February 2025 Alumni Highlights: White Lotus Season 3, NAACP Image Awards, Captain America, and More
The entertainment world is buzzing with new releases, accolades and industry-defining contributions from alumni of The Los Angeles Film School. The White Lotus Season 3 welcomes back John Valerio as Editor and Producer, ensuring the HBO hit maintains its compelling storytelling and striking visuals. Tiffany J. Johnson’s NAACP Image Award win for How to Die Alone affirms her status as a top-tier comedy director. Brad Salo’s prop design enhances Captain America: Brave New World. Oz Rodriguez co-directs Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music and directs Goosebumps Season 2, showcasing his directorial range. These alumni are shaping Hollywood with creativity and innovation.
The White Lotus Season 3
Veteran editor and producer John Valerio (Film, 2004) is once again making his mark in the realms of film and television with his work on HBO’s highly anticipated The White Lotus Season 3. Known for his meticulous editing and production, Valerio brings decades of experience to the acclaimed series, ensuring a season filled with compelling narratives and masterfully crafted scenes. Beyond The White Lotus, Valerio’s impressive portfolio includes Jack Ryan, Locke & Key, and Ferrari, showing his skills across genres.
Synopsis (via imdb):
The third season of the social satire is set at an exclusive Thai resort and follows the exploits of various guests and employees over the span of a week.
Tiffany J. Johnson Wins NAACP Image Award for How to Die Alone
Tiffany J. Johnson’s (Film, 2009) exceptional directing talent earned her the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series. Her acclaimed work on Hulu’s How to Die Alone, particularly the episode “Trust No One,” highlights her mastery of comedic timing and narrative innovation. This award cements her growing influence in television and underscores How to Die Alone as a standout comedy.
Synopsis (via Hulu):
How to Die Alone” follows Mel (Rothwell), a broke, fat, Black JFK airport employee who’s never been in love and forgotten how to dream, until an accidental brush with death catapults her on a journey to finally take flight and start living by any means necessary
Captain America: Brave New World
Brad Salo (Film 2011), a seasoned Assistant Property Master, had a hand in Marvel’s upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. His work in prop design ensures an immersive cinematic experience, elevating the film’s authenticity and visual impact.
Salo’s career highlights include working on Everything Everywhere All at Once, where innovative props were central to the film’s storytelling, and HBO’s Euphoria, known for its striking cinematography. His contributions to Brave New World promise fans another thrilling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Synopsis (via Rotten Tomatoes):
Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who’s officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
Axel Alvarez-Avalos: 3D Animation Talent Behind Mortal Kombat 1, Hogwarts Legacy, and Blacktop Hoops VR
Axel Alvarez-Avalos (Animation 2022) is making moves in the gaming industry as a Junior Art Director at The Platform Group. He has worked on games such as Mortal Kombat 1, Hogwarts Legacy, and various Batman games, contributing to their immersive animation and design.
In addition to his work at The Platform Group, Alvarez-Avalos is a 3D Animator at Vinci Games where he continues to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment, working on Blacktop Hoops, a cutting-edge VR basketball game available on Steam and the Oculus Store.
Oz Rodriguez Brings Musical & Horror Stories to Life
Spotlight Academy Member Oz Rodriguez (Film 2003) has been busy with his latest projects. He co-directed Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music with Questlove, celebrating the legendary musical history of Saturday Night Live. This documentary special, now streaming on Peacock, explores the show’s most iconic performances and influential artists.
Rodriguez also directs an episode of Goosebumps Season 2 for Disney+. Titled The Boy Who Cried Monster, this adaptation of R.L. Stine’s classic tale blends suspense and humor, promising a nostalgic thrill for fans of the book series.
With an impressive portfolio spanning comedy, music, and horror, Rodriguez continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling. His diverse contributions further cement his reputation as a versatile and visionary filmmaker.
Entertainment News
“Conclave,” a thriller about the election of a new pope, prevailed at the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, winning the top prize for best motion picture cast.
Studio Time: How Production Companies Are Finding Ways For Their Brands to Share More of the Credit on TV Series | Variety
TV studios are flexing their brand muscle more than ever in the streaming age. Studios have been more aggressive in getting their names out there and making sure viewers learn which company is actually producing their favorite series.
Beyond Bragging Rights: The $1.2 Billion Streaming Boost of Best Picture Nominees | TheWrap
Netflix originals have had the biggest Oscar nomination revenue impact, according to Parrot Analytics data
ScreenShare: A data partnership between ScreenEngine/ASI & TheWrap
Live Nation Earned a Record $23.1 Billion in Revenue Last Year | billboard.com
Through mid-February, 2025 stadium shows are up 60% from the prior-year period and 65 million tickets have been sold for Live Nation concerts, a double-digit annual increase.
We love learning about what our alums are working on in the entertainment industry. If you’re an L.A. Film School alum with an upcoming project, tell us about it! Connect with us and send your project details!