From Lynn University to Hollywood

From working behind the scenes on television productions to guiding visitors through the legendary Warner Bros. Studios, Kevin Studer '15, '16, '17 has built a career in storytelling. Studer's journey began at Lynn University, though not by plan. His mother, Joanne Studer '13, has worked at the university since 2006, while his sister, Meghan Studer '13, '15, was already enrolled. Studer initially didn't see himself staying in his hometown, but after careful consideration, decided to choose Lynn. 

After joining the campus, Studer instantly found a sense of community and knew he had made the best decision. "As soon as I got to Lynn, there was just so much love and support from everyone," said Studer. "This is the experience that I needed." The Lynn community would be instrumental in shaping not only Studer's collegiate journey but also laying the foundation for his career in entertainment.

Studer started as a drama major in his first year but discovered his true passion after taking an eye-opening media literacy class with Stefanie Powers. Thanks to the encouragement of professors like Powers, Studer explored and expanded his interests. In journalism and media majors, Studer developed his interest in entertainment with the flexibility to pursue a range of careers. "That's what college is about,” said Studer. "Figuring out where you want to be and finding something that can evolve with you."

Thanks to the university's 3+1 master's degree program, he earned an accelerated bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism in three years and, in the fourth year, completed his master's degree in communication and media studies. Throughout his time at Lynn, Studer had the opportunity to interview influential creators, including best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, Oscar-winning actor Michael B. Jordan, and actress Kate Mara—further expanding his practical, real-world experience. He also served on campus as the editor-in-chief of iPulse—Lynn's student-run news program—he was a resident assistant, community advisor, student ambassador, campus visit experience assistant, campus visit coordinator and later an adjunct professor. Along the way, he made lasting friendships, including his iPulse co-editor and best friend, Brooke Rudisill '16, '17. 

Sharpening his skills even further, Studer pursued an M.F.A. in creative writing at the American College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. The opportunity came through President Emeritus Donald E. Ross, who once served as the American College Dublin's president. The experience was transformative, allowing Studer to immerse himself in a vibrant culture and creative community.

After working at Lynn professionally for three years, Studer took a leap of faith and relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he immediately began connecting with Rudisill's network in the entertainment industry. While searching for his first big break, Studer secured a position on the backlot of Warner Bros. Studios. The position was short-lived, as Studer was soon offered an opportunity to work on Bling Empire, a Netflix reality series, as an office production assistant.

Studer worked behind the scenes, supporting the team, managing spreadsheets and keeping the office running smoothly. He applied his experience at Lynn as a coordinator to juggle the moving parts of the television sets. 

"I knew I wanted to be involved in storytelling," said Studer. "The producers were the people shaping the story, and that's who I wanted to learn from."

Studer's work on Bling Empire opened the door for other opportunities. The production later filmed several seasons, and the connections he built during that time became the foundation for future roles in the industry. "Everyone says it," said Studer. "But it really is about making connections. In production, you build these little families. You meet them on a job, and the same people will bring you onto the next project and will move from show to show together." 

From an inside look at the lives of top professional bull riders to a reality television series with media personality Paris Hilton, Studer went on to work across multiple television shows. He was an associate production coordinator for My Unorthodox Life, Bling Empire: New York and The Ride. Later, stepping into a role as an associate story producer for Claim to Fame and an associate producer for Luann and Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake and Paris in Love, assisting with narrative development, scene logistics and story ideas. 

In the height of production, the writers' strike of 2023 hit, pausing the entire industry. Despite the adversity, Studer navigated uncertainty with positivity. "Every time I made a plan for my life, something happened that changed it," said Studer. "So, I stopped trying to control every step and started going with the flow." Studer briefly came back to Florida to regroup and pivot into what would become his next opportunity. 

With a rich background in production and storytelling, Studer knew he still wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry, but in a way that offered both purpose and stability. Upon moving back to California, Studer found an opportunity to join the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood department. 

Hired initially to work inside the studio's exhibits, Studer learned the ins and outs of the tour experience. Before long, Studer worked his way to a studio tour guide and found that it was exactly what he was looking for. 

Now, Studer leads guests through the Warner Bros. Studios space, showcasing iconic sets, attractions and behind-the-scenes moments from some of the most recognizable films and television shows. Drawing on the leadership and communication skills he developed at Lynn, the role allows Studer to combine his passion for storytelling, film and production to bring the magic of film to life for each visitor. 

For Studer, it's more than just a job, but a chance to share his passion. "They say if you do what you love, it'll never feel like work," said Studer. "I get paid to talk to people about movies and TV shows, and I love every moment of it." 

Looking toward the future, Studer is excited to grow within Warner Bros. Studios, with a long-term goal of advancing in the tour department. By sharing his background in production, communication and guest experience, Studer aspires to lead the department, contribute to new exhibit creations and help shape how Warner Bros. stories are preserved and told at the studio for future generations.

For Lynn students interested in entertainment, media or storytelling, Studer emphasizes adaptability in an ever-changing industry, urging newcomers to:

"Invest in yourself and follow what you're interested in," said Studer. "You never know where one opportunity might lead…"