Hannah Goebel ’19

Film & Media Arts

Biography

Before Taylor, I knew next to nothing about the film industry. All I knew is that I wanted to work in Hollywood. At Taylor, I jumped into anything I could get my hands on. Since graduating, I moved to Los Angeles in January 2020 with no job, just a dream. I had just started to get short entry-level gigs when Covid hit and shut the entire film industry down. I was able to go back home for a few months and tried to network online as best I could. Then in August, I went back to LA and landed a job with a Line Producer. I’ve been with my boss for a little over two years now and have worked on four feature films. I’ve gotten to work with Amazon Studios, Paramount, Netflix, and Sony.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

Some of my most valuable experiences at Taylor included being an English Hall Personnel Assistant, my documentary film class, and my semester in Los Angeles (the Taylor University Hollywood Internship Program - TUHIP). From being a production assistant, I learned how to use my strengths and weaknesses to be a better leader. The Documentary Film class was the first time I produced a full-fledged film project. It made me put all I had learned into practice and pushed me out of my comfort zone. The satisfaction of a finished project boosted my confidence. My semester in LA taught me more about the film industry and made my dream to work in Hollywood a reality.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

All of my foundational knowledge of film production, I credit to the Taylor Film & Media Production program. Each class helped prepare me for entering into the film industry and the ability to stand out. My experience at Taylor as a whole helped shape who I am spiritually and who I am as a person in this world.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

In the film industry, Taylor graduates can use their liberal arts education to keep an open mind and compassion when faced with differing views. The foundational core also gives graduates a broader exposure to ideas and a variety of disciplines which elevates their capability to learn any role in the industry.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

My advice for Taylor students is to believe in yourself and your capabilities and pursue your dreams no matter how crazy they may feel at times.