Los Angeles Film School Explained

The Los Angeles Film School
Motto:Pursue Your Passion
Established:1999
Type:For-profit college, film school
President:Tammy Elliott
Students:2,464 (2014)[1]
Address:6363 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, California
90028
Campus:Urban

The Los Angeles Film School (informally LA Film School) is a for-profit college in Los Angeles, California offering associate and bachelor's degrees in majors relating to the entertainment industry. The school encompasses the Los Angeles Recording School and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.[2]

History

The Los Angeles Film School was founded in 1999. The school was conceived and founded by married investors Paul Kessler, a financier, and Diana Derycz-Kessler, a Harvard-trained lawyer and entrepreneur,[3] [4] together with Thom Mount, and venture capitalist Bud MaLette.[5] [6] [7] In 1998, the founders developed the idea for the school and made an initial investment of $2 million.[8]

The first classes began in September 1999, and the school's first students graduated in July 2000.[6] [9] The founding faculty included Tom Schatz, professor of film,[10] William A. Fraker and Janusz Kamiński teaching cinematography, Jon Amiel and Donald Petrie teaching directing, Dede Allen teaching editing, Ron Judkins teaching sound production, and Joe Byron, Director of Technology.[6]

The school was originally funded by Kessler and Derycz-Kessler through their company Bristol Investments.[11] After 18 months, the couple bought out their partners in the school and Dercyz-Kessler became the CEO,[12] [8] [11] seeking to address overspending in a more active role.[12] The total investment in the school had grown to $15 million by 2001, including the installation of the professional equipment required for film production.[8], students at the school had created 700 short films. The total number of students was 150 full-time and approximately 30 part-time.[8]

In 2003, the school formed a partnership with several private equity investors.[13] In April 2011, a decision was made by ACCET to withdraw its accreditation of The Los Angeles Recording School. The decision was stayed on appeal, and the school was permitted to resign its accreditation amicably, following the transfer of remaining students to The Los Angeles Film School,[14] [15] which is accredited by the ACCSC.

In February 2010, employees of The Los Angeles Film School submitted authorization cards to the National Labor Relations Board in an effort to become unionized as part of the California Federation of Teachers.[16] [17] Following the controversial firing of a Los Angeles Film School employee and union organizer, and the litigation which led to her reinstatement, the group withdrew its petition for unionization.[18] [19] In July 2011, the school settled a dispute with a local farmers market, which regularly blocked access to a Los Angeles Film School parking garage.[20]

By 2011, the school's enrollment had grown to 1,800 students. Derycz-Kessler had a 17-year tenure as CEO (from 2000 to July 2017).[21] Tammy Elliott is currently the school's president.[22]

Facilities

The Los Angeles Film School is located on Sunset Boulevard in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood, where its quarter-million square foot campus (250000square feet) includes the historic RCA Building,[3] [23] [24] which is known for being a recording place of artists including Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Henry Mancini.[3] In 2001, the school opened a 345-seat, THX-certified theater featuring a Sony 4K projector.[25] [26] In 2006, the nearby six-story Klasky Csupo studio building (originally built in 1985 for a Mercedes-Benz dealership)[27] was purchased, which brought the total area of the campus to 230000square feet.[13] [28] The campus also includes a 4000square feet sound stage and the 8000square feet Ivar Theater.[25] [29] The school's main stage houses a 3000square feet set of a Victorian house, where students can produce television shows with industry professionals.[23] Overall,, $61 million had been invested in the buildings alone.[23]

Academics

The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to offer associate and bachelor's degrees.[25] In order to maintain its accreditation with the ACCSC, the school must achieve 70% industry job placement for its students within a year of graduation.[9] [30] The school is an Avid Pro Tools curriculum partner.[31] [32]

The school is approved to teach veterans by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education. It is also a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity College Consortium, and is considered a military friendly school by MilitaryFriendly.com.[25] [33] Military Times magazine ranked The Los Angeles Film School 7th on their "Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges" list for 2014, and in the top five on 2015's list.[34] [35]

Degree programs

The Los Angeles Film School offers several associate and bachelor's degree programs related to the entertainment industry. Film related degrees include an associate degree in film, and bachelor's degrees in digital filmmaking and film production.[36] Degrees related to the video game industry include an associate degree in game production and a bachelor's in game production and design.[36] [37] The school also offers an associate degree in computer animation and a bachelor's in animation and visual effects.[36] Two associate degrees related to the music industry are offered, one in music production and one in recording arts.[30] [36] In addition, the school offers a bachelor's degree in entertainment business.[2] [36]

