Houston, Texas, June 4, 2025 – Houston Christian University (HCU) senior Danyella Dunn is living a dream come true after being selected for a coveted internship on “The Chosen,” a multi-season historical drama that portrays the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Recognized as the largest crowd-funded media project in history, the “hit series has captivated audiences worldwide. Dunn’s selection marks a significant milestone in her academic and professional journey.
A Narrative Arts and Psychology major with a concentration in Cinematic Arts, Dunn will begin working as a talent coordinator intern this summer as production begins on season 6 of the groundbreaking series, filming in Texas and Utah.
An avid fan of the series prior to her selection, Dunn joined a friend in creating and sharing The Chosen-themed Valentine’s Day cards with QR codes around the HCU campus to pay homage to the series and invite fellow students to tune in to the show. They also created a video celebrating their passion for the show that drew the attention of the school’s social media team who shared their video on the University’s social media page.
Dunn would later learn that the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, was slated to be the keynote speaker at HCU’s 2023 Spirit of Excellence Awards gala and was surprised by the University with a personal meet-and-greet prior to the event.
“We even got to drive him around in a golf cart and give him the Valentine cards we had made. During our conversation, Mr. Jenkins told me about internship opportunities on the series. I said, ‘Maybe one day,’ and he said, ‘It may be sooner than you think,’” shared Dunn.
A year later, Dunn followed up and applied and was invited to interview for an internship opportunity with the show.
“When I got the official offer, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and awe at how God had orchestrated every step. It was such a full-circle moment from where the journey first began,” said Dunn.
As talent coordinator intern, the HCU senior will ensure the smooth operation of cast logistics on set. She will assist in coordinating the movements and needs of cast members, helping manage call times, wardrobe transitions, and on-set readiness.
Dunn appreciates HCU Professor Chris Hartwell for offering invaluable practical, hands-on experience on real film sets, including his debut film project, “Do No Harm,” which helped her grow in both confidence and skill. She also credited Professor Joshua Sikora for pushing her to be intentional about building a professional network, while helping her refine her résumé and prepare for a successful career in the film industry.
As she looks forward to the start of her internship in July, Dunn is excited and calls the opportunity “a dream come true.”
“I hope to soak in as much as I possibly can about what it takes to run a production of this size and spiritual impact. I want to serve the team with excellence and joy, contribute wherever I’m needed, and reflect Christ in how I work and connect with others on set.”
Slated to graduate early in December 2025, Dunn hopes to work for 5&2 Studios, makers of The Chosen, or another production company with a heart for storytelling that glorifies God.
“Not only do I want to create media that’s fun, but I also want it to be transformative and touch people’s hearts, just like “The Chosen” has done for me.”
She also hopes the “The Chosen” series becomes an internship pathway for other HCU film students.
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About Houston Christian University
For more than 60 years, Houston Christian University has equipped students to lead, collaborate, and embody a deep sense of spiritual purpose. The University offers a wide range of majors, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as NCAA Division I athletics in the Southland Conference. Located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan centers, HCU’s culture of excellence molds the next generation of educated disciples to be pillars in their communities, preparing them to think critically and biblically as they impact the world.