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# The Los Angeles Film School

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.lafilm.edu/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [How to Recharge Creatively](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/how-to-recharge-creatively/): If you’re a creative, your work depends on your attention, curiosity, and sensitivity. But modern creative life comes with deadlines, feedback, and constant distractions, meaning you can easily exhaust what you rely on most. When your creativity is drained, pushing through doesn’t make it stronger, it just wears it down further. The real truth? Your creativity isn’t a faucet you can turn on harder. It’s a battery. And recharging is part of the creative process.  So, where do you start? Try these ideas to help reset your focus and reconnect with your creative energy.
- [The Long Game: How Taylor Black Became One of Streaming’s Most In-Demand Colorists](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/taylor-black-colorist-netflix-hbo-amazon/): What do recent streaming hits such as Earnhardt (Amazon Prime), John Candy: I Like Me (Amazon Prime), McCartney 3-2-1 (Hulu), Queen of Chess (Netflix), SHAQ (HBO MAX), and The Menendez Brothers (Netflix) all have in common?  None other than our talented Class of 2004 film program alum and senior colorist Taylor Black, who brought his artistic skills to each of those projects and many others, helping to bring to life the literal vision of directors like Colin Hanks (John Candy: I Like Me) in post-production, setting the visual tone for what we would all eventually see on our screens across the biggest streaming platforms.
- [The MTV Film School: How 8 Music Video Directors Rewrote the Rules of Cinema](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/8-music-video-directors-rewrote-the-rules-of-cinema/): Before streaming algorithms dictated our media diets, the music video was the ultimate creative sandbox. In the 90s and early 2000s, record labels handed young, hungry directors massive budgets and a simple mandate: visually interpret complex audio mixes, aggressive tempos, and raw performances in under five minutes. This era became an unregulated, highly-funded film school. Mastering the rhythm of a song - learning exactly when to cut on a snare hit or how to visualize heavy, distorted guitar riffs - forged the defining cinematic styles of the next three decades. By syncing visuals to different musical genres, these directors essentially rewrote the rules of modern filmmaking.
- [From Blueprint to Building: The Visionaries Behind the Sound](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/music-producer-vs-audio-engineer/): Before a single note is recorded or a fader is touched, there is a concept. In the world of professional sound, we often focus on the "how" - the software, the microphones, and the signal chains. But before the "how" comes the "why." If you are standing at the threshold of a career in sound, you aren't just choosing a job title; you are choosing how you interact with the world’s most invisible and powerful medium. To find your place, it helps to look at the distinction through a different lens: The Architect versus the Builder.
- [The Ghosts in the Machine: A Love Letter to the Non-Player Character](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/a-love-letter-to-the-non-player-character/): In the lexicon of the internet, "NPC" has become an insult - a way to describe someone as boring, repetitive, or lacking a soul. But for those of us who grew up with a controller in hand, we know the truth. NPCs aren't just background decoration; they are the heartbeat of the virtual world. Without them, our heroics would be performed in a vacuum. Without them, we are kings of empty castles. This is a history of, and a thank you to, the entities that taught us how to play.
- [LAFS & LARS Alumni on BTS’ Arirang, One Piece, Imperfect Women & More](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/alumni-on-bts-arirang-one-piece-imperfect-women/): Sometimes, the credits speak for themselves. From a number-one BTS album to premium HBO drama to one of the biggest streaming franchises in the world, alumni from The L.A. Film School & The L.A. Recording School are working on significant projects right now and we want to take a moment to recognize it. Here's a look at some of the recent projects and honors making us proud.
- [Grace Under Fire: The Art of the Studio Manager](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/grace-under-fire-the-art-of-the-studio-manager/): Behind every Grammy-winning album is a creative sanctuary, and behind every sanctuary is a Studio Manager. Often described as the "central nervous system" of the music industry, these professionals bridge the gap between the creative chaos of a session and the logistical demands of a high-stakes business. Recently, Tony Shepperd (Grammy-nominated producer/engineer) sat down with an elite panel of Los Angeles studio legends to discuss what it really takes to keep the tape rolling in the world’s most iconic rooms.
- [From LAFS to ESPN: Meet Emmy-Winning Animator Maddie Goldberg](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/meet-maddie-goldberg/): A 2022 graduate of the Animation Visual Effects program, who credits being prepared at all times as the key to landing an animation role at ESPN just months after graduating, when a chance encounter with their VP of Creative Studio turned into an opportunity to live out her animation dreams, winning an Emmy along the way. 
- [Fixed in Post: The Editors Who Saved the Movie](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/fixed-in-post-the-editors-who-saved-the-movie/): In the hierarchy of filmmaking, the Director is often hailed as the sole visionary. But the truth of cinema is found in the cutting room. Film is a medium of fragments, and without the right hands to stitch them together, even the greatest footage can fall flat. Some of the most iconic moments in movie history weren't "directed" into existence- they were found in the edit. These are the stories of the editors who took raw, often problematic footage and forged it into cinematic legend.
