George Clooney's Film High School Celebrates First Graduating Class

Roybal Film and Television Magnet, which was co-founded by George Clooney, was created four years ago to build a pipeline into the film and TV industry for underrepresented students.

Credit: Clooney Foundation

For many students in Los Angeles, breaking into Hollywood can feel like a dream that's out of reach. But now, the first graduating class of a unique film and television program is proving that talent can come from any ZIP code and the 46 graduating students are ready to make their mark in the entertainment industry. "Being able to wear the cap and gown, saying that I made it this far with all the trials and tribulations, it's a great thing," student Nathan Zacarias told CBS.

Zacarias said his diploma is more than the traditional milestone; it's a ticket into the film and television industry that he grew up watching from the outside. "It really leads us to understand what it is to be in this industry before we even step foot in it."

In ninth and tenth grades, Roybal students study all areas of film and television production. In eleventh and twelfth grade, students choose to focus on one career pathway. From costume design to cinematography, students learn the craft behind the camera. The program also connects teens with mentors and industry professionals to help set the stage for what comes next. Industry leaders said the school helps fill a labor gap as Hollywood will need tens of thousands of behind-the-scenes crew in the coming years.

"I will make it to the big screen," Zacarias said. "No doubt about that."