{{short description|American for-profit college}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2016}} {{Infobox university | name = The Los Angeles Film School | native_name = | image = Logo lafs.png | image_size = 170px | image_alt = | caption = | latin_name = | motto = Pursue Your Passion | motto_lang = | mottoeng = | established = 1999 | closed = <!-- {{End date|YYYY}} --> | type = For-profit college, film school | parent = | affiliation = | endowment = | budget = | officer_in_charge = | chancellor = | president = | vice-president = | superintendent = | provost = | vice_chancellor = | rector = | principal = | dean = | director = | head_label = | head = | academic_staff = | administrative_staff = | students = 5,833 (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school?436429-Los_Angeles_Film_School |title=Los Angeles Film School |publisher=Unigo Group |access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> | undergrad = | postgrad = | doctoral = | other = | address = 6363 Sunset Boulevard<br />Hollywood, California<br />90028 | coor = {{Coord|34.09882|-118.32820|type:edu_globe:earth_region:US-CA|display=ti}} | campus = Urban | former_names = | free_label = | free = | colors = | colours = | athletics = | sports = | nickname = | mascot = | affiliations = | website = {{URL|https://www.lafilm.edu/}} | logo = | footnotes = }}

'''The Los Angeles Film School''' ('''LAFS''' and, informally, '''LA Film School''') is a private for-profit college in Los Angeles, California, United States. It was founded in 1999 and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2016-09-06 |title=Accreditation / Approvals |publisher=The Los Angeles Film School |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/accreditation/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |publisher=Council for Higher Education Accreditation |url=https://www.chea.org/accrediting-commission-career-schools-and-colleges |access-date=2026-01-26}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=School Search |publisher=Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education |url=https://www.bppe.ca.gov/search/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en}}</ref> The school encompasses the Los Angeles Recording School and offers associate and bachelor's degrees in entertainment industry fields that are taught by experienced practitioners.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Academic Catalog |url=https://catalog.lafilm.edu/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |publisher=The Los Angeles Film School |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-26 |title=Film Schools and Training Programs |url=https://www.dga.org/Resources/Additional/Film-Schools-and-Training-Programs |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=dga.org |language=en}}</ref>

==History== [[File:LAFilmSchool02.jpg|thumb|left|Main Sunset Boulevard building of the Los Angeles Film School]] The Los Angeles Film School was founded in 1999.<ref name=McDonnel10/><ref name=Rice01/> The school was conceived and founded by married investors Paul Kessler, a financier, and Diana Derycz-Kessler, a lawyer and entrepreneur,<ref name=Dean12>{{cite news |title=In the heart of Hollywood |author=Jason Dean |url=http://digital.publicationprinters.com/publication/?i=104613 |work=CSuite Quarterly |date=Spring 2012 |access-date=October 14, 2014}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Los Angeles Film School's Gateway to Hollywood - MovieMaker Magazine|url=https://www.moviemaker.com/los-angeles-film-school-joe-byron-20091015/|website=moviemaker.com|date=2009-10-29|access-date=2026-01-27|language=en-US|first=Kyle|last=Rupprecht}}</ref> together with former Universal President and two-term Producers Guild president, Thom Mount, who via his own production company produced ''Bull Durham'', ''Tequila Sunrise'', ''Frantic'', ''Natural Born Killers'', and ''Can't Buy Me Love'', along with venture capitalist Bud MaLette. and venture capitalist Bud MaLette.<ref name="Takowsky13">{{cite news |title=The Pursuit of Happiness |author=Suzzane Takowsky |url=https://issuu.com/beverlyhillstimes/docs/beverly-hills-times-magazine-vol_16/3?e=4886147/3499440 |work=The Beverly Hills Times |date=June 16, 2013 |access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stone unspools school |url=https://variety.com/1999/scene/vpage/stone-unspools-school-1117744416/ |work=Variety |date=August 2, 1999 |access-date=July 7, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Cullum00>{{cite news |title=Thom Mount and the Los Angeles Film School |author= Paul Cullum |url=http://www.laweekly.com/2000-05-18/film-tv/cinema-tech/ |work= LA Weekly |date=May 10, 2000 |access-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= L.A. Film School to offer tech courses |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/l-a-film-school-to-offer-tech-courses-1117502182/ |work=Variety |date=May 18, 1999 |access-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> In 1998, the founders developed the idea for the school and made an initial investment of $2 million.<ref name=Dean12 /><ref name=Barcelo01>{{cite news |title=The ABC's of Cinematography |author=Beatriz Barceló-Boyker |work=La Opinión |date=September 18, 2001 }}</ref>

