Advancing independent filmmaking by bridging the gap from academia to industry

Local Cinema Studios

works with universities and communities to enhance education, forward careers, and provide economic opportunity. By connecting students to real film production opportunities, our projects empower new voices and build up the communities they represent.

Local Cinema Studios exists to bring productions to life that are not possible within other filmmaking models.

  • "Being on a [Local Cinema] film set has taught me how to work in synergy with my colleagues, and it’s also taught me how to think outside of the box and solve problems that don’t often occur in day-to-day life."

    Ethan Stafford, Boom Op

  • "I was able to bring in the knowledge of what it means to work as a collaborative team in order to make art. Even though the process for film is much different than it is with live theatre, I noticed the same energy and passion behind it all."

    Jordan Postal, Production Design

  • "Working on a Local Cinema Studios set has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It's exciting to watch students learn skills that set them up for success."

    Amanda Grupp, Hero Producer

  • "It’s been an eye opening experience to create something of this magnitude and to have fun between takes.”

    Jada Mack, Boom Op & Sound Engineer

  • "Working with Local Cinema Studios has been a special opportunity to build up a new generation of filmmakers in the South. You can tell the students are eager to learn and excited by the process. It's inspiring to watch students grow their skills over the six weeks from orientation to the end of filming and rewarding to be a mentor in their experience."

    Andrew Shearer, Emmy-nominated film editor, writer, & educator

  • Bruiser

  • Holy

  • Hero