- [From TikTok to Cinema: The Film Terminology Behind Viral Trends](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/tiktok-to-cinema-film-terminology/): There is a massive divide between the language of social media and the language of professional filmmaking. On TikTok, you might call it a "transition" or a "beat drop." But if you walk into an edit bay in Hollywood and use those words, you might get a blank stare. To turn your social media hobby into a career, you need to learn the language of the trade. The good news? You are already doing the work. The techniques that make a Reel go viral are often deeply rooted in cinema history.
- [2026 Oscar Winners: Celebrating Our Alumni on Hollywood’s Biggest Night](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2026-oscar-winners-celebrating-our-alumni/): The 98th Academy Awards have officially wrapped. The biggest night in film delivered unforgettable moments, and, for our community, reasons to celebrate! Alumni of The Los Angeles Film School and The Los Angeles Recording School contributed to some of the most honored films of the evening, including the night's biggest winner, One Battle After Another, as well as Sinners, F1, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.
- [SXSW 2026: The Visual Album Takes Center Stage (No Badge Required)](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/sxsw-2026-the-visual-album-takes-center-stage/): While the Austin Convention Center prepares for the 40th anniversary of SXSW 2026, a quiet revolution is happening online. This year, with the Music and Film & TV festivals running concurrently for the first time, the line between music video and short film has all but vanished. For those of us watching from afar, SXSW 2026 offers a digital treasure trove of "visual albums" and cinematic music experiences accessible with a click.
- [The Female Gaze is Anamorphic: The Rise of the Female Cinematographer](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-rise-of-the-female-cinematographer/): March is Women’s History Month, a time usually reserved for looking back at the pioneers who paved the way. But this March, the most exciting story isn't in the past—it’s happening on the biggest screen possible. For fifty years, film students have debated "The Female Gaze" in theory classes. We’ve analyzed it as a narrative device or a political statement about who is being looked at. But this Women's History Month, the conversation has shifted. The female gaze is no longer just a metaphor for empathy or softness. It is technical. It is heavy. And thanks to the historic Oscar nomination for Sinners, we know it is anamorphic.
- [Strange, but brilliant: How adult cartoons stopped playing by the rules](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/adult-cartoons-stopped-playing-by-the-rules/): These shows make us laugh at politics, squirm at taboos and sometimes even confront the darker sides of ourselves. They prove that cartoons can be satire, tragedy and philosophy all at once. How did animation make the leap from kids’ playgrounds to grown-up conversations? Let’s take a closer look at the milestones that turned cartoons into a safe space for adults too.
- [And the Nominees Are… Celebrating Our Grads in the 2026 Oscar Race](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/celebrating-our-grads-in-the-2026-oscar-race/): The 98th Academy Awards are coming up fast. While the world debates who will take home the gold, we are doing what we love most: scanning the credits to celebrate the alumni of The Los Angeles Film School and The Los Angeles Recording School who helped bring these films to life. This year, our graduates are represented across several heavy hitters, including the massive 16-nomination sweeper Sinners, the critically acclaimed One Battle After Another, and the high-octane F1.
- [The Blumhouse Blueprint: Why Every Film Student Needs to Watch the PGAs](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/blumhouse-watch-the-pgas/): On February 28, the Blumhouse mastermind will accept the Milestone Award. While this award usually goes to the traditional "suits" of Hollywood - think Disney legends or massive studio heads - giving it to Blum sends a very different message. It’s a win for the weirdos, the risk-takers, and the indie mindset.
- [5 Films to Train Your Attention Span](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/5-films-to-train-your-attention-span/): We hear it all the time: our attention spans are shrinking. You may have first heard the sentiment when you were glued to your TV as a kid. Or when you were caught doodling instead of paying attention in class. But you’ve definitely heard it since smartphones became part of daily life. And according to research cited by the American Psychological Association, the average adult attention span may be down to under a minute. With digital distractions waiting at every corner, it’s easy to feel scattered. But there’s one kind of screen time that still rewards full focus: movies.
- [DGA Nominations, HBO & Marvel: L.A. Film School Alumni Making Headlines](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/dga-nomination-hbo-marvel-projects-2026/): From major award nominations to leadership roles on some of the industry’s most anticipated releases, LA Film School alumni continue to shape the entertainment landscape. This month alone, graduates are earning DGA recognition, expanding the Game of Thrones universe at HBO, contributing to Marvel’s Wonder Man, and lending their talents to high-profile television and feature productions across every department.