The first classes began in September 1999 and the school's first students graduated in July 2000.<ref name=Cullum00/><ref name=Tehrani08>{{cite news |title=Los Angeles Film School |author=Bijan Tehrani |url=http://cinemawithoutborders.com/cinema-tech/1454-los-angeles-film-school.html |work=Cinema Without Borders |date=January 27, 2008 |access-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217015320/http://cinemawithoutborders.com/cinema-tech/1454-los-angeles-film-school.html |archive-date=December 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The founding faculty included Tom Schatz, professor of film,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=L.A. Film School Alum Wins Emmy, Others Credited on 18 Emmy-Winning Productions – The Los Angeles Film School|url=https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/2025-emmy-awards/|website=lafilm.edu|date=2025-09-15|access-date=2026-01-27|language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name=Cullum00/>

The school was originally funded by Kessler and Derycz-Kessler through their company Bristol Investments.<ref name=Davidow03>{{cite news |title=Blonde Ambition |author=Audrey Davidow |work=Angeleno Magazine |date=January 1, 2003 }}</ref> After 18 months, the couple bought out their partners in the school and Dercyz-Kessler became the CEO,<ref name=Rice01>{{cite news |title=The Big Picture |author=Lewis Rice |work=Harvard Law Bulletin |year=2001 }}</ref><ref name=Barcelo01/><ref name=Davidow03/> seeking to address overspending in a more active role.<ref name=Rice01/> The total investment in the school had grown to $15 million by 2001, including the installation of the professional equipment required for film production.<ref name=Barcelo01/> {{As of|2001}}, students at the school had created 700 short films. The total number of students was 150 full-time and approximately 30 part-time.<ref name=Barcelo01/>

In 2003, the school formed a partnership with several private equity investors.<ref name=OrlandoBusiness06>{{cite news |title= Full Sail principals' partnership buys property for L.A. media schools |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2006/02/06/daily35.html |work=Orlando Business Journal |date=February 9, 2006 |access-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://docs.accet.org/downloads/ACCET_appeal_Decision.pdf |title=ACCET letter re: Appeals decision |date=August 12, 2011 |publisher=Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |access-date=December 10, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://docs.accet.org/downloads/647_LARS_resignation_acknowledgement.pdf |title=ACCET letter re: resignation of accreditation |date=August 31, 2011 |publisher=Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |access-date=December 9, 2014}}</ref> which is accredited by the ACCSC.<ref name=Takowsky13/><ref name="ACCSC">{{cite web|url=http://www.accsc.org/directory/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625064218/http://www.accsc.org/Directory/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 25, 2013 |title=Directory of Accredited Institutions |publisher=Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |access-date=July 14, 2014 }}</ref>

