The Yale Schwarzman Center presents
Shawn Levy, YC ’89, P ’25—director and producer who successfully transitioned from studying performing arts to being one of the highest-grossing filmmakers in the history of Hollywood.
“Crafting the Hollywood Dream: A Conversation with Shawn Levy”
Engage in dialogue with industry powerhouse Shawn Levy on navigating the opportunities and obstacles of the entertainment industry. Lunch will be provided courtesy of the Schwarzman Center. We provide the table. You bring the conversation!
Some of the question we will explore include: How can young, creative graduates get a start in the film industry? In what ways can an aspiring actor, writer, or director nurture their unique, artistic voice across today’s film and television landscape?
As the Founder of 21 Laps Entertainment, whose central mandate is dedicated to empowering filmmakers’ voice and vision, Levy’s genre-defining projects are distinguished by a quality of character, humanism, and heart that has launched multiple franchises, and changed the cultural zeitgeist. From his Night at the Museum franchise, to Arrival, Stranger Things, Free Guy and Deadpool & Wolverine, Shawn Levy’s work has been embraced by audiences around the world. The Session will shine light on the challenges of entering this influential industry, from navigating pre- and post-production developments, coping with rejection, to maintaining creative clarity and perseverance.