Faculty and staff

Since 2012, former Universal Studios executive and film producer Hal Lieberman has headed a bachelor of science program in entertainment business.[38] [39]

Joe Byron, who holds eight patents related to motion picture production, has served several roles at the school since 1999, including Director of Education, Director of Technology, and Director of Student and Alumni Engagement.[40] [41]

Productions and events

The feature-length film Demon Slayer was produced by the school in 2003 and was financed by Roger Corman. The cast and crew for the film, including director James Cotton, was composed of students and alumni of The Los Angeles Film School.[42] [43] [44] The film was produced through the school's 1st Chance Films program, which partners well-known producers with its students to make films using the facilities at the school.[45] The school's Military Services Department produced the 2011 documentary The Yellow Ribbon Experience, which chronicles the reintegration of soldiers from the 63rd Regional Support Command into civilian life.[46] [47] Since 2007, the school has held an annual panel discussion which features the writers of Oscar-nominated films.[48] [49] In 2010, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Bob Marley was presented to the artist's family at the school.[50] Since 2009, the school has held an annual Veterans Day event called the "Annual Salute" to honor students with military service records.[51]

, The Los Angeles Film School has hosted the Evolution International Film Festival.[52] The school also served as host to the 2012 GI Film Festival as part of its Annual Salute, and featured two films produced by Los Angeles Film School students.[53]

The school was host to the 2013 Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival and also hosts the Los Angeles-based 3D Film Festival.[54] [55] [56] The school has also hosted the BAFTA Student Film Awards in 2011.[57]

Notable alumni

Several alumni of The Los Angeles Film School have gone on to have notable careers in the entertainment industry, including David Eischen, of techno band Transoverload, Kyle Newacheck, director and co-creator of the television series Workaholics;[58] Ari Levine, who is a member of the writing and producing team for musician Bruno Mars;[59] Martin Pensa, who was nominated for an Oscar for his work editing the film Dallas Buyers Club;[60] [61] Brandon Trost, who has served as cinematographer on several films including That Awkward Moment and This is the End;[62] [63] Jaycen Joshua, who is a Grammy Award-winning sound mixer;[64] and Brian Taylor, co-writer and co-director of Crank, and Gamer.[23] In 2021 Phillip Bladh became the first alumni to win an Academy Award for best sound for the movie Sound of Metal.