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.<ref name=McDonnel10>{{cite news |title= Union rally backs organizing drive at private L.A. Film School |author= Patrick J. McDonnell |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/03/union-rally-backs-organizing-drive-at-private-la-film-school.html |work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 24, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Unions rally for L.A. Film School faculty |author= Dave McNary |url=https://variety.com/2010/film/news/unions-rally-for-l-a-film-school-faculty-1118016865/ |work=Variety |date=March 24, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2014}}</ref> Following the controversial firing of a The Los Angeles Film School employee and union organizer, and the litigation which led to her reinstatement, the group withdrew its petition for unionization.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bacon |first=David |date=October 2011 |title=FT Presses for Overdue Changes to Federal Rules Governing Elections |url=https://issuu.com/cftpub/docs/calteach_sept-oct-2011?e=7269471/3308042 |magazine=California Teacher |publisher=California Federation of Teachers |access-date=July 4, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=March 1, 2012 |title=National ruling supports worker organizing |url=https://issuu.com/cftpub/docs/calteach_feb-mar-2012?e=7269471/4292721 |magazine=California Teacher |publisher=California Federation of Teachers |access-date=July 4, 2014}}</ref> In July 2011, the school settled a dispute with a local farmers market, which regularly blocked access to a The Los Angeles Film School parking garage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Feud over Hollywood Farmers Market ends — for now |author=Kate Linthicum and David Karp |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-xpm-2011-jul-14-la-me-0714-farmers-market-20110714-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=July 15, 2014}}</ref>

By 2011, the school's enrollment had grown to 1,800 students.<ref name="Bellantoni11">{{cite news |title=The Los Angeles Film School |author=Cassandra M. Bellantoni |url=http://www.beverlyhillstimesmagazine.com/2011/03/14/the-los-angeles-film-school/ |work=Beverly Hills Times Magazine |date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=October 14, 2014}}</ref> Derycz-Kessler had a 17-year tenure as CEO (from 2000 to July 2017).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bristolcapitaladvisors.com/management|title=Bristol Capital Advisors|website=www.bristolcapitaladvisors.com}}</ref>

=== Lawsuits === 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title = /Film LA: Los Angeles Film School Sued For Misrepresenting Jobs at Apple Store; Trying To Move Hollywood Farmer's Market |url = https://www.slashfilm.com/los-angeles-film-school-sued-misrepresenting-jobs-apple-store/|website = /Film|date = December 10, 2010|access-date = 2016-01-30|language = en-US}}</ref> The complaint stated that the school allegedly failed to give them their 900 hours of instruction,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Lawsuit Claims Film School Overstates Job Opportunities|url = http://www.backstage.com/news/lawsuit-claims-film-school-overstates-job-opportunities/|website = Backstage.com|access-date = 2016-01-30}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{Cite web|title = L.A. Film and Recording School sued for bribing students into taking "creative positions" at Apple Store and Guitar Center|url = https://www.avclub.com/article/la-film-and-recording-school-sued-for-bribing-stud-48909|website = avclub.com| date=December 10, 2010 |access-date = 2016-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Los Angeles Film School May Not Get You That Hollywood Job You Always Wanted|url = https://www.vulture.com/2010/12/sad_news_for_naive_aspiring.html|website = Vulture| date=December 8, 2010 |access-date = 2016-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Courthouse News Service|url = http://www.courthousenews.com/2010/12/07/32370.htm|website = courthousenews.com|access-date = 2016-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = LA Film School Can Hook You Up at the Apple Store, Brah|url = http://uproxx.com/filmdrunk/la-film-school-sued-over-job-placement/|website = UPROXX|access-date = 2016-01-30|language = en-GB}}</ref>

