Lights, camera, action! LPC welcomes the Filmmakers Association to its plethora of clubs and extracurricular activities offered on campus this fall. The Filmmakers Association, distinct from the Film Club, provides students with the opportunity to write and produce original films with other individuals who share a similar passion. The club meets every Friday in room 713, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“If someone comes in and they really want to make a film but they don’t have the means to make a film or they don’t have a crew, we want to be there for that person and say, ‘Hey, you know what? All of us here can jump on and be your crew or if you need actors, we have connections,’” Jose Luis Peralta, President of the Filmmakers Association, said.
The Filmmakers Association focuses on the creation of films by students, utilizing resources provided by both students and the school. The process involves everything from pitching story ideas, screenwriting and compiling the sound and camera crew, to casting actors, location scouting, production and post-production.
Austin Coyne, a member of the Filmmakers Association, describes his experience participating in the club, “My favorite part of this club is that there’s a lot of people in this club with some experience in making movies and some others who maybe have a little less experience. I just think that it’s very helpful to learn.”
The club also lends its focus to teaching and instructing students in camera work or audio technology, enabling students to gain skills, knowledge and experience in new avenues of film.
“We’re just trying to help people who want to get into other parts of it, too. Like, there’s lighting, there’s sound, there’s set design, all of that, so, we’re trying to help people get into those roles to see that there is more to filmmaking than just director, writer, cinematographer and actor. There is a whole community of different people who come together to make a film,” Peralta said.
The Filmmakers Association emphasizes the idea that no prior experience or skill is required to join the club.
Tony Alfaro, professor and advisor of the Filmmakers Association, states, “Sometimes people feel intimidated by coming to clubs like this, thinking that they haven’t made a film yet or they haven’t worked on a project so they might be nervous to join us, but there’s filmmakers from all levels. Some people join us who have never made anything or really watched many films, but as long as you show up with a passion to do something or to work on the project, everyone’s welcome.”
The club plans to enter more film festivals throughout the Bay Area, as well as host fundraising events and film events to exhibit films created by LPC students.
The Filmmakers Association also showcases LPC’s film department, with the intention that those interested in film can find the resources and support they need to make their ideas a reality.
Alfaro states, “Our films are our babies, so by coming together and creating a sense of family, we’re each supporting and helping raise each other’s projects until the end, when we can share them with the world.”
Sagurika Ujjual is an arts and entertainment editor for The Express. Follow her @SagurikaU.
