Get ready to take part in our biggest event of the year! Spotlight Week is an interactive celebration that brings students and alumni together for a week-long series of events beginning Monday, September 9.
From September 9-12, we invite our school community to participate in industry-specific events such as leadership panels, an equipment expo, a rooftop party and interactive meet-and-greets with our talented Spotlight inductees Academy. All events are open to students and alumni with some exclusive events requiring pre-registration. Keep checking your lafilm.edu email for pre-registration information!
READY… READY… LET’S GO!
Platinum record celebration
On-campus event
Join us for the special platinum unveiling for recording and mixing engineer Mark Lowe for his work on the Black Panther soundtrack. Mark has worked with an impressive list of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Paul Wall, Rich The Kid, Vince Staples and many more. Exclusive Q&A available for attendees, with a musical panel to follow, featuring Mark and other distinguished alumni.
Start time: 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Panel: Behind the musical mix
Hybrid event
Prepare to take a deep dive into the world of recording and music production with our next panel featuring an all-star selection of distinguished audio, music and recording alumni! Whether you’re an aspiring producer, budding engineer, or music enthusiast eager to learn the secrets behind your favorite tracks, this is your chance to gain unprecedented knowledge from the industry pioneers who shaped the soundscape of modern music.
Featured Alumni: Mark Lowe, Jeff Barnes, Vanessa Spinetti, Henrique Andrade, Mario Taylor
Moderator: Isaac Williams
Start time: 1:00 p.m. PT // 4:00 p.m. ET
Reel and Portfolio Review
On-campus event
Join us for the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and insights from industry veterans. Current students and alumni will have the chance to showcase their most recent reels, portfolios and projects to a panel of accomplished alumni, each with extensive experience in their respective fields. Now is the time to get constructive criticism, refine your work, and network with professionals who can guide and inspire you throughout your professional journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to make connections and polish your portfolio!
Featured Alumni: Cédric Chabloz, Jessica Sterling, Vicente Pena, Nato Lopez
Moderator: Freddy Giorlando
Start time: 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
The Society of the Critical Thinker Presents – Student of the Month
On-campus event
Details to come!
Start time: 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
The Critical Thinker’s Society Presents – Student of the Month Mixer
On-campus event
Details to come!
Start time: 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
“Love, Blood and Aztec Demons: The Lost Films of Juan F. Moctezuma II”
On-campus event
We are delighted to invite you to “Love, Blood, & Aztec Demons: The Lost Films of Juan F. Moctezuma II” – a special screening that will take you on a cinematic journey through the lost works of this legendary filmmaker.
Start time: 6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Equipment day + rooftop party
On-campus event
Equipment Day
Join us for the fifth annual Gear Day, where you’ll get insider access to some of today’s biggest gear brands! Enjoy one-on-one conversations, detailed product presentations, demonstrations and exclusives personalized especially for our students. Companies include Sony, Red, Apple. Chickadee and more!
Rooftop Party
Say hello to the ultimate party at the LAFS Rooftop Bash! This event is the perfect opportunity to relax after exams, connect with other students and soak up the summer vibes.
Start time: 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Panel: Life After LAFS – Recent Graduate Edition!
On-campus event
Join us for an engaging and insightful panel featuring recent Los Angeles Film School graduates who are now embarking on their own careers in the media and entertainment industry. These dynamic alumni will share their personal journeys, from the challenges they faced transitioning from student life to professional careers, to the strategies that helped them thrive in the competitive film and entertainment landscape. Whether you’re preparing to graduate or just looking for some actionable advice, this panel will offer valuable advice, inspiration, and insight into what’s to come.
Featured Alumni: Sierra Arnold, Ariel Harris, Ray Taylor, Carlo Alcala
Moderator: Santosh Oommen
Start time: 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Speed Networking Event
On-campus event
Dive into a fast-paced, dynamic networking experience designed for current students and alumni. This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas and forge valuable relationships during a series of fast-paced, focused conversations. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, collaboration opportunities, or insider advice on breaking into your industry, this is your chance to make meaningful connections that can advance your career.
