Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE CINEMA PROGRAM

What Cinema classes should I take the first semester?

We suggest you take Cinema 1, 2, 3 and 4 so that you will have your choice of intermediate classes the next semester. Until you have completed all four classes with a grade of "C" or better, you will not be able to take the intermediate and advanced classes. However, you are not required to take all four classes in one semester. Because of time restrictions, some students take two classes the first semester, two more the second, and then start the intermediate classes the third semester. Some take only one class per semester.

Will I be able to get the Cinema classes I want?

You make every effort to enroll you in the class you want. Entry level students will be able to easily enroll in Cinema 1, 2, 3, and 4. We make every effort to ensure that our beginning program is large enough to accept all new students but the Cinema 2 classes have limited space so enroll early. If you are unable to enroll in a beginning class because it is full, go to the first class meeting and ask the instructor to add you. Intermediate and advanced classes have definite enrollment restrictions and continuing LACC Cinema students have enrollment priority in these classes. However, we try to accommodate by offering classes, both day and night, or adding sections. If you are not able to get into a particular class one semester, you will have plenty of other choices. In most cases, if you are a continuing LACC student, you will be able to get into the desired class the next semester.

What type of facility does Cinema have at LACC?

We have a modern production facility that includes a 99 seat theater with 16mm, 35mm and digital video projection systems. In addition we have three multi-station non-linear computer labs (17, 27 and 40 stations), a professional soundstage, additional projection and mixing rooms and numerous film and digital non-linear editing suites.

How many faculty members do you have you have?

Cinema has six full-time and seven part-time professors. Five of our instructors teach at other well-known film schools in the Los Angeles area. Others are currently working in the industry. All have had extensive experience in the film business.

How many students are in Cinema?

There are about 400-450 students.

What other expenses will I have in Cinema other than tuition?

You will be responsible for all books, video tape, film stock, developing and out-of-pocket expenses. Go to Cinema Course Descriptions for cost approximations.

Will I be able to make films at LACC?

Yes, the Cinema Program is very hands-on oriented. In the first semester, you will make three short digital projects. In subsequent semesters, you have several opportunities to make short 16mm or digital video productions.

Will I own the film(s) I produce at LACC?

Yes, you will own any film you produce at LACC. While we supply the equipment, facilities and expertise, you pay for the film stock and other expenses. You retain the rights to your film.

Can I make a feature film at your school?

No, we only allow short film projects. But there are no other restrictions if the script is approved by the instructor.

Do I need to buy digital video camera equipment?

While we have systems to loan out, we suggest you purchase your own miniDV digital camera and tripod for convenience. Cinema 2 requires only a simple single-chip camera but you can buy a more sophisiticated camera if you wish. Prices for miniDV cameras vary from $200 to $5.000 depending upon sophistication For Cinema 2, we have forty editing stations (eMacs with iMovie 6) but you are welcome to edit the projects on your own systems at home if so desired. For just over $1,000 you can buy an excellent iMac editing system. Students enrolled in Cinema 33/Television 55 have the use of a 26 station lab with iMovie and Final Cut Express. Cinema 32 students must edit the assigned projects in our lab using Final Cut Express..

Will I use digital equipment beyond the first semester?

See the course descriptions.

Should I purchase my own 16mm camera?

Probably not. However, some students prefer to own the equipment for convenience. We have an adequate quantity of 16mm cameras, tripods, light meters, tripods and light kits. If you are serious about cinematography, you should definitely purchase your own light meter.

When can I start using the 16mm equipment?

The 16mm equipment can be checked out after the first semester when you are enrolled in Cinema 6, 7, 15,16, or 17. You will be using K-3 cameras in the 16mm section of Cinema 6 (see class schedule) and Canon Scoopics in Cinema 7. For the advanced classes, we have the Éclair NPR, Arriflex S and Arriflex SR cameras available. We also have Canon GL-2 digital video cameras and Mac G-4 (Final Cut Pro and Pro-Tools) editing systems for the advanced students. The equipment is available for class projects only.

When can I shoot in digital video?

The first class in digital video is Cinema 2 which is available to beginning Cinema students. Class members shoot and edit short digital video projects. You can use the school equipment (eMacs with iMovie 6 and Canon ZR cameras) or use your own. One section of Cinema 6 (Cinematography) also is taught with digital equipment while the other is 16mm. See the class schedule for details.

Can I shoot my advanced film on digital video?

Yes, you can to shoot your project on digital video and many do. We have digital equipment for use by advanced students (Canon GL-2 cameras and Mac G-4's with Final Cut Pro and Pro Tools).

When do I have access to portable sound equipment?

We don't give out sound equipment in the first semester, but in some subsequent classes you will have access to Fostex DATS and Fostex FR-2 hard-drive recording systems with microphones and booms.

Can I check out light kits?

In the beginning class (Cinema 2) we'll give you information about low cost lighting options, but we do not have light kits available. We do loan out Lowell light kits in Cinema 6, Cinema 7 Cinema 15,16,17

What 16mm film editing facilities do you have?

We have of a variety flatbed editing stations (Steenbeck, Moviola) which you can use if you wish to edit your film project on film (Cinema 6, Cinema 15,16,17). You'll edit your first Cinema 32 project on film . Most people now cut their own projects on digital systems.

Do you have digital non-linear editing systems?

The beginning cinema production class Cinema 2 has a lab with 40 eMac G-4 computers with iMovie 4. We have a 17 station Mac G-4 lab for our classes in Final Cut Pro 5(Cinema 35 and Television 60) and Pro-Tools Digital Audio (Cinema 22). Another lab with 26 eMac G-4 computers is dedicated to Cinema 32, Cinema 33, Television 55. Here you may cut with either iMovie-6 or Final Cut Express. We also furnish four non-linear editing systems with Final Cut and ProTools for the advanced students for editing their projects.