- [The View From the Inside: How GRAMMY Week 2026 Redefined Our Dreams](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/grammy-week-2026/): For most of the world, the GRAMMY Awards are a three-hour television event filled with acceptance speeches and high-gloss performances. But for our Alumni and Career Development team this year, the 2026 GRAMMYs weren't just watched, they were lived. Over the course of a transformative week in Downtown Los Angeles, we stepped past the velvet ropes and inside the engine room of music’s biggest night. What we found was an ecosystem buzzing with technology, culture, and a profound realization: the gap between "aspiring creative" and "industry professional" is smaller than it looks. Here is an inside look at a week that shifted our perspective from spectators to future participants.
- [41 Years of Chaos: The History of the Film Independent Spirit Awards ](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/history-of-the-film-independent-spirit-awards/): This weekend, the indie film world will descend on the beach in Santa Monica for the 41st annual Film Independent Spirit Awards. If you’ve been following the coverage, you know the drill: the ocean breeze, the day-drinking, and the casual chaos that makes this event the antidote to polished Hollywood affairs. From shoestring budgets to cursing on live TV, here is how the Spirit Awards have cemented their legacy as the "anti-Oscars" for 41 years running.
- [Black History Month 2026: Three Visionaries Redefining the Future of Film](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/black-history-month-2026/): As we celebrate Black History Month in 2026, it's essential to look beyond the past and acknowledge the incredible architects, provocateurs, and myth-makers who are actively shaping the future of cinema. At The Los Angeles Film School, we believe in learning from those who don't just follow the rules but rewrite them. This month, we shine a spotlight on three titans whose impact echoes through every frame, every story, and every record broken.
- [From Mystery Boxes To Fake Leaks: Film Marketing At Its Boldest And Best](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/innovative-strategies-in-film-marketing/): It’s no secret that Hollywood has always thrived on buzz.  There was a time, long before teaser trailers dropped on Instagram or influencers promoted new films on TikTok, when filmmakers experimented with new and exciting ways to catch audiences' attention (and get them into theatres).  Some of those experiments became legendary campaigns. Campaigns that forever changed the playbook for movie marketing. So let’s dive into some of the wildest and most influential examples of smart movie marketing magic and discover why they worked so well.
- [LA Film School & LA Recording School Alumni Celebrate Grammy Wins in 2026](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/alumni-grammy-wins-in-2026/): Graduates of The Los Angeles Film School and The Los Angeles Recording School continue to make their mark at the highest level of the music and entertainment industries. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, alumni contributed their skills across engineering, mixing, production, and filmmaking to projects that earned some of the industry’s most prestigious honors.
- [Every Second Is Drama: Behind the Scenes with ReelShort](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/behind-the-scenes-with-reelshort/): The entertainment landscape is shifting, and the future is vertical. In a recent live event, we sat down with the creative powerhouse behind ReelShort, the app that has taken the Western world by storm by bringing "bite-sized" serialized dramas to our phone screens. Launched in August 2022 by Crazy Maple Studio, ReelShort has successfully adapted the Chinese duanju (short-drama) model for a global audience. The result? Ultra-short, high-stakes stories designed for the "scroll-and-watch" generation.
- [The Best of NAMM 2026 – Our Favorite New Gear and Highlights](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-best-of-namm-2026/): This being our third NAMM, it increasingly felt less like a trade show and more like a family reunion. People weren’t just bumping into each other-they were reconnecting. Some even joked about a “NAMM-Union” or calling each other “NAMM-ily,” underscoring the genuine camaraderie that pulses through the event. With the industry moving at breakneck speed, NAMM became a rare place for us to pause, catch up, and celebrate each other and the craft we share.
- [Meet Sandra Seeling Lipski: From L.A. Film School Alum to Film Festival Founder](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/meet-alum-sandra-seeling-lipski/): If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to change directions or go back to school to pursue your passion, Sandra Seeling Lipski’s story is proof that it’s not. Born in Berlin, raised in Mallorca, and trained in New York, Sandra was already a working actress when she realized she wanted more control over the stories she was telling. At 25, tired of being typecast, she made a bold pivot. She chose the Associate of Science in Film program at The Los Angeles Film School as a launchpad to move from in front of the camera to behind it.
- [Outlaws and Auteurs: How Sundance Redefined American Cinema](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/how-sundance-redefined-american-cinema/): The Sundance Film Festival, held annually amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, is more than a winter event-it is the definitive launchpad for independent cinema. For over four decades, it has served as the crucial first step for ground-breaking films and the world's most influential directors. But what makes Sundance so iconic, and which cinematic milestones have emerged from its slopes?
- [How to Write for Video Games: Using Screenwriting Skills in Game Design](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/how-to-write-for-video-games/): How do you break into the world of video games if your background is in traditional film and television? While the demand for Narrative Designers is at an all-time high, the transition requires more than just sharp dialogue - it requires a shift in how you view the audience. To understand what is involved in writing for video games versus linear media, we sat down with Michael McCafferty, Lead Faculty for the Writing for Film and Television program.
