Following the historic success of Barbie - with its record-breaking box office and global impact—SCA Professor Gail Katz conceived, and developed a course that highlighted not only the film’s journey from concept to development, but also covered the entire history of the Barbie IP, from inception of the doll through the film’s 15 year development history, to physical production, theatrical marketing and distribution. The class also framed the movie’s importance in the context of filmic and cultural history. Katz was joined by veteran producer and SCA professor Susan Cartsonis. Together they welcomed guests such as Sarah Greenwood, the film’s celebrated production designer; Mark Ronson, the legendary songwriter and composer who executive produced the soundtrack; and renowned cinematographer, Rodrigo Prieto. Writer/Director Greta Gerwig also thrilled the class, zooming in from London to answer students’ questions. MG Lord, a USC English professor, who wrote the book Forever Barbie, also joined one of the sessions.  In addition, several top executives came to the class, including the CEO of Mattel, Ynon Kreis, and the Co-CEO of Warner Bros., Pam Abdy.

The class also represented a unique crossover moment with students from SCA production disciplines, who weren’t enrolled in the class, invited to sit in on relevant sessions, covering the film’s production design, editing, cinematography, directing, and producing. Students from USC Thornton School of Music were also invited to Ronson’s session; and students in the Business of Cinematic Arts (BCA), a joint program between SCA and the USC Marshall School of Business, got an inside look at marketing and distribution.