Through the CJ Saraceno internship program, eight talented students have been given the chance to launch their film careers in a meaningful way. They each spent a summer building their networks in L.A. and interning at Bona Fide Productions, the award-winning company behind Little Miss Sunshine, Nebraska, as well as the HBO series The Leftovers.
"The time I had at Bona Fide was a crucial step in my evolution, both professionally and personally — and probably the best summer of my life," said Dylan Kai Dempsey, the program's very first intern, who is now a filmmaker and writer with reviews published in Vanity Fair, Variety and IONCINEMA.
Jessica Howard, a recent graduate who had also never been to California until this scholarship, reflected that "this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive into a difficult industry. ... It was an amazing gift, and I'll always be grateful."
These experiences were made possible with the help of numerous friends, family and alumni like you. Help us keep this program going! Our goal is to enable as many students as possible to succeed in this competitive world.
In memory of CJ Saraceno (Class of 2011)
This internship program was created in memory of CJ Saraceno, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 24. CJ was a creative force, a thoughtful friend and a brilliant classmate. He grew up in Connecticut, discovered his passions at Tufts and, armed with a degree in political science and media studies, drove out to Los Angeles to turn those passions into opportunities. Full of energy, he was dedicated to exploring new methods of storytelling.
In the spirit of CJ, this internship program provides Tufts students the opportunity to find their own creative voice — and to make a difference in how stories are told.
Your support provides transformational experiences
Los Angeles can be intimidating. From buying a plane ticket, to renting a car and leaning into a world of unpaid film gigs, the barriers to the industry can be insurmountable. CJ knew how hard it was but charged ahead. We want to provide those who share his vision the opportunity to “make it” in the Los Angeles media world.
The program, administered by the Film and Media Studies Department at Tufts, provides a summer internship and financial support to one student each year. Students who otherwise would not have the financial means to pursue internships in Los Angeles are given special consideration.
Help more students pursue their passions in L.A.!
Please help us honor our dear friend by making a donation to continue this internship program. Our goal is to empower passionate students for many years to come. CJ was "on a mission for the good life and was willing to fight for his share of it." Our hope is to make that fight a possibility for others. Thank you!
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