- [Golden Globes 2026: The Alumni Behind This Year’s Award-Winning Projects](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2026-golden-globe-winners/): From award-winning series like The Studio, The Pitt and Hacks to celebrated films including Marty Supreme, Sinners, and One Battle After Another, alums across film, audio, music production, and post-production played vital roles in shaping some of the most recognized work of the year.
- [The Rise of the Creator Economy: How Artists Are Building Careers Without Gatekeepers](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-rise-of-the-creator-economy/): Today, the creator economy allows artists to connect directly with audiences, monetize their work without intermediaries and shape their own journey.  And it isn’t small by any means. The creator economy is expected to reach $480 billion by 2027, up from about $250 billion today, roughly doubling in size.
Let’s take a closer look at this growing creator economy—and how you can be part of it. 
- [Gods and Monsters: How Netflix and Warner Bros. Are Turning the 2026 Golden Globes into a Horror Show](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/netflix-and-warner-bros-2026-golden-globes/): We are witnessing a Streamer vs. Studio heavyweight battle where the weapon of choice is fear. Led by Netflix’s gothic tragedy Frankenstein and Warner Bros.’ blockbuster Sinners, the 2026 ceremony is shaping up to be a historic coronation for prestige horror.
- [The Ultimate 2026 Insider’s Guide: Awards Season, Festivals, and Tech Summits](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2026-entertainment-industry-events-calendar/): The calendar for 2026 is already buzzing with can't-miss film festivals, glamorous award ceremonies, major music industry gatherings, and cutting-edge creator economy conferences. Whether you're a filmmaker, a musician, a digital creator, or just a massive fan, here is your comprehensive, month-by-month guide to the biggest events coming your way.
- [2026 Golden Globe Nominations Feature Strong LA Film School Representation](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2026-golden-globe-nominations/): This year’s Golden Globe nominations feature a remarkable collection of projects supported by the expertise and creativity of The Los Angeles Film School & The Los Angeles Recording School’s alumni community.
- [2026 Grammys: Alumni Contribute to 7 Projects with 18 Nominations](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2026-grammys-alumni-contribute-to-18-award-nominated-projects/): Six alumni played key creative and technical roles across eight celebrated works recognized ahead of the 68th Grammy Awards.
- [From Trollhunters to Star Trek: The Hageman Brothers Visit The Los Angeles Film School!](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-hageman-brothers-visit-lafs/): Exclusive interview with the Hageman Brothers sharing pitching tips, writing advice, career lessons, and the worst note they ever got in Hollywood.
- [Life Before Photoshop: The Evolution of Graphic Design](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/before-photoshop-evolution-of-graphic-design/): Graphic Design used to be a difficult, time-consuming, yet beautiful process.  It was a tactile world of ink stains, paper scraps, and layering sheets of acetate until everything lined up just right. Where every poster, album cover and magazine spread was painstakingly crafted by hand.  So let’s explore the evolution of graphic design by taking a step back in time to the years B.P. (Before Photoshop)- starting with the trusty toolkit they couldn’t live without.
- [Alumni Drive Success Across Wicked for Good, Rosalía’s LUX & World Series Sound](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/alumni-wicked-for-good-rosalias-lux/): From Hollywood sets, music studios and even the World Series, graduates of The Los Angeles Film School and The Los Angeles Recording School continue to shape the entertainment industry in powerful and inspiring ways. These recent accomplishments highlight the creativity, professionalism, and technical excellence our alumni bring to every project.
- [A Trio of Honors: The L.A. Film School’s Award-Winning Week](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/a-trio-of-honors-the-l-a-film-schools-award-winning-week/): It’s been an incredible week for The Los Angeles Film School! Between back-to-back recognitions from some of the biggest names in entertainment and education from Billboard Magazine, TheWrap, and Newsweek, we’re so proud of our creative community. These honors highlight what makes our students, faculty, and alumni so special: passion, talent, and a shared commitment to the art of storytelling.
- [Navigating the Set: Essential Etiquette for Film Crew Newcomers](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/film-set-etiquette/): Stepping onto a professional film set is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with a strict, often unspoken, set of rules - setiquette. For newcomers, understanding and adhering to these protocols is crucial for a successful career. To help demystify these rules, we asked film instructor Jay Zabriskie about the most critical areas where green crew members often stumble, from noise levels to the complex hierarchy, so you can master the set's unique working environment.
- [The L.A. Film School Earns Spot on TheWrap’s Top Film Schools List for the Sixth Consecutive Year](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/thewrap-magazine-film-school-list-2025/): For the sixth consecutive year, The L.A. Film School has been recognized as one of the nation's leading institutions for film and entertainment education, affirming its role in shaping the creative industry's future.
