On May 7, film and TV artisans and MPTF mentors gathered on the Universal Studios lot for IndieWire and USG University’s “Consider This” panel—an FYC event built around mentorship, relationships, and paying guidance forward.
By the time the “Consider This” panel started on the Universal Studios lot, the theme was already in the air: if you’re lucky, someone helps you when you’re new—and later, you find a way to help someone else.
On Thursday. May 7. a wide range of film and TV professionals came together for IndieWire and USG University’s “Consider This” event. an FYC panel that also functioned as a forum on mentorship and getting started in the industry. The evening was presented in collaboration with the Motion Picture and Television Fund. bringing in both artisans from acclaimed current series and veteran professionals actively participating in the MPTF’s mentorship program.
From the series side. the panel featured costume designer Kathleen Felix-Hager. makeup department head Golden Shyne. composer Jeff Beal. and production designer Stephen Lineweaver. Felix-Hager is known for work on “Hacks” and “The Paper.” Shyne has led makeup departments on “The Burbs.” Beal’s film and TV credits include “All Her Fault.” Lineweaver has worked as a production designer on “Ted.”.
The MPTF mentor lineup brought its own kind of momentum. with hair and makeup artist Darrell Redleaf. property master Hope Parrish. production coordinator Lois Walker. and cinematographer Richard Walden. All eight panelists shared stories about how they got started—then what kept them going through the years.
For some, the night carried a feeling of returning. Beal, for one, made the connection instantly when he talked about being back at Universal. “It’s fun to be back at Universal, because one of the very first shows I did was ‘Monk’ with Tony Shalhoub,” he said.
Felix-Hager’s path to mentorship also ran through Universal. Her first job was on “Waterworld,” described in the event remarks as the Kevin Costner spectacle. “I really was very green and didn’t know anything. but was with a group of people that were very generous with their talents and their time. ” she said. She added that a prominent costume designer took her under her wing and helped her learn—then “passed the torch.”.
That idea of guidance turning into momentum showed up again and again as the panel moved between personal stories and practical encouragement. Felix-Hager emphasized the relationships built at the start of a career. even when the path doesn’t look like a straight line. “There is something to be said for the relationships that you foster when you start to work,” she said. “The trajectory isn’t straight. The job that you’re offered may not be the exact job that you have in your head. but it all leads to something. and each job is about relationships and the people that you meet. I think what’s so special about film and television is that there are so many opportunities to foster really amazing relationships with people.”.
The panel’s structure—artisans alongside MPTF mentors—made that message feel less like advice and more like a shared experience. Walden carried the spirit into the present. saying he came because he remembered what it meant when older professionals helped him early on. “I’m here because when I first started out all the old guys were kind to me,” Walden said. “They would help me and show me the ropes, and now I figure it’s my turn.”.
IndieWire partnered with Universal Studio Group for USG University. a series of panels created to celebrate outstanding artistry and artisans behind the 2025–2026 television season across NBCUniversal’s portfolio of shows. USG University is presented as a Universal Studio Group program in partnership with the Motion Picture & Television Fund.
By the end of the night, the “Consider This” panel had done more than list impressive credits. It turned careers into a chain of moments—how people land their first break, who helps them stay steady, and why so many of the panelists ended up back in the same room, ready to pass the help along.
IndieWire USG University Consider This Universal Studios lot Motion Picture and Television Fund mentorship panel Kathleen Felix-Hager Golden Shyne Jeff Beal Stephen Lineweaver Darrell Redleaf Hope Parrish Lois Walker Richard Walden Monk Waterworld Hacks The Paper Ted The Burbs All Her Fault NBCUniversal
Universal Studios really still doing panels? Good for whoever got a mentor I guess.
So is this about teaching people how to become film people, or is it just like networking for rich folks? Because “mentorship” sounds nice but half the time it’s who you already know.
I think I read somewhere this was a tax thing or something? Like Motion Picture and Television Fund always seems connected to money and not “help.” Also Universal backlot always costs a fortune to get into, so not sure how accessible it is.
Kathleen Felix-Hager and that makeup lady were there right? I don’t even watch those shows but I like that they’re paying it forward. Mentors matter, but also people act like it’s easy to “get started” when it’s not. Anyway “Monk” reference made it sound like a reunion, not a real how-to, lol.