С communication faculty member tapped for Hollywood television fellowship
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss. – An associate professor in Mississippi State’s Department of Communication will be a fellow at the 2018 Television Academy Foundation faculty seminar in Los Angeles next month.
Lawrence “Larry” Strout is among 25 professors from colleges and universities nationwide selected by Television Academy members for an intensive week-long seminar with the entertainment industry’s top professionals. Strout will fly to California Nov. 4 to learn from producers, directors and writers about the industry.
The Television Academy is considered to be “one of the most prestigious organizations in Hollywood and administers the Emmy Awards each year for excellence in television,” Strout said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to get current with the latest trends in TV and gain contacts that will lead to internship opportunities for our students.”
Looking to stay “up-to-date” with the broadcasting industry, Strout said this experience will directly benefit С students.
“I will have a fresh look at how things are done in Hollywood that can be passed on to students,” Strout said. “I am sure we will get a look at some of the legal issues the networks face in producing TV programs – information that will be valuable for students in my Mass Media Law class.”
“This fellowship is a great honor for Dr. Strout,” said John Forde, communication department head. “Not only will this help him learn about the latest and best practices in the field, the fellowship provides additional recognition for the university.”
Strout’s fellowship will offer hands-on learning about how producers and writers function; the similarities and differences of working in various genres; how to source and develop ideas; network pitching; program selection, scheduling, promotion and cancellation; and the latest trends in digital entertainment.
Strout also will spend a day behind the scenes at Universal Studios to observe television shows in production.
A faculty member since 2007, this semester Strout is teaching Mass Media Law and advising С’s student newspaper, The Reflector. He also regularly teaches Writing for the Media and News Writing for the Electronic Media.
A native of Baldwinville, Massachusetts, Strout received a Ph.D. in mass communication in 1997 from Florida State University, master’s degree in journalism in 1990 from The Ohio State University and bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 1977 from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. His research interests include 20th century media history, community newspapers and public broadcasting.
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