\u201cTen years ago, there was hardly any production in Fort Worth outside of a few independent films and commercials that shot here,\u201d Jenkins said. \u201cThe landscape today is vastly different, and that\u2019s largely because of Taylor Sheridan and 101 Studios relocating a lot of their production to Fort Worth.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"image.jpeg\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/4ed2c8bb50f5d390d3a9e73845b8410371d9155903e50337fb90ec935310860dfde3e36c237f93ad8496fb09e300e4a83801.jpeg\")
Actors Demi Moore, Dani Raen, Jon Hamm and Rylie Rodriguez at TCU\u2019s Lowdon Track and Field Complex during season one filming of \u201cLand Man\u201d (Photo by Emerson Miller for Paramount+)<\/p>\n
That growth has also created opportunities for TCU students. Jenkins said students have been invited to shadow production units on \u201cLandman<\/a>,\u201d which has filmed scenes at TCU, allowing them to observe a professional production and make connections on set.<\/p>\n Jenkins said 101 Studios has also sent industry professionals to speak to TCU students, and TCU graduates have gone on to work for the company.<\/p>\n Still, interviews with students show that access to those opportunities can differ.<\/p>\n Students find different paths into the industry<\/p>\n Ivery Lechuga, a senior double majoring in creative writing and film, television and digital media, has found professional experience through connections.<\/p>\n Lechuga worked on season two of \u201cThe Shift\u201d after Seifried told her about production applications. She also began an internship with a veteran producer after Jenkins communicated the opportunity to a group of students.<\/p>\n For Lechuga, one lesson about entering the film industry has become particularly clear: Connections, connections, connections. She said her classes have provided a foundation in film, but she would like to see more hands-on production work incorporated into coursework.<\/p>\n Ethan Kenagy, a sophomore theater major with an emphasis in acting, has worked as a background actor on Taylor Sheridan productions. Kenagy said the work has given him experience on professional sets. He has experienced networking opportunities at TCU, including a seminar connected to a Sheridan production filming on campus.<\/p>\n First-year student Miranda Morin has found a larger market for acting opportunities since coming to TCU.<\/p>\n Morin is a marketing major pursuing acting outside of her major. She grew up in a small town in Michigan and performed throughout high school and at a community theater, where she also stage managed and choreographed musical theater productions.<\/p>\n Since coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Morin has gained experience on one set and auditioned for other opportunities in the region.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s so much opportunity for so many things,\u201d Morin said. \u201cI just think there\u2019s so many different options if you\u2019re not originally from here.\u201d<\/p>\n Abby Smith, a sophomore business of entertainment media major, has had a different experience. Smith said she hasn\u2019t heard about many film opportunities so far, though she acknowledged she could make greater use of the resources available to her.<\/p>\n Smith, who is interested in costume and production design and potentially directing, said she would like more opportunities to learn about both the business and production sides of the industry.<\/p>\n The students\u2019 experiences show that being close to a growing production industry does not create the same path into it for everyone.<\/p>\n Networking beyond TCU<\/p>\n Jenkins said building that network is not entirely the responsibility of faculty or the department. Students also have a role in seeking opportunities and becoming involved.<\/p>\n Students can build relationships with classmates, participate in organizations such as the Student Filmmakers Association <\/a>and develop professional networks while still in college.<\/p>\n![\"image.png\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/dd2d01adb76a8d8d6f4303b2c843e9ab42ad3a5aff85d0c1de533294e708685c77a92e4a42c9030d9d74162d404a53362e16.png\")
Production materials for season one of \u201cThe Shift,\u201d an independent reality series about respiratory therapy. (Photo courtesy of The Shift)<\/p>\n