FOX’s “Empire” Selects Grambling State Student to Shoot Final Season
Kayla Sullers, Mass Communication Sophomore, Interns on Set of Hit Series Finale
Grambling State University student Kayla Sullers landed the internship of a lifetime, working with camera and production teams behind the scenes of FOX’s critically-acclaimed TV show Empire during its final season.
“Everything so far has been very hands-on,” said Sullers when asked to highlight her favorite parts of the experience. “From my very first day, I started on set, witnessing every aspect of pre-production along with the production standpoint.”
Sullers was recommended for a camera department internship by a film company she had previously done work for. After three rounds of interviews, she was hired as one of 13 interns who provide camera set up and maintenance, manage filming equipment, and shadow the grip department, directors and the A-list cast who support the show including Taraji P. Henson, Terrance Howard, Yazz and others.
Prior to college, her work as a filmmaker and videographer have been recognized by the Museum of Science & Industry Black Art Exhibition and WTTW Chicago Public Media. Sullers’ work has won such awards as the CineYouth Festival Award Recipient from the Chicago International Film Festival.
“My education and work experience at Grambling helped prepare me for the real workforce as well as interacting with others in the best presentation of myself,” said Sullers.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, and rising sophomore at Grambling State, Sullers chose to major in Mass Communication with a concentration in Integrated Media in preparation for her career goals of becoming a cinematographer, director of photography, and executive producer. During the academic year, Sullers is a student worker for the University’s Office of Communications and she drives community progress in her spare time as a member of the Student Leadership Initiative.
“The goal of President Gallot and our entire University is to ensure our students have the opportunity to obtain more than a degree,” said Dr. Carolyn Hester, Dean of the University’s College of Professional and Graduate Studies. “Kayla is an example of the hundreds of thousands of HBCU students whose talents change the world when they’re given the opportunity.”
Kayla’s hard work will culminate when the sixth and final season of Empire starts to air on FOX in September 2019.
For media interviews and more information on Grambling State University and its interns, email mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 243-5012.
###
About Grambling State University
Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 42 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System. For more information, visit gram.edu.