The American University of Rome (AUR) is proud that so many of its alumni return to share their career experiences with current students. A powerful example of this collaborative spirit is the partnership between AUR’s Film program and film & TV industry professional Chevonne O'Shaughnessy (BUS ’89).
O’Shaughnessy, a member of one of AUR's earliest graduating cohorts, is now a prominent film producer and distributor. She serves as the President of American Cinema International, a company renowned for its global production and distribution of film entertainment. She was kind enough recently to return to AUR and share her extensive knowledge with AUR’s 'Film Project Workshop,' where she discussed the intricacies of film production, sales, and distribution while also extending a generous opportunity to students—the chance to intern with her company.
Of the many students who reached out, Romina Azimi was the first to be selected and began her internship in June 2024. Initially focused on enhancing Chevonne's social media presence, Romina put her skills to work editing short reels from Chevonne’s hugely popular podcast, creating content calendars, and refining the O’Shaughnessy personal online brand.
As the internship progressed, Romina's responsibilities expanded, and under Chevonne's mentorship, she began learning how to craft compelling synopses to pitch to producers and buyers. This industry role built upon the screenwriting skills Romina developed at AUR, allowing her a deep insight into the complete journey of a creative project from concept to screen.
"Working with Chevonne has been incredibly valuable. Her daily guidance and 25 years of industry experience are helping me grow professionally. I'm really optimistic about continuing in this kind of role after my internship," shared Romina.
Chevonne O'Shaughnessy's career is a testament to her dedication and impact on the film industry. With a background that includes producing and distributing over 176 feature films and numerous successful television series, she brings a wealth of knowledge to AUR's students. Her work with companies like PM Entertainment, ACI, and Mission Pictures International highlights her versatility and commitment to quality, inspirational content.
Professor Theron Patterson, who facilitated Chevonne's visit and the subsequent internship opportunity, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. "Chevonne's involvement brings a real-world application to what we teach. Her company's focus on development, funding, marketing, and distribution complements our curriculum perfectly. It's an invaluable bridge between learning the skills of filmmaking and understanding how projects are brought to fruition in the industry."
The partnership between AUR and Chevonne O'Shaughnessy exemplifies the university's dedication to providing students with opportunities that enhance their educational journey and prepare them for successful careers. As Chevonne continues to mentor and inspire, AUR students are gaining insights and experiences that will shape their futures.