SEU’s mission is not only to help students discover their Divine Design, but to equip them in stepping forward confidently in the calling God has over their lives. Six of SEU’s film production students had the opportunity to do just that. Alanna McFarren (‘25), E’Mari Walker (‘25), Joshua Merced (‘25), Loreanna Delgado (‘25), Madeline Schoenfeld (‘25), and Rayna Hohm (‘25) were able to participate in a 1-month internship on the film set of The Chosen.
The Application Process
The students first heard about this opportunity through one of their film professors, Professor Bethany Miller. She attended The Chosen Con in fall 2024 where she had the chance to get connected to one of the executive producers of the show. After sharing about SEU’s film program, she heard about the internship and was given the application to share with her students.
This was an opportunity that these students weren’t expecting, also not knowing how it would turn out. “I had low expectations of even hearing back from them since we were new on their radar,” Rayna Hohm reflects, “I have been a fan of the show essentially since the beginning, and that gave me the motivation to say, ‘Why not?’,” However, they all felt led to take a step of faith to apply for the internship, later finding out that their faith and obedience would lead to them spending a month growing in their skills, gifts, and talents on the film set of The Chosen. “It felt like a God given opportunity so I knew I had to at least throw my hat in,” Shoenfeld said.
Life on Set
The daily life of these SEU film students varied depending on the filming schedule and department needs. Call times ranged anywhere from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., with most days lasting 12 hours. “The first thing you learn about film is this: it never follows a strict routine,” Rayna said. “Our days varied, even if we were in the same location. Some days would start as early as 5 am, others as late as 7 pm, and we would go for 12 hours each day.” No matter the hour, each student arrived 30 minutes early, ready to dive straight into the designated role.
These students received a well-rounded experience that was not only enjoyable, but also prepared them to step into whatever facet of the film industry they feel drawn to. From the costume and props departments to camera and talent coordination, each intern experienced a unique area of professional filmmaking.
In the costume department, Alanna McFarren helped maintain the organization systems that kept every outfit ready for camera. “Everything that we did was to ensure that the characters always had all of the correct pieces when they needed them, and that anything inactive was properly labeled and stored to avoid confusion.” she said.
Loreanna Delgado, working in the props department, spent her days preparing and transporting set pieces. “I helped prop the background extras, I transported props from the warehouse to the set on an ATV. and I would also be assigned to repair, organize, and sort props for a day in the warehouse.” she explained.
As part of the set dressing team, Rayna Hohm helped create the atmosphere of each scene by arranging furniture, candles, and small details that brought the world to life. “My job pretty early on was to be an assistant to the main Set Dresser, and watch for things like continuity and always be mindful of what needed to be moved or altered,” she said.
In the production and camera departments, Joshua Merced assisted the camera crew by setting up equipment, logging lighting setups, and maintaining the team’s workspace, while Madeline Shoenfeld worked as a production assistant, helping manage background actors, distribute meals, and keep the set secure.
Meanwhile, E’Mari Walker was given the role of talent coordinator, supporting the cast directly by organizing first team holding areas, escorting actors, and handling logistics throughout the day.
No matter their position, each student gained hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of the film industry and how larger-scale film sets function. “Going from crews of 15 to nearly 100 was a big jump, but it taught me the importance of each individual and the excellence they brought to the set. There is also an appreciation for each department and the art they provide for the set,” Rayna reflected. This experience helped them not only gain technical skills, but it also helped them grow personally, helping each student grow more confident in their abilities and strengths.
Reflecting on This Experience
As the students looked back on their experience during the internship, they recalled their favorite moments from working on set being the people and crew they were surrounded by. “Being right alongside all of these filmmakers, these artists, working together to create such cinematically rich and beautiful images from every angle, and every day working alongside them and feeling just how hard and passionate their work is was really something,” Joshua said. Other parts of the experience that stuck out to these students was the practical experience they gained from their specific roles. “My favorite part was every time I was assigned to make or repair props. I gained so much hand-on experience and discovered things I did not know I was passionate about and talented,” Loreanna Delgado said.
Looking Ahead
This internship opportunity with The Chosen not only gave these students the opportunity to learn and grow in the moment, but it also had an influence on what they see themselves pursuing in the future. At SEU, these students have the opportunity to walk through film production in a controlled, experimental setting, but this real-life experience opened their eyes to the time obligations of the film industry, the technicalities of a film set, the unexpected physical needs, and the importance of networking. “I have a newfound respect for those who make this their entire career, because the hours are often brutal and unforgiving. Film is also one giant group project; you learn to be excellent in your area and trust those around you to be excellent in theirs,” Rayna said.
All of the practical experience gained through this experience has made each of these students more confident and prepared to step into the facet of the film industry that they feel called to. “Going forward I am definitely more certain in what I want to do in film. It’s not easy to work in this industry for many different reasons but I’m even more certain now that I’m built for it,” E’Mari said.
Learn More
BA/BS in Film Production
About Senior Capstone Film Production
Degrees in Communication, Arts & Design
Apply to SEU
