Rio Hondo College welcomed Emmy award winner Augie Max Vargas on Wednesday, February 19 to the boardroom in the L Tower for a Master Class in television production tailored for Mass Communications and Journalism students and open to campus in general. Vargas is a producer, director and speaker who has over 25 years of experience in the television industry and has received a Primetime Emmy award.
Vargas discovered his passion for story-telling and television production growing up in Burbank, California, where he was “exposed to a lot of Hollywood” since many major movie studios are based in Burbank and are constantly filming on site at malls and throughout the city. Being exposed to this, it inspired him to begin his journey into the television industry and Vargas started creating homemade movies with his brother to tell stories.
As he began his journey taking production classes in Mount San Antonio College a “brown kid trying to make it in the industry,” began to work tirelessly from early mornings to late nights in hopes to break into the industry. Through internships, networking, and word of mouth, Vargas began collaborating with other producers on projects giving him more experience and created working relationships that lead him to work on live events such as: The Super Bowl, The Grammys, and The Oscars.
During the master class, Vargas offered essential tips and information for students who wish to become part of the industry.
“If you carry a positive attitude and energy with you, that will take you in a very long direction,” said Vargas.
He elaborated how being the first one in the office and the last one to leave at night can give students a chance to create an opportunity through their passion and dedication in going above and beyond.
Vargas went on to explain that in an industry so cut throat, it is important for students to put in the legwork and create a good representation for themselves so when future opportunities present themselves, they may be considered first.
The master class was well received by the audience composed of students, educators, and visitors. A few students participated during the Q&A to ask questions about artificial intelligence (A.I.) impact on the industry and Maggie Moe, a council member, voiced their support for diversity within the field and on campus. Many students hung around afterwards for the meet and greet portion to get one-on-one time with Vargas and network.
Vargas continues to work in the television field while still making time to speak at schools for students. He wishes to inspire students through his presentations and teaches students the inner workings of the television industry in hopes that one day students, who have attended one of these seminars, will approach him out in the field and perhaps collaborate.