In 2024, former admissions VP Ben Chaib, together with Dave Phillips, former VP of career development, filed a whistleblower suit, alleging that most of the school's annual federal student aid program funding is acquired by its fraudulent misrepresentations, perpetrated to appear to meet its post-graduate employment accreditation benchmark, though "the vast majority of LAFS graduates were not able to obtain entry level positions", according to the suit.<ref name=cochair>{{Cite web |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=2025-09-23 |title=Los Angeles Film School Accused by Former Execs of Massive Scam Involving Fake Jobs for Graduates |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/los-angeles-film-school-fake-jobs-student-aid-fraud-1236515436/ |access-date=2025-09-27 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Sister school Full Sail University was also named in the lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-24 |title=L.A. Film School sued over alleged accreditation scheme involving fake graduate jobs |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-09-24/la-film-school-sued-for-alleged-accreditation-scheme-fake-graduate-jobs |access-date=2025-09-27 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Campus == The Los Angeles Film School, located on Sunset Boulevard in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood, housing a quarter-million square foot campus (23,000 m<sup>2</sup>) includes the historic RCA Building, which is known for being a recording place of artists, including Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones and Henry Mancini.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-06 |title=A History of The Los Angeles Film School on Sunset Boulevard |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/campus-life/our-story/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=lafilm.edu |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=LA Film School {{!}} Is Hollywood the Place? |url=https://writedirect.co/la-film-school/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Write & Direct |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Inside the final burst of Elvis Presley's creativity, 48 years after his death |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-08-16/elvis-presley-sunset-boulevard-jerry-schilling-death-anniversary-a-star-is-born |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Historic Places Los Angeles - Resource Report |url=https://historicplacesla.lacity.org/report/14281ca4-6c72-415c-95f0-1a7c1c04f494 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=historicplacesla.lacity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-25 |title=A timeline of Sunset Boulevard's key musical moments from 1924 to now |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-ca-ms-sunset-boulevard-timeline-20170825-htmlstory.html |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

The school has preserved the historic RCA Studio 2 echo chambers that were used on so many of the label artists recordings, many of which became big hits.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=Campus, Facilities & Equipment |url=https://catalog.lafilm.edu/003-campus-facilities-equipment/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=The Los Angeles Film School - Catalog |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2001, the school opened a 345-seat, THX-certified theater featuring a DCI-compliant Christie digital cinema projector with a Dolby decoder. In 2006, the nearby six-story Klasky Csupo studio building (originally built in 1985 for a Mercedes-Benz dealership) was purchased, which brought the total area of the campus to 230,000 square feet (21,000 m<sup>2</sup>). The campus also includes a 4,000 square feet (370 m<sup>2</sup>) sound stage and the 8,000 square feet (740 m<sup>2</sup>) Ivar Theater.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rupprecht |first=Kyle |date=2009-10-29 |title=Los Angeles Film School's Gateway to Hollywood |work=MovieMaker Magazine |url=https://www.moviemaker.com/los-angeles-film-school-joe-byron-20091015/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The school's main stage houses a 3,000 square feet (280 m<sup>2</sup>) set of a Victorian house, where students can produce student films and television shows with industry professionals. The school also includes a backlot located off of Selma Avenue. Students receive hands-on training using groundbreaking technology from industry leaders like Avid, Sony, Arri, Wacom, SSL, and Neve.<ref name="auto"/>

== Campus history == From April 1964 through 1977, RCA Victor's "Studio C Hollywood" operated out of the current The Los Angeles Film School location, 6363 Sunset Blvd.

Notable recordings made at this location at this include:

* Elvis Presley's "Burning Love," "Separate Ways," "Always on My Mind," and "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" singles as well as his final studio-recorded album, ''Today''. In 2025, the five-disc compilation "Sunset Boulevard" was released, featuring live rehearsal recordings and rarities of Elvis at Studio C between 1970 and 1975.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elvis At RCA Studio C Hollywood Celebrated On A Double LP Set |url=https://trackingangle.com/music/elvis-at-rca-studio-c-hollywood-celebrated-on-a-double-lp-set |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=trackingangle.com |language=en}}</ref> * Sam Cooke's Night Beat album which featured the singles "You Gotta Move," Shake, Rattle, and Roll," "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," and "Mean Old World" was recorded at 6363 Sunset Blvd. * The Rolling Stones' first album to be recorded entirely in the United States, Aftermath, featured "Under My Thumb," "Mother's Little Helper," and "Lady Jane." The track "19th Nervous Breakdown" and the final version of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" were also recorded at this location. * Other artists who recorded at 6363 Sunset Blvd included: Astrud Gilberto, Harry Nilsson, Jefferson Airplane, The Monkees.{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}

=== The Ivar Theater === The Ivar Theater has been used as a filming location for films like ''Loving You'' starring Elvis Presley and ''The Big Lebowski'' directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, starring Jeff Bridges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Big Lebowski Locations |url=https://www.latlong.net/location/the-big-lebowski-locations-159 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=latlong.net |language=en}}</ref>

It has also been used for live theater and musical performances from artists like the Grateful Dead.

