For senior Nevaeh Goudeau, a double major in film studies and arts, culture & entertainment management (ACE), interning at a film studio in Burbank, California, was a perfect way to spend a summer. “It was exciting just being in a place that’s the future of film,” she said.
However, the best part was working at alumnus Julius Tennon’s JuVee productions.
“We work with interns from all over the country, but it was a special experience to bring in a student from my alma mater,” said Tennon (B.F.A. ’78). “Nevaeh was a wonderful addition to the team during her time here.”
As a University of Tulsa student, Tennon tackled substantial roles in “Othello,” “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground,” and “The Emperor Jones,” honing his skills and allowing him to participate in national competitions. Since then, Tennon’s screen credits have grown exponentially, from “Friday Night Lights,” “Fame,” and “Criminal Minds,” to guest starring on his wife Viola Davis’ series “How to Get Away with Murder.”
It was Davis’ story that ultimately led to the creation of JuVee Productions. “Viola and I originally started the company because her career was starting to feel limited in the types of roles she was offered,” explained Tennon. “We decided the only way we could change that was to start our own production company, where we could develop and produce content we were passionate about.”
JuVee produces narratives from a diverse range of voices to grow across all spaces of entertainment. “JuVee has become so much more,” Tennon said. “We soon expanded our mission statement to include all people of color because we saw the deficit in the industry and wanted to be part of that change.”
JuVee recruits and mentors up-and-coming generations of creatives, making it the perfect environment for Goudeau. “Julius was very welcoming. And meeting Viola … I was at a loss for words,” she said. “I’ve looked up to her. I’m just like, ‘This is really happening. No way.’”
Goudeau helped the studio with coverage for the first time. “Coverage is basically a summary of the entire script,” she explained. “You write the log line, the genre, the year, and the writer’s name. It’s a synopsis with your own personal comments about it.”
For a behind-the-scenes person like Goudeau, the opportunity to look at film scripts, give her own notes, and then discuss it with the studio was invaluable. “I like production,” she said. “I want to get my hands on screenwriting, cinematography, and editing.”
Production is not for the faint of heart, advised Tennon: “You have to be prepared for the hard work. Hopefully, you can find allies along the way to help you get your foot in the door. Nothing is guaranteed in this industry.”
Tennon is open to being that ally to more UTulsa students in the future. In the meantime, he recommends other alumni offer internships and experiential learning opportunities to students. “Our kids need work experience, no matter what industry they are going into,” he said. “My hope is that other alumni who have businesses can find ways to mentor the next generation of students. It’s a great opportunity for them to get a closer look at how things work.”
To her fellow students, Goudeau offers a piece of advice: “Take opportunities as they come. Even if you don’t know what to expect it’s always good to just go into an opportunity, because you never know what the outcome will be or what the future will hold for it.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to my professors, particularly my ACE management instructors, Samuel Krall and Kirsten Olds, as well as my film professors, Jeff Van Hanken and Jennifer Jones. Their guidance and expertise, along with their invaluable resources and coursework they provided have been crucial in helping me achieve success.”