To make memorable characters and epic stories burst from the big screen and feel like a part of our daily reality, Lynn University alumnus Chase Cohen ’19 leveraged his passion for film with his ability to develop relationships. Throughout his life, Cohen consistently nurtured his love for cinema by participating in video production camps and even joining his high school’s film program. But it wasn’t until his arrival at Lynn that Cohen learned to refine his talents and master the art of building and fostering partnerships. With these skills set in place, Cohen was well on his way to discovering his purpose in the film industry.
Act I: Gaining skills
Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cohen moved to South Florida in 2015 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in film and television at Lynn. Being an avid fan of Apple technology, Cohen took advantage of the university’s iPad-powered learning program to balance a rich academic environment and essential technology skills. But what impacted him most was the sense of community around campus. “At Lynn, you don’t feel like a number but a part of a community,” said Cohen. “You can feel it when you first walk in.”
Through Lynn’s rich community, Cohen learned numerous lessons that would one day pay off and help him join the film industry ranks.
“My film and media studies professor, Nava Dushi, really challenged me,” said Cohen. “I was reluctant to step out of my comfort zone with films, but because of her, I now have a deeper understanding of international film and film history.”
Cohen’s learning continued outside the classroom as a member of the Lynn Leadership Institute and the Knights of the Round Table student government organization, where he developed leadership acumen and communication skills. Cohen also founded and acted as president of the university’s film club. In addition to his busy list of extra-curricular activities, Cohen balanced campus jobs with Student Affairs and Admission, where he tapped into his film expertise to create multimedia videos.
Act II: Worldbuilding
Though Cohen was heavily involved on campus, many of his highlights as a college student also happened several thousand miles away. He participated in a study abroad program in New Zealand, where he had the opportunity to work on the Family Feud game show. Cohen also interned at Apple TV in California before their official launch.
“I would not have been able to do these things without Lynn,” said Cohen. “The flexibility and diverse learning styles allowed me to succeed.”
Cohen advises students to do as many internships as possible and build connections: “When you put yourself out there and foster relationships with people in your industry, people will want to help you get to the places you want to be when the opportunity arises.”
Cohen thanks Professor Stefanie Powers for helping him secure internships in his quest to get to Hollywood. “Internships taught me that I was too personable to be locked away in an editing room,” said Cohen. “When I talk about films, I get excited, and I would see that excitement rub off on my team.”
The best advice Cohen received was from Lynn’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Anthony Altieri, whom he valued as a mentor. “He told me that sometimes you have to say ‘no.’ When looking for your next job, you must find what you want to do,” said Cohen. Altieri’s advice was a defining moment that helped shape Cohen’s future and current career.
Act III: From fantasy to reality
After graduating, Cohen moved to California and worked in the television industry at NBCUniversal. Today, Cohen is a marketing coordinator at Universal Pictures, nurturing film partnerships and promoting movies through third-party brands.
Some of the partnerships Cohen has worked on include the Minions franchise with IHOP, The Super Mario Bros. film with TRUFF, the new Fast and Furious film Fast X with Ruffles, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish with Aflac and Blue Apron. In these partnerships, key movie elements are integrated into the brand’s advertisements and packaging, bringing the movies closer to people and their daily lives.
“I am proud of the hard work my team and I put into these partnerships. It is amazing seeing them come to fruition. They become a part of the world and people’s conversations,” said Cohen. “I don’t think I would want to do many other things but this.”
