As the 2025–26 academic year approaches, the top-ranked Loyola Marymount University School of Film and Television (SFTV) is deepening its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and advancing social justice through innovative storytelling. In an expanded partnership with Sony Electronics, SFTV is proud to launch the Social Impact Filmmaking Lab, a bold new initiative that empowers alumni who graduated between 2017-25 to create essential stories that inspire change.
Building on a successful multi-year collaboration, the lab will finance and support the development of up to four short films annually, with each project receiving $25,000 for development, production, post-production, marketing, and distribution – offering recent alumni the resources and momentum to launch the next phase of their careers.
“Part of what we pride ourselves on at LMU SFTV is not only teaching students about film and television, but also encouraging them to use their passion and vision to create content that has impact and purpose,” shared Dean Joanne Moore. “This program enables our talented alumni to build their skills and portfolios while also driving meaningful progress on the social issues that matter most to them.”
During the Lab, participants will benefit from hands-on mentorship and gain access to top-tier Sony equipment, underscoring SFTV’s commitment to industry-level training. “It is one more way we are supporting our students with real-life experience and valuable connections – not to mention state-of-the-art technology, which we are already working with our partners at Sony Electronics to implement,” added Moore. Sony will outfit LMU SFTV graduates with an array of cutting-edge gear, including the VENICE 2 flagship cinema camera and the FX series of cameras to the PXW-Z200 handheld camcorder, as well as PVM-series professional 4K HDR monitors.
Participants will be mentored by renowned LMU faculty and Sony executives across all phases of production. LMU SFTV faculty advisors include acclaimed cinematographer and SFTV Distinguished Artist in Residence, Amy Vincent, ASC (“Song Sung Blue” and “Hustle & Flow”); Lauren Wolkstein, clinical assistant professor of screenwriting and director on Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar,” Alice Birch and Rachel Weisz’s “Dead Ringers,” and several episodes of two new upcoming Amazon series to premiere in 2026; and Camille Tucker, clinical assistant professor of screenwriting, whose credits include projects for Lifetime, Disney+, STARZ, and LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment.
Additionally, all projects developed from the Social Impact Filmmaking Lab will be filmed in Los Angeles County, highlighting LMU SFTV’s support of the “Stay in L.A.” campaign, a grassroots effort to revitalize local film and television production in the wake of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes and recent wildfires across Southern California. As a leading film school centered in Los Angeles, SFTV is dedicated to reaffirming L.A.’s role as a cornerstone for film and digital storytelling through this initiative.
SFTV invites eligible alumni filmmakers to submit proposals for standalone short films or proofs of concept for features or television series in narrative, documentary, or hybrid formats. Priority will be given to proposals that include LMU alumni in multiple key crew positions to offer as many SFTV filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their socially conscious storytelling as possible. All submissions must be received by the deadline of Aug. 20, 2025, for consideration. Visit the application site for full eligibility requirements and guidelines.
This cutting-edge initiative will culminate in a joint screening of the final projects hosted by LMU and Sony Electronics, providing a platform for rising SFTV alumni to share transformative stories that foster industry connections, cultivate vital conversations, and drive social impact.