=== Klasky Csupo Studios === In the late 1990s, The Los Angeles Film School's Building B was also home to animation house Klasky Csupo, the creators of ''Rugrats, The Wild Thornberrys, Duckman'', and animators for the first four seasons of ''The Simpsons''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=1999-02-02 |title=Animation location |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/news/animation-location-1117490883/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Graffiti of various Klasky Csupo characters remain in the parking lot as of 2026.

=== Other productions === 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-01-14 |title=Students to package pix.(Brief Article) |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83030113.html |work=Daily Variety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329091259/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-83030113.html |archive-date=2015-03-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Demon Slayer (2003) Movie Review |url=http://www.beyondhollywood.com/demon-slayer-2003-movie-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217014134/http://www.beyondhollywood.com/demon-slayer-2003-movie-review/ |archive-date=2014-12-17 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=BeyondHollywood.com |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-09-14 |title=The Yellow Ribbon experience |url=https://www.army.mil/article/65547/the_yellow_ribbon_experience |access-date=2026-01-26 |publisher=United States Army |language=en}}</ref>

== Academics == The school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to offer associate and bachelor's degrees.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

The Los Angeles Film School offers over 27 degree programs (associate, bachelor's, and online) related to the entertainment and gaming industries.<ref name=":4"/> Programs include a film program that includes digital filmmaking, film production, directing, cinematography, as well as those focused on writing for film and television, and the entertainment business.<ref name=":4" />