Featured Alumni: Ariel Harris, Chase Thomas, Ray Taylor
Moderator: Miles Safford
Start times: First session: 3:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Second session: 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Panel: The Big Break: Succeeding Through Alumni Networking
Hybrid event
Step into the world of industry breakthroughs with our Alumni Roundtable, where seasoned professionals share their personal “origin stories” and the pivotal moments that launched their careers. Learn how these pioneers made their first inroads into the competitive entertainment landscape and learn how they leveraged connections within the alumni community to fuel their continued success. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or strategies to connect and thrive, this discussion will highlight the power of networking and community support to achieve industry milestones.
Start time: 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Panel: Meet the Spotlight Academy class of 2024
Hybrid event
Join us for an inspiring panel featuring the latest inductees of the Spotlight Academy, the prestigious honor reserved for the Los Angeles Film School’s most accomplished alumni. This exclusive event will showcase the remarkable journeys of these pioneering personalities, who have made significant strides in the film and entertainment industry. Learn about their groundbreaking projects, career-defining moments, and the wisdom they’ve gained along the way.
Start time: 6:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Presentation Animation titmouse
Virtual event
Join us as Titmouse team members showcase the company’s emerging animation and technology.
Start time: 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Virtual Panel: The Future of Entertainment and Technology
Virtual event
This panel discussion brings together forward-thinking alumni who are exploring revolutionary technologies and reshaping the entertainment industry. This panel will look at the latest technology trends, from virtual reality and artificial intelligence to advanced visual effects and immersive storytelling techniques, and their impact on creative processes and industry standards. Gain invaluable insights into how these innovations are transforming the landscape and learn practical strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
Featured Speakers: Sierra Arnold, Casey McBeath, Nelson Monroig, Besi Zeka and Corey Drake
Moderator: Chloe Vaughn / Chat moderator: Rachel Betts
Start time: 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)
Art and Animation Challenge
Virtual event
Join us for an art and animation challenge! Art forms in sculpture, conceptual drawing or branding materials, animation and composition. All materials and prompts will be distributed the day of the event! Prizes will include: LAFS gifts to participants, winners will receive a personalized, limited edition, 3D printed LAFS trophy, (More prizes to be confirmed)
Start time: 1:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Virtual Panel: Life After LAFS
Virtual event
Join us for an engaging and insightful panel featuring Los Angeles Film School graduates who have embarked on a wide range of career paths in the media and entertainment industry. These dynamic alumni will share their personal journeys, from the challenges they faced transitioning from student life to professional careers, to the strategies that helped them thrive in the competitive film and entertainment landscape. Whether you’re preparing to graduate or just looking for some actionable advice, this panel will offer valuable advice, inspiration, and insight into what’s to come.
Featured Alumni: Shane Foster, Chris Davis, Chase Thomas, Stefanie Visser
Moderator: Jackie Otero / Chat moderator: Rachel Betts
Start time: 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Focusrite Mix Engineering Panel
Hybrid event
Details to come!
Start time: 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
3x3x3 Screenwriters Challenge
Virtual event
Digital Filmmaking Events presents the 4th Annual 3x3x3 Screenwriters Challenge. The challenge is to write a short original narrative screenplay that meets the 3x3x3 requirements found at FilmFreeway.com/DigitalFilmmakingEvents. All LAFS students and alumni are invited to participate. Visit FilmFreeway for more information and how to submit your application.
The deadline to submit is August 28.
Start time: 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Thursday 12
Open Mic & Spotlight Party (with blue carpet, food, prizes)
On-campus event
Details to come!
Start time: 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
5th Annual Spotlight Awards Ceremony
Get ready to celebrate the 5th annual Spotlight Awards on September 12, 2024. Five alumni will be inducted into the Los Angeles Film School Spotlight Academy. Each year, the Spotlight Awards ceremony ushers a new class into #LAFSSpotlight on the last day of Spotlight Week. These individuals have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to excellence in their professional careers and their selfless contributions to our students. We are proud to announce James Cotten, Joshua Gitersonke, Mehrnaz Mohabati, Peter Munters and Marlon Rivas, as our Spotlight Academy class of 2024.
Start time: 4:00 p.m. PT // 7:00 p.m. ET
Spotlight Prize – After Party
On-campus event
Details to come!
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Join the conversation by tagging @lafilmschool and sharing #LAFSSpotlight
Meet the Spotlight Academy class of 2024
Learn more about our five incredible alumni who will be inducted into the Spotlight Academy this year!