Fall Grad Spotlight: Harlan Friedman-Romell

Harlan Friedman-Romell is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts Production from the School of Media Arts and Studies. Now, Los Angeles beckons for the Shaker Heights, Ohio, native.

What are your next steps or plans for the future?
After my final semester as a part of the OHIO-in-LA Program, I'll be staying in Los Angeles, continuing to work in film and television development.

Why did you choose OHIO? 
OHIO was the perfect mix of affordability and opportunity. I was initially drawn to the OHIO-in-LA Program, but after touring I fell in love with the campus, too. Athens is such a pretty town, and it felt like the perfect home-away-from-home.

Who were your favorite professors and how did they make an impact on your life?
Three who stand out:

Academically, Dr. Kevin Mattson – he facilitated some truly great discussions in his history classes and is endlessly witty and insightful.

Professionally, Dr. Roger Cooper – his honesty, wisdom and kindness about working in entertainment is a constant inspiration to me, and I wouldn't be here without his support.

Personally, Dr. Beth Novak – she’s the nicest and most flexible professor I've ever had, and she helped me grow within the Scripps Innovation Scholars Program.

“I was initially drawn to the OHIO-in-LA Program, but after touring, I fell in love with the campus, too. Athens is such a pretty town, and it felt like the perfect home-away-from-home," Harlan Friedman-Romell said.

What was the hardest hill you had to climb (not counting Jeff Hill) at OHIO? And how did you overcome challenges or obstacles in your path?
The Fall 2021 semester was pretty tough. I was nervous about running two student organizations – Black Sheep Improv and Rough Cut Collective – and trying to give Bobcats coming to campus for the first time the same experiences I had. It was a lot of hard work, but we rebuilt those clubs and now they're going stronger than ever!

What are your favorite OHIO memories?
So many to choose from! I loved performing with Black Sheep and going out afterwards, loved making movies with Rough Cut over the course of sleepless weekends, loved going to all of the various concerts and shows throughout the year. But most of all, I loved making so many lifelong friends here at OHIO, I will always treasure the time we shared.

What’s the one thing you would tell a new OHIO student not to miss?
Be sure to stay in Athens for at least one summer! It's worth experiencing more of the town beyond the school.