Newly launched Social Impact Filmmaking Lab builds on technology partnership, investing in next-generation talent while supporting the transformative power of entertainment
LOS ANGELES — Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, which was named the top five film school in the nation for the second year in a row by The Hollywood Reporter, has partnered with Sony Electronics to launch the Social Impact Filmmaking Lab. By funding and overseeing up to four short films per year, the partnership gives filmmaking opportunities to innovative rising storytellers interested in transforming society through social impact content.
The lab, designed to accelerate the careers of recent alumni, expands upon an existing multi-year partnership between the two parties. Through this collaboration, Sony Electronics is equipping LMU with cutting-edge cinema technology, 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. As a part of the lab, LMU and Sony executives will supervise each film’s development, production, and post-production, offering guidance and equipment throughout.
The projects, which will be filmed in Los Angeles County as part of LMU SFTV’s support of the “Stay in L.A.” campaign, may be standalone short films or proofs of concept for features or television series. Upon completion, they will be featured at screenings hosted jointly by LMU and Sony Electronics.
“Sony is committed to offering innovations and expertise that trains, educates, and prepares the next generation of filmmakers,” said Theresa Alesso, president, Imaging Products and Solutions of Americas, Sony Electronics Inc. “Through our growing partnership with LMU, we’re proud to take that one step further by providing not only the cinematic technology that helps bring stories to life but opportunities to amplify voices that are focused on creating awareness and driving change.”
“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,” said LMU SFTV 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. 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.”
The Social Impact Filmmaking Lab is one of several initiatives through which LMU SFTV empowers the next generation of filmmakers with firsthand experience, top-of-the-line equipment, and access to the entertainment industry. Other programs include Hollywood Bootcamp, providing career training via access to top executives, companies, and artists; the Distinguished Artist in Residence Program, offering hands-on mentorship from industry luminaries; and groundbreaking coursework and events exploring the power of AI in film.
LMU SFTV’s notable alums include Academy Award-winning writer-director-producer Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential,” “Mystic River”), director Michael Jelenic (“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”), producer Barbara Broccoli (“No Time to Die”, “Spectre”), director Francis Lawrence (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “I am Legend”), writer Shay Hatten (“John Wick”), producer Effie Brown (“Dear White People,” “Real Women Have Curves”); writer-director Anna Boden (“Captain Marvel”), Peabody Award-winning writer Karen Joseph Adcock (“The Bear,” “Atlanta”), and writer-producer Evan Romansky, whose four-time Emmy-nominated series “Ratched” was originally written as an MFA thesis project.