LMU Students Gain Exclusive Access to Bridgerton Screening & Industry Panel

In celebration of the College of Business Administration's Centennial year, LMU students were treated to an exclusive pre-screening of the Bridgerton Season 4 premiere. Hosted by Chris DiIorio '04, co-president and chief marketing officer of Shondaland, the event offered students a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of television's most beloved series.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Provost Kat Weaver, followed by a lively post-screening conversation with executive producer Betsy Beers. Both DiIorio and Beers were delighted by the enthusiastic turnout and energy in the room, noting the audience's audible gasps during the screening and the depth of engagement during the Q&A. Attendees represented a wide range of majors across campus, including entrepreneurship, marketing, screenwriting, film and television production, and theatre arts - underscoring the event's broad interdisciplinary appeal.

Fresh off a global promotional tour, DiIorio flew in from South Africa the day before the event and showed no signs of fatigue. Aside from the global premiere in Paris, LMU students were only the second audience in the world to view the episode ahead of its official Netflix release on January 29. The premiere centers on Benedict Bridgerton's romance with Sophie Baek, unfolding at a lavish masquerade ball with a Cinderella-inspired storyline.

"We are incredibly grateful to Chris and Betsy for giving our students unprecedented access to the inner workings of a global entertainment brand," said Dayle Smith, dean of the LMU College of Business Administration. "Connecting directly with industry professionals is a defining part of the CBA experience and equips our students with the insight, confidence, and perspective they need to thrive."

In his role at Shondaland, DiIorio oversees company strategy and operations, as well as marketing for both the Shondaland brand and its content. Prior to joining the company in 2016, he spent nearly a decade at PMK*BNC, leading the agency's television department and overseeing publicity campaigns for high-profile showrunners and series, including Grey's Anatomy, House, Community, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Scrubs. His work has earned him recognition on Variety's "New Leaders" list and The Hollywood Reporter's "Next Gen" list.

A 2004 graduate with a degree in marketing, DiIorio credits LMU's alumni network with helping launch his career, beginning with an internship at MTV. He has since made it a priority to re-engage with his alma mater and serves on the Dean's Executive Council, working closely with Dean Smith on the college's strategic priorities.

Turning to her own career journey, Beers shared her own unconventional path into the entertainment industry, beginning with sketch comedy in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She later transitioned into film and television development, ultimately partnering with Shonda Rhimes on Grey's Anatomy, a pilot that was initially passed on by nearly every studio before becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Throughout the conversation, Beers offered candid advice to students hoping to break into the industry. She emphasized curiosity, strong opinions, and passion as essential qualities, noting that she's drawn to people with diverse backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives and aren't afraid to take creative risks. "Passion screams louder than any résumé," she shared.

Addressing concerns about the future of entertainment and the rise of artificial intelligence, Beers reassured students that storytelling remains at the heart of the industry. "Stay interested in the business and figure out how to make it work," she said. "People will always need to hear stories." While she doesn't personally use AI, Beers emphasized that creativity cannot be replicated. "Certain things cannot be mimicked," she noted. "AI can't achieve innovation - that's something only people can do."

Beers also highlighted the importance of representation in Bridgerton, noting how the show's inclusive casting helps reframe historical narratives. "When you read a book, you picture yourself as the character," she said. "The same is true for television. You need to see yourself on screen in order to relate the story."

The event left students inspired - not only by the glamour of the Bridgerton world, but by the candid insights, career advice, and access to industry leaders that exemplify LMU's commitment to experiential learning.