Lawsuit

The Los Angeles Film School and Los Angeles Recording School faced a class action lawsuit in 2010, due to the school allegedly using deceptive tactics in promising students jobs in the entertainment industry.[65] The complaint stated that the school allegedly failed to give them their 900 hours of instruction,[66] and would allegedly attempt to bribe students with gift cards to Target and Best Buy if they would sign self-employment forms misrepresenting sales clerk positions at the Apple Store and Guitar Center as "Creative positions".[67] [68] [69] [70]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Los Angeles Film School . Unigo Group . December 9, 2014.
  2. Web site: Directory of Accredited Institutions . https://web.archive.org/web/20130625064218/http://www.accsc.org/Directory/ . dead . June 25, 2013 . Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges . July 14, 2014 .
  3. News: In the heart of Hollywood . Jason Dean . CSuite Quarterly . Spring 2012 . October 14, 2014.
  4. Web site: Paul L. Kessler . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217012823/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=142252977&ticker=WIZD&previousCapId=50028215&previousTitle=ROAR%2C%20LLC . dead . December 17, 2014 . . October 28, 2014.
  5. News: Stone unspools school . Variety Staff . . August 2, 1999 . July 7, 2014.
  6. News: Thom Mount and the Los Angeles Film School . Paul Cullum . . May 10, 2000 . June 6, 2014.
  7. News: L.A. Film School to offer tech courses . . May 18, 1999 . June 6, 2014.
  8. News: The ABC's of Cinematography . Beatriz Barceló-Boyker . La Opinión . September 18, 2001 .
  9. News: Los Angeles Film School . Bijan Tehrani . Cinema Without Borders . January 27, 2008 . July 1, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217015320/http://cinemawithoutborders.com/cinema-tech/1454-los-angeles-film-school.html . December 17, 2014 . dead .
  10. News: L.A. Film School taps Schatz . Jill Pesselnick . . August 18, 1999 . June 6, 2014.
  11. News: Blonde Ambition . Audrey Davidow . Angeleno Magazine . January 1, 2003 .
  12. News: The Big Picture . Lewis Rice . Harvard Law Bulletin . 2001 .
  13. News: Full Sail principals' partnership buys property for L.A. media schools . . February 9, 2006 . June 6, 2014.
  14. Web site: ACCET letter re: Appeals decision . August 12, 2011 . Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training . December 10, 2014.
  15. Web site: ACCET letter re: resignation of accreditation . August 31, 2011 . Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training . December 9, 2014.
  16. News: Union rally backs organizing drive at private L.A. Film School . Patrick J. McDonnell . Los Angeles Times. March 24, 2010 . June 6, 2014.
  17. News: Unions rally for L.A. Film School faculty . Dave McNary . . March 24, 2010 . June 6, 2014.
  18. Bacon . David . October 2011 . FT Presses for Overdue Changes to Federal Rules Governing Elections . California Teacher . California Federation of Teachers . July 4, 2014.
  19. March 1, 2012 . National ruling supports worker organizing . California Teacher . California Federation of Teachers . July 4, 2014.
  20. News: Feud over Hollywood Farmers Market ends — for now . Kate Linthicum and David Karp . . July 14, 2011 . July 15, 2014.
  21. Web site: Bristol Capital Advisors.
  22. Web site: The Spotlight Academy Class of 2019. September 25, 2019.
  23. News: The Los Angeles Film School . Cassandra M. Bellantoni . Beverly Hills Times Magazine . March 14, 2011 . October 14, 2014.
  24. News: Los Angeles Film School: Where Hollywood Grows . Amber Smith . . October 24, 2011 . June 6, 2014.
  25. News: The Pursuit of Happiness . Suzzane Takowsky . The Beverly Hills Times . June 16, 2013 . July 10, 2014.
  26. News: Los Angeles Film School Expands . Student Filmmakers Magazine . August 3, 2009 . June 6, 2014.
  27. Web site: Nadel Wins Award for Auto Building. Los Angeles Times. March 15, 1987.
  28. Web site: Schools Buy Klasky CSUPO Studios Bldg. for $410 PSF . Nga Nguyen . February 23, 2006 . CoStar . August 5, 2014.
  29. News: Los Angeles Film School's Gateway to Hollywood . Kyle Rupprecht . . October 29, 2009 . July 1, 2014.
  30. News: Established industry professionals provide hands-on training to those aspiring to enter the entertainment field . . September 9, 2010 . June 6, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217012907/http://latimes.wehaa12.wehaaserver.com/article-884-los-angeles-film-school.html . December 17, 2014 . dead .
  31. Web site: Film Schools & Training Programs . . July 1, 2014.
  32. Web site: Los Angeles Film School . Avid Training Partners . July 1, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217023717/http://www.avid.com/US/support/training/partners/318 . December 17, 2014 . dead .
  33. Web site: Los Angeles Film School (Hollywood, CA) . Victory Media Inc . July 1, 2014.
  34. Web site: Best for Vets, Career & Technical Colleges 2014 . Military Times . July 1, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141119012731/http://projects.militarytimes.com/best-for-veterans/colleges/career-technical-colleges/2014/ . November 19, 2014 . dead .
  35. News: Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges 2015 . George Altman . . October 13, 2014 . October 28, 2014.
  36. Web site: School Detail: Los Angeles Film School . . July 31, 2021.
