Motion Media Arts Center’s Austin School of Film offers an award-winning, year-round public educational program that provides comprehensive training in film production, post-production, animation, and creative media. Our classes and workshops are designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the media arts industry.

Our offerings include:

• Custom Payment Plans: Tailored to fit each individual’s needs, ensuring education is accessible to all.

• Future of Film Fund Scholarships: Financial assistance through our Future of Film Fund, which supports scholarships for both adult and youth students, helping to eliminate financial barriers to pursuing a career in film and media.

• Veteran Discount Program: Discounts available for veterans to support their transition into the creative industry.

• Fast-Track Film/Video Certificate: A specialized certificate program for adult students who want to create their own films and grow their skills with a tailored & structured program.

• Free Screenings, Meet-Ups, and Events: Connecting students and community members through engaging, collaborative experiences.

All classes at the Austin School of Film are certified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits. We are also Texas’ only Certified Training Partner for DaVinci Resolve training.

Our Studio Membership Program, Cinemaker, is ideal for creative professionals, small businesses, nonprofits, and startups in the film and media arts. With our membership, you get consistent access to studios, equipment, and resources, making it easier to scale your work without breaking the bank. Our program is designed to support filmmakers, photographers, small arts organizations, dancers, and theatre companies, offering them the space and tools they need to bring their visions to life.

The Cinemaker membership operates like a gym membership, but for creative professionals. We provide on-demand, flexible access to studio spaces and equipment, eliminating hourly rates and reservation fees. Whether you need a few hours or a few days, you pay a simple monthly fee and use what you need, when you need it.

Cinemaker is a nonprofit program dedicated to creating sustainable, long-term solutions for arts production in Central Texas. We understand the unique challenges artists face, and we’re here to support you with affordable, consistent access to the resources that help your creative work thrive.

JOIN THE WAITLIST Memberships will reopen on December 1, 2024, with limited spots available.

How it Works At Cinemaker, we’ve reimagined what it means to have a “studio” and “creative workspace.” We’ve moved beyond traditional hourly rates and long-term leases to create a space that allows you to grow and scale your work in real-time, with no strings attached.

Artists in Motion is a dynamic residency program at Motion Media Arts Center (MMAC) designed to support and amplify the work of emerging and underrepresented artists in the media arts. Through this program, artists receive the resources, mentorship, and space they need to create, develop, and showcase their work in a collaborative, community-focused environment.

In an era of escalating living and production costs, Artists in Motion is dedicated to providing free access to our studios, equipment, and educational services, empowering artists to focus on their craft without the burden of financial constraints. The program fosters a creative ecosystem where artists can connect with one another, engage with the community, and contribute to the rich cultural fabric of East Austin.

Since its inception, Artists in Motion has become a vital part of MMAC's mission to create sustainable opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized creatives. By offering a platform for artists to develop new work, we ensure that diverse voices are represented and celebrated in the local and global arts scene. Through this residency, MMAC continues to champion creative expression, cultural exchange, and the vital role of art in social change.

The Artist Access Program at Motion Media Arts Center (MMAC) is a no-strings-attached initiative designed to support emerging and independent artists by providing them with free access to studio space, equipment, and educational resources. This program aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that artists have the tools they need to grow their craft, engage with their communities, and make an impact in the media arts landscape.

Each year, 10 selected artists receive complimentary studio membership, mentorship, and access to workshops and classes through the Austin School of Film, helping them develop new work and connect with a larger creative network. This program is open to individual artists and micro arts organizations, offering a flexible, supportive environment for all forms of media arts, including film, digital media, performance art, and more.

By offering these resources with no expectations or deliverables required in return, the Artist Access Program aligns with MMAC’s commitment to fostering creativity, diversity, and accessibility in the arts, especially for underrepresented voices in the Austin creative community.

Our award-winning summer camps & year-round youth programs empower young people ages 8-18 with tools, education, and resources to bring their stories to life through the power of film, animation, and creative media.

Through hands-on learning, we lay the foundation for youth students to learn, connect, create, and cultivate new skills and tools for artistic expression.

For nearly two decades, Motion Media Arts Center (MMAC) has been a cornerstone of creative and technological innovation in East Austin. Our mission is simple: to make the arts and digital media accessible, both financially and in terms of resources, to those who need it most. As a community-driven organization, we are deeply committed to serving emerging artists, filmmakers, educators, nonprofits, and small businesses in the media arts sector. Whether you're a student, freelancer, or seasoned professional, MMAC provides the educational opportunities, creative spaces, and access to tools necessary to help you grow and thrive.

Amid the rapid gentrification and skyrocketing costs of living and working in Austin, our focus on accessibility remains unwavering. With the increasing challenges of finding affordable spaces to live, work, and create, MMAC is dedicated to supporting artists and creatives from marginalized communities, ensuring that they have the resources to make their voices heard and their work come to life.

Founded in 2002 through the merger of two award-winning organizations—the Austin Cinemaker Co-op and the Center for Young Cinema—MMAC has established itself as a leading force in media arts education and production. Over the years, we’ve earned global recognition for our innovative programs and commitment to fostering diverse, inclusive communities of artists. As we move forward, MMAC continues to adapt, grow, and provide meaningful support to those shaping the future of digital arts and technology.