NFMLA's CineSessions

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

NFMLA's CineSessions program seeks to address the lack of access to tech and creative industry employment for Los Angeles high school students. While some LA area high schools have production facilities, many students, particularly those from underrepresented and underserved communities, have limited opportunities for hands-on experience with film and TV tech and even less access to creative industry mentorship, which often leads to future employment. By addressing this issue, NFMLA seeks to provide equity and access for all students interested in future careers in the creative industries. CineSessions provides an opportunity for students to learn production tech on a real working set and gain experience through actually using that tech. In addition, CineSessions offers mentorship sessions with industry professionals that are tailored to the students' interests and connects students with paid internship programs. Through this program, NFMLA aims to make strides improving this issue.

NFMLA's CineSessions program is a workforce development initiative that recruits Los Angeles based high school students for on-set film production and entertainment career mentorships. Each monthly session hosts a small group of students (less than 12) in an effort to provide an intimate, focused environment for the students. Each student is paired with a production professional mentor based on their future career interests and attends presentations from working creative professionals on various careers in entertainment.
Students are given complimentary tickets to NFMLA's Monthly Film Festival to experience independent film and network with other LA-based creatives. Following the festival, students are invited to the production of NFMLA's Stage 5 interview series where they gain hands-on experience filming 10-15 on-camera interviews featuring the filmmakers they just watched. Students get the opportunity to learn and perform various duties on set, including directing, interview skills, cinematography, lighting, sound recording, as well as how to set up production equipment and manage a production. Each student gets dedicated time participating in each role and learning from our on-set mentors.
Students are also invited to presentations from creative professionals to give them insight into the various potential careers there are in the industry. For example, NBCU Academy recently invited students onto the lot for a tour of the backlot and a workshop about their Launch program.

NFMLA aims to increase equity and opportunities for students who are starting to think about their creative careers. Through CineSessions' success, LA County will see a more diverse and inclusive workforce in its creative industries. High school students from various backgrounds will have greater access to hands-on experiences, mentorship, and professional networks, enabling them to pursue careers in entertainment. This will lead to increased employment opportunities, reduced economic disparities, and a vibrant, innovative industry driven by new, diverse talent. The community will benefit from the cultural and economic contributions of these empowered young professionals.
We have also seen this success in action by connecting students with paid internship program leaders from initiatives including Academy Gold, LA County Department of Arts and Culture Arts Internship Program, Mayor Eric Garcetti's EVOLVE Entertainment Fund (now part of Group Effort Initiative), Streetlights and more.

The NFMLA CineSessions program measures its impact through several key metrics: the number of students participating annually, the diversity of schools and communities represented, and the success of students in securing internships and employment in the entertainment industry. A few of the program's key recruiting partners include Hollywood High School, Helen Bernstein High School, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Downtown Magnets High School (LAUSD), Canoga Park High School, John F. Kennedy High School, BRIC Foundation and Reseda Charter High School. NFMLA collaborates with educators at these schools to gain feedback about the program from faculty and students.
Evidence of the program's effectiveness includes its recent 2023 expansion from serving 78 to over 220 students annually, increased funding and partnerships with major organizations like NBCU Academy, and positive feedback from participants and partner schools.