  37. News: L.A. Film School Adds Two Game Degrees . Jill Duffy . Game Career Guide . May 14, 2008 . June 6, 2014.
  38. News: Los Angeles Film School adding entertainment business degree to curriculum . Stephen Slaybaugh . Production2.0 . July 27, 2012 . June 6, 2014.
  39. News: Former Universal Pic Prexy Hal Lieberman To Head LA Film School Biz B.S. Program . Mike Fleming . . December 10, 2012 . July 1, 2014.
  40. Web site: Cinema Tech: Thom Mount and the Los Angeles Film School . Paul Cullum . May 10, 2000 . LA Weekly . August 5, 2014 .
  41. Web site: Joe Byron Joins Seven and Meeting Wed (Dec 14th) . 13 December 2011 . Los Angeles Film School . August 7, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140703104931/http://lafilm.edu/blog/joe-byron-joins-seven-and-meeting-wed-dec-14th . July 3, 2014 . dead .
  42. News: Students to package pix . Dana Harris . https://web.archive.org/web/20150329091259/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83030113.html . dead . March 29, 2015 . . January 14, 2002 . June 6, 2014.
  43. Web site: Demon Slayer - First 8 Minutes . February 24, 2003 . . July 14, 2014.
  44. News: Demon Slayer (2003) Movie Review . NIX . BeyondHollywood.com . July 2, 2003 . July 14, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217014134/http://www.beyondhollywood.com/demon-slayer-2003-movie-review/ . December 17, 2014 . dead .
  45. William Conner . HD at American Film Market 2003 . High Def . 5 . 2 . April 2003 . October 20, 2014.
  46. News: 10 Years Post-9/11, LA Film School Highlights a Positive Path for Army Reserve Soldiers & Families after War . https://web.archive.org/web/20150329091305/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-268147873.html . dead . March 29, 2015 . Defense & Aerospace Week . September 21, 2011 . June 6, 2014.
  47. News: The Yellow Ribbon experience . Andy Nguyen . U.S. Army . September 14, 2011 . June 6, 2014.
  48. News: 'Dallas Buyers Club,' 'Wolf of Wall Street' Writers Reveal Their Writing Processes, Biggest Challenges . Kyle Jaeger . . February 11, 2014 . July 14, 2014.
  49. Web site: 7th Annual Screenwriters Panel . February 7, 2014 . Calendar of Events . The Los Angeles Film School . July 14, 2014.
  50. News: Bob Marley Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award . Urban Islandz Staff . Urban Islandz . August 27, 2012 . July 14, 2014.
  51. News: Veterans film festival features US soldiers' experiences on the battlefield and behind the lens . Molly Gray . . November 9, 2012 . July 14, 2014.
  52. Web site: Evolution Film Festival. August 28, 2014.
  53. News: GI Film Festival brings military movie mind-set to Burbank . Bob Strauss . . October 29, 2013 . July 11, 2014.
  54. News: 6th Annual Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival . Robin Menken . Cinema Without Borders . September 7, 2013 . July 15, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141217015323/http://cinemawithoutborders.com/festivals/3473-6th-annual-los-angeles-brazilian-film-festival.html . December 17, 2014 . dead .
  55. Ibrahim . Antoine . September 30, 2010 . The Los Angeles Film School Presents and Hosts 3-D Film Festival . Hollywood, CA . Marketwire . 2014-07-15.
  56. . The Dream Factory Teams with the Los Angeles Film School, Sony and RealD to Present New 3D Film Festival . Hollywood, CA . Creative Planet . October 30, 2010 . July 15, 2014.
  57. Web site: Student Short Film Festival 2011 . June 20, 2011 . British Academy of Film and Television Arts . September 3, 2014.
  58. News: Workaholics: High, Wry and Totally Fly . Mark Rozeman . . January 21, 2014 . June 6, 2014.
  59. News: Ari Levine & The Smeezingtons: Producing Bruno Mars . Paul Tingen . . June 2011 . July 11, 2014.
  60. Web site: Martin Pensa, Editor . Dallas Buyers Club Cast and Crew . . July 14, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141024105550/http://www.focusfeatures.com/dallas_buyers_club/castncrew?member=martin_pensa . October 24, 2014 . dead .
  61. Web site: Film Editing / Dallas Buyers Club . . July 14, 2014.
  62. News: All Indie Family . Rebecca Reynolds . The Independent . July 2013 . July 15, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140227003250/http://www.aivf.org/magazine/2013/07/Jason-Trost_Sarah-Trost_The-FP_All-Superheroes-Must-Die_Wet-and-Reckless . February 27, 2014.
  63. Web site: Cast & Crew . . July 15, 2014.
  64. News: Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Jaycen Joshua . Paul Tingen . . August 1, 2010 . July 15, 2014.
  65. Web site: /Film LA: Los Angeles Film School Sued For Misrepresenting Jobs at Apple Store; Trying To Move Hollywood Farmer's Market - /Film. Slashfilm. December 10, 2010. 2016-01-30. en-US.
  66. Web site: Lawsuit Claims Film School Overstates Job Opportunities. Backstage.com. 2016-01-30.
  67. Web site: L.A. Film and Recording School sued for bribing students into taking "creative positions" at Apple Store and Guitar Center. www.avclub.com. December 10, 2010 . 2016-01-30.
  68. Web site: Los Angeles Film School May Not Get You That Hollywood Job You Always Wanted. Vulture. December 8, 2010 . 2016-01-30.
  69. Web site: Courthouse News Service. www.courthousenews.com. 2016-01-30.
  70. Web site: LA Film School Can Hook You Up at the Apple Store, Brah. UPROXX. 2016-01-30. en-GB.

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