me of her goal which is to build strong connections with her followers. I know that her genuinity is the reason why her platform is doing this great.  Creating relationships with other charismatic influencers and fans has given her the ability to climb to the top of the influencer chain. She has drastically updated her video editing skills to provide a better viewing experience to her fans. They are waiting on the edges of their seats for her to post a new Youtube video every week. She has made her vlogs aesthetically pleasing and not only for her followers but also for herself. She loves to spend time making vlogs because she gets to feel like she’s in control of her social media empire, especially when cancel culture is so prevalent. 

I’ve learned from all the early 4 am calls I get from Ms. Sulewski that she  puts in 110% energy into her work at all hours of the day. She is the definition of a hard worker or “workaholic” -- no matter what the internet has to say, in my opinion, she is by far the most inclusive influencer out there. 

Ms. Sulewski once said, “YouTube is a platform where you can literally say and do anything and there’s so much power in your hands, so I want to be more mindful of that and be a positive light.” Not only is she a beauty guru, she is also an activist on social issues and speaks out for social injustices such as:

  • Black Lives Matter

  • Women's Voting Rights

  • LGBTQ+ Community

She is different from the other average influencers because yes, she focuses on beauty and lifestyle, but she leaves room to incorporate issues that affect the people around her such as her fans. It’s refreshing to be able to see someone branch out of their comfort zones and express their open opinions about sensitive topics. Her soul radiates light and positivity and that is directly reflected in anything she does when it comes to videography or photo shoots. During the Black Lives Matter riots she started a fundraiser that would help the families of the black lives that were lost to unlawful police brutality. She didn’t just repost random videos on her social media; she was proactive about the situation. She doesn’t do it just for show but for her own peace of mind. 

Due to her growing status as an influencer there are going to be opposing voices that hate on her but she pulls out a “classy” act -- silence.  There are times when she gets hate comments saying “she uses her boyfriend, Finneas, brother of pop-star Billie Eilish, for fame and to climb the social influencer ladder,” but she stays true to what she believes. She makes it obvious that the only support she needs are her loyal and passionate followers, and that’s all she needs to keep herself going. 

Ms. Sulewski is the purest person I have ever met, and I think she deserves all the praise she gets on her platforms. Her success does not stop here as she makes her way to the acting world. After that, who knows? Maybe a singing career. It all depends on her because with her attitude and drive, her options are endless.