This February, the Austin School of Film proudly kicked off our first collaboration with the Studio Access Program at CINEMAKER, introducing students to its newest addition—a spacious 1,288 sq ft Black Box Studio. In this dynamic space, we welcomed 40 eager filmmakers from our Music Video Production and Script to Screen courses, equipping them with essential studio knowledge and hands-on experience with on-site equipment. These project-based classes serve as a vital launchpad for students as they embark on creating their very first short films.

In the world of film, many prestigious "intensives" and fellowships require participants to have an extensive portfolio, festival wins, or industry accolades just to be considered. But at Austin School of Film, we believe that storytelling should be accessible to all—not just those with a long list of credentials. That’s why we’re launching the Documentary Storytelling Intensive, an 8-week hands-on program designed to strip away barriers and provide emerging filmmakers with the tools, mentorship, and community support they need to tell impactful stories.

CINEMAKER is on the move—literally. After a decade of growth, a scrapped expansion deal, and a moment of reckoning, we’ve reimagined (AGAIN) what creative space can be. What started as an experiment in 2015 has turned into a game-changer for creative industries: a new studio model built for independent artists, by independent artists. In just 31 days, 1,220 creatives passed through our doors through 244 studio reservations in one single studio space. Now, with a brand-new 1,228 Black Box studio officially open, we’re pushing the boundaries even further. This isn’t just about space—it’s about breaking down barriers to creation and disrupting the industry norms.

This past weekend, we came together for a truly special celebration of storytelling at our FILM & FRIENDS exhibition series. The event featured "OUR VOICES," a beautiful collection of short films by emerging filmmakers from our Digital Filmmaking: Script to Screen course. These films are a testament to how people with a passion for storytelling can transform into confident filmmakers when given the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

In our Animation Middle School Camp, students embarked on a creative journey, mastering the craft of animated characters and captivating worlds using Adobe Animate, a Wacom tablet, and stylus. Throughout the week, they applied essential animation principles to bring their ideas to life, creating vibrant digital animations which included traditional 2D animation and rotoscope animation.

Austin School of Film, MMAC’s award-winning community film school that has been operating in East Austin for over 20 years. This public community film school offers a diverse range of classes, workshops, youth education, and learning programs in art, film, and creative technology. These programs are tailored for both youth and adult learners, thoughtfully crafted and instructed by industry filmmakers and artists.

Austin Cinemaker Space, established in 2015 as a Studio Access Program, embodies the nonprofit's commitment to fostering sustainable pathways into the arts. Rooted in the belief that affordable workspaces are essential for artists and creators to thrive, it has become a hub for over 100 local members and organizations. Recognizing the wealth of talent within its community, Cinemaker recently curated a member-only showcase, offering a platform for artists to both celebrate their work and directly engage with the local community.

Are you ready to spice up your weekend plans? Look no further! This weekend, we’re hosting not one, but two incredible indie markets that promise a delightful blend of creativity, community, and conscious consumerism.

While we have a deep-rooted passion for film and media arts, Motion Media Arts Center extends its warm embrace to artists of all backgrounds, cultivating an inviting space where everyone's creative spirit can flourish. In a true round up style, let’s explore  November’s diverse roster of community events that underscore our nonprofit’s multidisciplinary approach to building arts, culture, and a strong community.

Motion Media Arts Center (MMAC) is thrilled to unveil the return of the "Artists in Motion" exhibition and residency series for its second year with support from the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Precision Camera.

In the heart of Texas, Austin School of Film has long been a hub for filmmakers, lifelong learners, and creative minds looking to explore the world of cinematic arts. What started as a local resource in education has evolved into a vibrant community of students, alumni, and film enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking our commitment to accessible education and community to a whole new level with the launch of a free Slack channel.

This month, we're all about embracing the tactile, nostalgic beauty of physical formats and celebrating the art of analog filmmaking. Join us for a series of exciting events that will transport you to the era of VHS tapes, hand-painted films, and the cinematic magic that lies beyond the digital screen.

The collaboration that unfolded on Friday, August 11th, within the walls of the Austin Cinemaker Space was nothing short of a creative revolution, which was fitting, given the event was titled “FUTURE OF FASHION”. The vision created by of cultural curators Jordan Petsy and Loriza Ibarra had our 12,000 square foot vibrant hub in East Austin buzzed with the energy of artistic exploration! A profound message echoed through the event - the importance of fostering an environment that not only welcomes creators of all levels but actively provides opportunities for them to experiment, connect, and grow.

Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a film buff, or someone looking to make a positive impact, Austin Cinemaker Space is the place to be this August. Join us in celebrating the arts, fostering connections, and creating a brighter, more creative future for Central Texas and beyond.

In a world dominated by streaming and digital media, there's a passionate community that finds joy in collecting and preserving physical formats like VHS tapes. This unique subculture not only evokes nostalgia but also fosters connections among individuals, nurtures creativity, and supports local arts.

As Fall 2023 approaches, we're excited to highlight some of the must-attend classes for those new to filmmaking.

When you visit us for an event, you'll find a dedicated 4,300 square foot venue space that buzzes with diverse art forms like film, music, dance, and theatre. Today, we're thrilled to share two upcoming events that epitomize our values and celebrate the rich tapestry of stories within the arts. Come, be part of this artistic journey, and embrace the transformative power of art in our lives and communities.

Austin School of Film hosted another exciting event that celebrated the creative prowess of emerging filmmakers in Central Texas. On June 3, 2023, the film nonprofit premiered 17 short films, featuring the works of many first-time adult filmmakers.

We're thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated bi-annual education discount at the Austin School of Film is now in effect! From enriching workshops for adult learners to exciting end-of-summer programs for youth, there's something for everyone looking to explore their creative potential and support a nonprofit organization at the same time.