- [The 6 “Happy Accidents” from Movies and Songs that Shaped them into Masterpieces](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/happy-accidents-from-movies-and-songs/): It’s true. Whether you’re shooting a multi-million dollar Hollywood blockbuster, rehearsing a local community play or recording a new song. In the creative world, as in life, things can go awry.  But as you’re about to find out, that can be a very good thing. We have six films and songs to prove it.  Let’s take a look at the happy accidents that made them the masterpieces that they are—and the lessons that come with them.  And we’ll even leave you with some parting advice from the legend that is Michael Caine so you can blow the bloody doors off in your creative career.
- [The Los Angeles Recording School Named to Billboard’s Top Music Business Schools List 2025 – 8th Consecutive Year!](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/billboard-mag-2025-top-music-business-school/): The Los Angeles Recording School, a division of The Los Angeles Film School, has once again been named to Billboard Magazine’s Top Music Business School List for 2025. This marks the eighth consecutive year the school has earned recognition from Billboard Magazine for its excellence in music industry education.
- [Inside the Mind of a Rock Legend: An Exclusive Interview with Joe “Evil Joe” Barresi](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/mix-masters-joe-barresi/): Have you ever wondered how some of the most iconic rock albums of the last few decades were made? We sat down with legendary producer and engineer Joe Barresi to find out. In this exclusive interview, hosted by fellow industry veteran Tony Shepperd, Barresi pulls back the curtain on his creative process, sharing the stories and techniques behind his work with bands like Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, and Soundgarden.
- [Impact Players: Celebrating Recent Alumni Accomplishments in Film, Festivals and Music](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/celebrating-recent-alumni-accomplishments/): From music videos and documentaries to blockbuster films and international festivals, alumni of The Los Angeles Film School continue to make a powerful impact across the entertainment industry. From music videos and documentaries to blockbuster films and international festivals, alumni of The Los Angeles Film School continue to make a powerful impact across the entertainment industry. Read on to discover some of the recent projects our esteemed alumni, including Hannah Lux Davis, Taylor Black, Sandra Lipski, Christian Salvador, and Ariana Miller, have been working on.
- [Music Sampling Explained: Creative Techniques and Copyright Laws Every Producer Should Know](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/music-sampling-explained/): Sampling sits at the heart of modern music creation. What began as a hands-on, experimental process in the early days of hip-hop has evolved into a sophisticated digital craft, shaping the sound of music and its unlimited creative possibilities. In a conversation with L.A Recording School instructor Luiz Costa, he breaks down both sides of sampling: its creative power as a musical tool, and the legal responsibilities that come with using existing recordings.
- [From Screen to Scream: 5 Horror Movies that Changed the Genre](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/5-horror-movies-that-changed-the-genre/): Your palms are sweating. The little hairs on the back of your neck are standing up. You can hardly breathe.  There’s nothing quite like watching a horror film. It’s the genre of movie that really demonstrates the power of cinema; how a series of 24 images projected onto a screen every second can create something that feels so real. That can have such a profound emotional effect on us.
- [From Happy Gilmore 2 to Euphoria: L.A. Film School Alumni in Production and Post](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/from-happy-gilmore-2-to-euphoria/): In addition to Spotlight Academy member and director Kyle Newacheck (Film 2004), two other L.A. Film School alumni contributed to the success of Happy Gilmore 2. Spotlight Academy member Marlon Rivas (Animation 2015) worked as a Postvisualization Artist, while Matt Cavanaugh (Film 2015) served as a Sound Effects Editor. Cavanaugh also added credits as Sound Editor on Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club and as Sound Effects Editor on the reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer.
- [A Morning with Hello Sunshine: Insights on Film, Technology, and Getting Hired ](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/hello-sunshine-film-technology-getting-hired/): What a fantastic morning we had at The Los Angeles Film School! We were incredibly lucky to host two amazing leaders from Hello Sunshine, Reese Witherspoon's mission driven media company: Tiffany Phelps, SVP of Post Production & Technology, and Sam Springli, Director of Technology. They dropped by to share their career journeys with our students and alum and offer some seriously valuable advice.
- [L.A. Film School Alum Wins Emmy, Others Credited on 18 Emmy-Winning Productions](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2025-emmy-awards/): The Los Angeles Film School is celebrating an exceptional year at the 2025 Emmy Awards, with its alumni contributing to 18 wins across three highly praised series, including a record-setting performance by The Studio.
- [Student-Led, Industry Approved: NextGen Live Gives Students Hands-On Experience in Event Management](https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/nextgen-live-event-management/): Experience plays a critical role in landing your first gig and lets employers know that you know what you’re doing. And that’s where NextGen Live, a student-led live show, comes into play. Guided by LA Film School Entertainment Business Instructor Clayton Guiltner, NextGen Live offers students the opportunity to ideate, organize, and produce a live show under the parameters of industry-standard workflows and processes.

## Pages
- [Virtual Open House](https://www.lafilm.edu/virtual-open-house/): You’re invited to our Virtual Open House - a digital experience designed to give you a view of what life as a student with us looks like, whether you’re joining us on Sunset Boulevard or learning from across the globe.