Programs related to the video game industry and design include degrees in gaming design, environment design, computer and character animation and visual effects.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=2008-05-14 |title=Los Angeles Film School Offers Game, Animation Degrees |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2008/05/los-angeles-film-school-offers-game-animation-degrees/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition == Since 2017, ''Billboard'' has included the school in their Top 25 Music Business Schools list.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Cathy |last1=Applefeld Olson |first2=Thom |last2=Duffy |date=2025-10-27 |title=Billboard's 2025 Top Music Business Schools |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/top-music-business-schools-2025-list/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Thom |date=2020-04-27 |title=Revealed: Billboard's 2020 Top Music Business Schools |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-top-music-business-schools-2020-list-9365285/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Thom |date=2019-03-25 |title=Billboard's 2019 Top Music Business Schools: Taking Classes From The Grammys To SXSW |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billboard-top-music-business-schools-2019-8503707/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Thom |date=2018-06-29 |title=Bonnaroo U? Billboard's 2018 Top Music Business Schools |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/top-music-business-schools-2018-billboard-8463104/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Cathy Applefeld |date=2017-09-18 |title=The 15 Best Music Business Schools In 2017 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/best-music-business-schools-2017-7965559/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Variety'' has repeatedly included The Los Angeles Film School in their annual "Education Impact Report" highlighting established schools in the entertainment, film, and music sectors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title=Variety Magazine Highlights The Los Angeles Film School In Its 2024 Education Impact Report & Top Film Schools List for the 10th Year in a Row |publisher=The Los Angeles Film School |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/variety-2024-education-impact-report/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |first1=Todd |last1=Gilchrist |first2=Carole |last2=Horst |first3=Abigail |last3=Lee |first4=Matt |last4=Minton |date=2025-04-23 |title=Variety's Education Impact Report Spotlights Established Schools and Rising Stars in the Sector |url=https://variety.com/2025/film/focus/education-impact-report-1236374259/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Malina |last1=Saval |first2=Nick |last2=Clement |first3=Shalini |last3=Dore |first4=Carole |last4=Horst |first5=Karen |last5=Idelson |date=2023-04-26 |title=2023's Top Film Schools in North America |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/focus/top-film-schools-north-america-columbia-northwestern-usc-1235595424/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Antonio |last1=Ferme |first2=Haley |last2=Bosselman |first3=Ethan |last3=Shanfeld |first4=Todd |last4=Gilchrist |date=2021-04-15 |title=2021's Top 50 Film Schools Around the World |url=https://variety.com/2021/biz/entertainment-industry/usc-ucla-nyu-variety-entertainment-impact-report-top-50-film-school-and-instructors-from-around-the-world-1234951806/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Malina |last1=Saval |first2=Nick |last2=Clement |first3=Akiva |last3=Gottlieb |first4=Todd |last4=Gilchrist |first5=Paul |last5=Gaita |date=2020-04-17 |title=2020's Top Film Schools and Educators Around the World |url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/spotlight/entertainment-education-impact-report-film-schools-globe-1234580557/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-16 |title=2019's Top Film Schools Around the World |url=https://variety.com/2019/film/features/entertainment-education-report-best-films-schools-for-2019-1203213637/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, ''Variety'' included The Los Angeles Film School Students in their "Education Impact Report: 110 Students to Watch" special.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Malina |last1=Saval |first2=Christy |last2=Grosz |first3=Seth |last3=Kelley |first4=Marianne |last4=Zumberge |date=2015-04-28 |title=Education Impact Report: 110 Students to Watch |url=https://variety.com/2015/film/spotlight/education-impact-report-110-students-to-watch-1201480869/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Industry events == Since its opening, The Los Angeles Film School has hosted intimate conversations with Award-winning filmmakers and screenwriters such as Spike Lee (''Crooklyn'', ''Malcolm X''), Jordan Peele (''Get Out''), Barry Jenkins (''Moonlight''), John Ridley (''12 Years a Slave''), and Greta Gerwig (''Little Women'').<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-09 |title=Famous Filmmakers Visit The L.A. Film School |publisher=The Los Angeles Film School |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/famous-filmmakers-visit-the-l-a-film-school/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-15 |title=Greta Gerwig Visits Campus to Promote Little Women |publisher=The Los Angeles Film School |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/greta-gerwig-visits-campus-to-promote-little-women/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Guild of Music Supervisors has held its annual "State of the Music in Media" conference at The Los Angeles Film School. In 2023, the Guild celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop with guests Public Enemy co-founder Chuck D, sharing a preview of his PBS docuseries ''Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World'' and led a panel of the same name, Salt-N-Pepa's Cheryl James (Salt), who spoke about the origins of hip-hop.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Melinda |date=2019-08-16 |title=The Guild of Music Supervisors' 5th Annual State of the Music in Media Conference Set for Sept. 14 |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/guild-of-music-supervisors-state-of-the-music-in-media-conference-date-8527629/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=2023-07-31 |title=Chuck D to Headline 2023 State of Music in Media Conference |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/2023-state-of-music-in-media-conference-guild-of-music-supervisors-chuck-d-salt-1235382555/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2020, The Los Angeles Film School hosted Academy Award-nominated songwriters — Cynthia Erivo, Bernie Taupin, Diane Warren, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez — in a panel discussion for students hosted by songwriter and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) chairman/president Paul Williams.<ref name="auto1"/> Beginning in 2007, the school held an annual panel discussion that featured writers of Oscar-nominated films. Past guest speakers included Academy Award Winners ''Straight Outta Compton'' co-writer Jonathan Herman and ''The Big Short'' co-writer Charles Randolph, as well as Oscar-nominated ''Inside Out'' co-writer Josh Cooley and ''Carol'' screenwriter Phyllis Nagy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rainey |first=James |date=2016-02-12 |title=What 'Compton,' 'Inside Out,' 'Carol's' Oscar-Nominated Screenwriters Would Change About Their Films |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/news/oscars-2016-nominated-screenwriters-changing-scripts-1201703368/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2010, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for Bob Marley was presented to the artist's family at the school.

