
Sammy Barr
BA, Cinema and Media Studies '25
Why did you want to study C.A.M.S.?
I feel like Cinema and Media Studies touches everything that Hollywood has to offer. With C.A.M.S., I feel like you’re able to learn by immersing yourself into the analytical side of movies and TV shows while also getting to be a part of the incredible community and network that SCA has to offer. It truly is one of those divisions where you get back what you put in, and if you’ve fallen in love with this art form, then your possibilities are endless.
How do you think SCA will prepare you for the career you want to have?
SCA gives you the freedom to explore every aspect of content creation, and when you combine that freedom to explore with being able to learn from the best teachers in the world, there really isn’t a doubt in my mind that I’ll be beyond prepared when it comes time to apply for internships or to make a pitch. This school is very much a microcosm of the industry we're going into, and that’s what makes the switch from academia to the real world so much easier.
What have been your greatest successes and challenges of school so far?
Success wise, I would say that I’ve been able to find a really solid group of friends that have each other‘s backs no matter what. I know it’s something we may take for granted in our everyday lives, but those people that you choose to surround yourself with are really the ones that are going to be there for you at the end of the day, and I’m really happy with the ones that have come into my life. When it comes to challenges, I definitely feel like I need to work on balance more. I’ve always been the king of procrastination, and I’ve had to learn the hard way this semester that I can’t always do that anymore.
What projects have you worked on that you’re proud of?
For our CNTV101 class, we had to make a short film on what it means to be a Trojan. I got the opportunity to act in it which is something I’ve always wanted to do but had never had the chance to before, and I was beyond proud of the way the final product came out. The team around me was absolutely incredible, and for me to be able to go out and just have fun in front of the camera… It was honestly something I really loved.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying to SCA?
Leave it all on the table. Forget about trying to sound like a “perfect“ applicant and just go out there and talk about what you’re really passionate about. There’s no formula to get into SCA, but the single thread that runs through every single student is our desire to create something of value. So when you’re applying, show that and don’t just tell it.