- [Maddie Goldberg](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/maddie-goldberg/): The Los Angeles Film School alum and east coast native Maddie Goldberg is an Emmy Award-winning motion designer, 3D animator, and multimedia artist currently based in Hartford, Connecticut for her animation role at ESPN, a role she began shortly after graduating in 2022. It is in this role that Maddie won a Sports Emmy for her work on the ESPN and NFL collaboration, Toy Story Funday Football, a first-of-its-kind NFL immersive game presentation which streamed on Disney+, ESPN+, and NFL+.
- [The Los Angeles Film School Newsroom](https://www.lafilm.edu/press/newsroom/): 2026 10 Los Angeles Film School Alumni Help Power 2026 Oscar-Winning Films Five L.A. Film School Alumni Contribute to Eight Wins at the 68th Grammy Awards L.A. Film School Alumni Drive Golden Globe Wins Across Film and Television 2025 TheWrap Recognizes The Los Angeles Film School Among Its Top 50 Film Schools Ranking Billboard Magazine Selects The Los Angeles Recording School to its 2025 Top Music Business School List L.A. Film School Alum Wins Emmy, Others Credited on 18 Emmy-Winning Productions The Los Angeles Film School Celebrates its Nominated Alumni Ahead of the 77th EMMY Awards Filmmaker Magazine Recognizes The Los Angeles Film School in 2025 Film School Guide Variety Magazine Names the Los Angeles Film School in Its 2025 Education Impact Report The Los Angeles Film School Shines the Spotlight on Three Alumni Credited on Two Winning Projects at the 97th Academy Awards The Los Angeles Film School Proudly Celebrates Alumni Contributions to GRAMMY-Nominated Works Los Angeles Film School Alumni are Among the Many Celebrated at the 82nd Annual Golden Globes 2024 The Los Angeles Film School Named in TheWrap's 2024 List of Top Film Schools Billboard Magazine Recognizes The Los Angeles Recording School as Top Music Business School for the Seventh Year The Los Angeles Film School Makes Filmmaker Magazine’s 2024 Film School Guide The Los Angeles Film School Alumni Amass Credits on Nearly 300 Nominations Across 50 Projects for 2024 Emmy Awards Variety Magazine Highlights The Los Angeles Film School In Its 2024 Education Impact Report & Top Film Schools List for the 10th Year in a Row The Los Angeles Film School Recognizes Alumni for Golden Globe Awards Win The Los Angeles Film School Celebrates Alumni Work in 75th Primetime Emmy Awards Wins The Los Angeles Film School Proudly Celebrates Alumni Contributions to GRAMMY-Nominated Works The Los Angeles Film School Recognizes Alumni for Golden Globe Awards Win 2023 The Los Angeles Film School Included in TheWrap 2023 Top Film Schools Ranking Los Angeles Recording School Recognized as Top Music Business School by Billboard Magazine The Los Angeles Film School Presented Four Alumni with Spotlight Awards at Ivar Theatre Variety Magazine Names The Los Angeles Film School to its 2023 Top Film Schools List The Los Angeles Film School Spotlight Awards Returns This Summer With New Class of Academy Members Leading With Compassion Is Key To Lasting Impact
- [Cynthia Hernandezgarcia](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/cynthia-hernandezgarcia/): LA Film School animation alum Cynthia Hernandezgarcia has built an impressive career spanning DreamWorks, DreamEast Pictures, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. Starting as an intern in China in 2017, she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing productions for beloved Nickelodeon series like The Casagrandes and Fairly Odd Parents: A New Wish, and serving as production manager for Netflix's The Soccer Football Movie.
- [Jessica Bail](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/jessica-bail/): From Fox to FX, Lionsgate, and MGM,  The Los Angeles Film School alum Jessica Bail has lent her producing and post-production expertise to some of the top networks in entertainment, working on shows that have starred award-winning talent like Billy Bob Thornton, Diane Lane, Jason Bateman, and Aubrey Plaza.
- [Taylor Black](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/taylor-black/): Since graduating from The Los Angeles Film School’s film program in 2004, colorist Taylor Black has worked on over 100 films and series making him a go-to creative artist in the fast-paced entertainment industry. Taylor is currently putting all that he learned at The L.A. Film School to work as an in-demand Senior Colorist at Apache Digital– a Dolby certified facility with a primary focus on color and finishing for the film, television, and streaming industries.
- [Lane Cheek](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/lane-cheek/): Emmy-nominated film and television executive producer Lane Cheek has had a lifelong love of movies, escaping in their stories and characters and wondering how the story could’ve continued had it not been limited to just a standard 90-minute running time.
- [Brandon Harding](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/brandon-harding/): With studio credits that include some of today’s biggest hits, there’s a good chance that GRAMMY award-winning recording engineer Brandon Harding’s work has found its way to more than one of your music playlists over the past few years. The 2013 Los Angeles Film School Recording Arts Program graduate’s studio credits include albums and hit singles for top artists like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Mary J. Blige,  Ne-Yo, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, The Dream, T.I. Usher, and others.