From 2012 through 2013, filmmaker Kevin Smith included The Los Angeles Film School students in his "Film School Fridays" podcast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotify – Web Player |url=https://open.spotify.com/show/1odO7HvRhIcBscY9Rshq67 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Spotify |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Matheson |first=Whitney |title=Listen: Kevin Smith heads back to film school |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/popcandy/2013/06/21/kevin-smith-film-school/2447193/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref>

DJ Paul Oakenfold held his DJ Camps at The Los Angeles Film School's Los Angeles Recording School facility.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayek |first=Mikey |title=Learn how to DJ from Godfather of Electronic Music, Paul Oakenfold |url=https://relentlessbeats.com/2015/08/learn-how-to-dj-from-godfather-of-electronic-music-paul-oakenfold/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Relentless Beats |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-06-03 |title=DJ Camp with Paul Oakenfold |url=https://www.lafilm.edu/blog/dj-camp-with-paul-oakenfold/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=lafilm.edu |language=en-US}}</ref>

The school also hosted the BAFTA Student Film Awards in 2011.

== Staff and faculty == Notable instructors have included:

* Danford B. Greene, editor * J. Todd Harris, film and Broadway producer * Douglas Knapp, cinematagrapher * Jeff Kushner, film sound editor * Hal Lieberman, Universal Studios executive and film producer<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=Mike Jr |date=2012-12-11 |title=Former Universal Pic Prexy Hal Lieberman To Head LA Film School Biz B.S. Program |url=https://deadline.com/2012/12/former-universal-pic-prexy-hal-lieberman-to-head-la-film-school-biz-b-s-program-386197/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notable alumni == Notable alumni include:

* Chaz Echols, director * R.D. Alba, director * Kameron Alexander, music producer and singer/songwriter * Phillip Bladh, sound engineer * Carlton Bost, musician * Hannah Lux Davis, music video director<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clio Music 2026 Jury Member Hannah Lux Davis |url=https://clios.com/juror/hannah-lux-davis/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Behind The Camera With Hannah Lux Davis: Your Favorite Pop Star's Favorite Music Video Director |url=https://grammy.com/news/behind-the-scenes-with-hannah-lux-davis-music-video-director-thank-u-next-grammy-u-masterclass |access-date=2026-01-26 |publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=BreAnna |date=2022-11-08 |title=Hannah Lux Davis Signs with CAA (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/hannah-lux-davis-caa-1235426566/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> * Jaycen Joshua, audio engineer<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-11 |title=Los Angeles Film School Alumni Take Home 8 GRAMMY Wins |url=https://laexaminer.com/los-angeles-film-school-alumni-take-home-8-grammy-wins/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=LA Examiner |language=en}}</ref> * Kyle Newacheck, actor and director<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-03 |title=Best Film Schools in LA: Top 10 Los Angeles Programs Ranked |url=https://blog.giggster.com/top-10-film-schools-los-angeles/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=The official blog for Giggster |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Galuppo |first=Mia |date=2018-08-16 |title=6 L.A.-Based Film Schools With Hollywood Ties |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/6-la-based-film-schools-hollywood-ties-1134416/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> * Martin Pensa, editor * Adrian Picardi, film and television director * Jake Pitts, musician and music producer * Sy'Rai Smith, singer/songwriter<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=Brandy Celebrates Her Daughter Sy'rai For Graduating Top Of Her Class |url=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/brandy-celebrates-her-daughter-syrai-for-graduating-top-of-her-class/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}</ref> * Brandon Trost, cinematographer * Diego Vicentini, filmmaker * Matt Villines, comedian and director<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClendon |first=Lamarco |date=2016-07-11 |title='Saturday Night Live' Director Matt Villines Dies at 39 |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/matt-villines-dead-saturday-night-live-director-1201811824/ |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.lafilm.edu/}}

{{Colleges and universities in Los Angeles County}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Film schools in California Category:Schools in Los Angeles Category:For-profit universities and colleges in the United States Category:Vocational education in the United States Category:Universities and colleges established in 1999 Category:1999 establishments in California Category:Buildings and structures in Hollywood, Los Angeles