- [Brittany Hites](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/brittany-hites/): Since graduating in 2012 with an Associate’s degree in Film from The Los Angeles Film School, entertainment industry creative Brittany Hites has showcased her talents as an art director, a production designer, and set designer on some of Hollywood’s most anticipated films from the past decade, including Suicide Squad for Warner Brothers, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, One-Shot: All Hail the King,and Thunderbolts for Marvel Studios, Godzilla: King of the Monsters for Legendary Entertainment, and Dear Evan Hansen and Pitch Perfect 3 for Universal Pictures.
- [Mario J. Novoa](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/mario-j-novoa/): From early work in high school theater to mentorship through Film Independent and his studies at The Los Angeles Film School, Mario built a foundation rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and purpose. Today, through Film Bliss Studios, he continues to tell impactful stories that center diverse and LGBTQ+ voices while mentoring the next generation of filmmakers.
- [My Bookings](https://www.lafilm.edu/events-3/my-bookings/): CONTENTS
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- [Supplemental Essay](https://www.lafilm.edu/supplemental-essay/): Why am I writing this? As indicated by the results of your assessment, your background may be non-traditional or self-taught. We believe that standard surveys can’t always capture the full scope of a creative mind. This is your opportunity to “fill in the blanks” and show us how your prior experience aligns with our curriculum.
- [Our Educational Commitment](https://www.lafilm.edu/educational-commitment/): The Los Angeles Film School’s accredited programs deliver trusted, career-focused education with proven alumni success in film, TV, and entertainment.
- [Feedback & Complaints](https://www.lafilm.edu/feedback-complaints/): At The Los Angeles Film School, your experience matters. Whether you have a concern, suggestion, or compliment, we’re here to listen.Please use the form below to share your thoughts directly with us. Your feedback helps us improve and ensures that your voice is heard by those who can make a difference. Every submission is reviewed carefully, and we appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience.
- [Joshua Gitersonke](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/joshua-gitersonke/): Gitersonke has earned an impressive 11 Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, and Video Control. His big break came with The Amazing Race, where he started as a cameraman and climbed the ranks to director of photography.
- [Marlon Rivas](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/marlon-rivas/): With over nine years in the industry, Rivas has amassed 29+ credits, contributing to blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water, Aquaman, and Netflix’s Rebel Moon (Parts 1 & 2). His journey from U.S. Army veteran to acclaimed VFX professional is a testament to his passion and perseverance.
- [James Cotten](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/james-cotten/): James has built an impressive career across multiple roles in the film industry, proving that versatility is key to success. A 2001 graduate of The Los Angeles Film School, his journey from aspiring actor to accomplished filmmaker and producer is a testament to his dedication and passion. With notable directing and producing credits, James has left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
- [Mehrnaz Mohabati](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/mehrnaz-mohabati/): Mehrnaz Mohabati is a pioneering ADR mixer whose expertise has shaped the soundscapes of major Hollywood productions. Her work spans high-profile projects like Winning Time and American Fiction, as well as Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
- [Peter Munters](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/peter-munters/): Peter Munters is a celebrated recording engineer, dialogue mixer, and songwriter, known for his extensive contributions to the entertainment industry. Peter has built a career blending technical expertise with creative artistry. His achievements have earned him numerous Emmy and Golden Award nominations.
- [Alumni Network](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni-network/): Los Angeles Film School Alumni Networking Group: Join the vibrant online community of L.A. Film School alumni and connect with classmates and industry professionals.
- [Accessibility Statement](https://www.lafilm.edu/accessibility/): At The Los Angeles Film School, we are committed to improving the accessibility of our website to provide an inclusive and user-friendly experience for everyone who visits it.
- [Alumni Success Stories](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/success-stories/): Here are just some of the esteemed alumni who’ve worked on award-winning productions in film, TV, music, animation and countless other notable projects.
- [About](https://www.lafilm.edu/about/): The Los Angeles Film School’s mission is to inspire students with an inventive method of education that concentrates on preparation for career opportunities in the entertainment and media industries. We do this through an immersive curriculum that integrates technical knowledge with artistic exploration and creativity in a hands-on learning environment, taught by industry-experienced professionals in the heart of Hollywood, the premier entertainment capital of the world.
- [Student Experience](https://www.lafilm.edu/student-experience/): We don't just educate; we empower. Whether you're with us on campus in Hollywood or learning from anywhere in the world through our online programs, we are committed to providing a top-tier education, robust support systems, and a vibrant, enjoyable learning environment. Every part of our school is designed with you in mind.
- [Tours & Webinars](https://www.lafilm.edu/tours-and-webinars/): Experience The Los Angeles Film School with our Tours and Webinars. Join daily campus tours to see our film stages, studios, and labs, or attend an interactive on-demand webinar to explore online programs, TechKits®, scholarships, and the creative community at L.A. Film School.
- [Info for New Students](https://www.lafilm.edu/welcome-new-students/): We're thrilled you're here and are excited to have you join our creative community. To ensure a smooth transition and get you started on the right foot, we've put together this guide with important information and upcoming steps.
- [Jeff Barnes](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/jeff-barnes/): Jeff's music business career took off once he landed an internship at Record Plant Studios in Hollywood. Unbeknownst to Jeff at the time, Record Plant would become a foundational job path and lead him to spend most of his career with the studio as President.
- [Paquita Hughes](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/paquita-hughes/): Hughes credits her creative streak and early interests in photography, theatre and film as the driving force to pursue a career in the film and entertainment industry. Hughes has worked on sets for major projects including, Marvel Runaways, HBO’s Perry Mason, and Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere.
- [Entertainment Business Online – Completion](https://www.lafilm.edu/programs/entertainment-business-online/completion/): The entertainment industry is fueled by creativity, leadership and strategy. Our online program introduces you to a professional, project-based environment, designed to give you insight into the inner workings of the entertainment business.
- [Entertainment Business Online – Music Business – Completion](https://www.lafilm.edu/programs/entertainment-business-online/music-business-completion/): Become a creative liaison between the music and media industries. Our Music Business Online concentration teaches you how to create and build music brands, develop artists and repertoire (A&R) opportunities, execute concert tours and much more. Our online curriculum enhances your networking skills so you are prepared to work in a fast-paced recording environment.
- [BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS, MUSIC BUSINESS CONCENTRATION – ONLINE – COMPLETER](https://www.lafilm.edu/programs/entertainment-business-online/music-business-completer/): Program Length – 15 months
- [BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS – ONLINE – COMPLETER](https://www.lafilm.edu/programs/entertainment-business-online/entertainment-business-online-completer/): Program Length – 15 months
- [Randy Marx](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/randy-marx/): Molded by the city, Randy Marx continues to build upon his legacy in the music world here in Hollywood. After graduating with honors in Music Production, Marx landed a partnership with The Wrecking Spot Music Group and Optimistic Records. Marx has dedicated his music career to perfecting his style and unique voice as he continues to captivate a mainstream audience.
- [Matt Villines](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/matt-villines/): Matt Villines was a director best known for his sketch comedy work with professional partner and fellow film school alum, Oz Rodriguez. Together, they created the comedic directing team Matt & Oz. Matt used his keen sense of humor to create some of the most successful videos on SuperDeluxe.com
- [Scholarships & Grants](https://www.lafilm.edu/admissions/scholarships-and-grants/): The Los Angeles Film School is dedicated to the encouragement and development of future generations of media professionals. To reinforce our commitment, The Los Angeles Film School offers the following scholarships for qualified students.
- [Phillip Bladh](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/phillip-bladh/): Phillip Bladh is an Oscar-winning production sound mixer who is most known for his work on the film Sound of Metal starring Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone. Phillip Bladh graduated from The L.A. Recording School in 2008 and has been active in the film industry for more than a decade.
- [Application Instructions](https://www.lafilm.edu/admissions/application-instructions/): Are you ready to take that first step? Let’s help you get started.
- [Alex M. Ferrufino](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/alex-m-ferrufino/): Alex M. Ferrufino is best known for the HBO Latinx-winning short film, Slipping Into Darkness. The film follows a young Mexican American named Juanito, who is struggling to provide for his family and not follow in his incarcerated father’s footsteps. Slipping Into Darkness was a breakout project for Alex Ferrufino and is loosely based on his rough upbringing in Los Angeles.
- [Kevin Atkinson](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/kevin-atkinson/): Kevin Atkinson made short films with classmates and learned how to operate film cameras as a student from the inaugural class at L.A. Film School. After graduation, Kevin found his niche in comedy sketches at Funny or Die with fellow alumni and Spotlight Academy member, Oz Rodriguez. Each production job he landed led to slightly bigger jobs in the industry.
- [Daniel Zaidenstadt](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/daniel-zaidenstadt/): Over his 10-year music career, Daniel has contributed to more than 30 RIAA Gold and Platinum albums and countless #1 hits. Daniel has worked with top artists like Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga and Zayn Malik. Daniel shifted from engineering to producing as he’s grown in his recording career. He’s worked extensively with Zayn Malik and Carly Rae Jepsen as a vocal producer.
- [Angelina Faulkner](https://www.lafilm.edu/alumni/angelina-faulkner/): Angelina is an Emmy-nominated dialogue editor with a sharp ear for assembling audio with maximum punch and clarity. You can hear her dialogue work on the award-winning show What We Do in The Shadows. Her latest post-production work is on the animated show, Dunkcanville starring Amy Poehler.

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