About Us

The Next Generation of Storytellers

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) Cinematic Arts Department trains the next generation of visual storytellers, content creators, media innovators and digital disruptors.  Since the inaugural class of 2017, the Cinematic Arts Department has quickly evolved into the premier High School Cinematic Arts program in the country.  Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Young Arts Foundation with twelve (12) Young Arts Finalists and two (2) Presidential Scholars, the cutting-edge curriculum is enhanced by professional experts who serve on the faculty and instruct with high-end, professional grade camera, audio and post-production equipment licensed and provided by Sony, Canon, RED, Adobe and Final Draft.  

Over the course of four years, students are exposed to a broad and complex curriculum that ranges from film theory and critical studies to practical, technical instruction by industry experts. Alumni from the LACHSA Cinematic Arts Department are currently matriculating at USC, UCLA, NYU, HOWARD UNIVERSITY, CORNELL UNIVERSITY, UC-BERKELEY, CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY, PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN, SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN, ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN, and THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, as well as many other top colleges and universities.

The Cinematic Arts Department offers school-wide elective classes in beginning and advanced Media Production to students in all arts disciplines within LACHSA. Any student in 8th or 9th grade with a passion and desire to increase their knowledge, understanding and practical skills of visual storytelling is encouraged to apply to the LACHSA Cinematic Arts Department with the goal of expanding their artistic knowledge and talents. The rigorous Cinematic Arts curriculum challenges students by providing practical, hands-on experience and offers in-depth exposure to the constantly evolving media entertainment industry. Students use state-of-the-art technologies in camera, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as industry standard post-production editing and color grading software. Moreover, students are given the opportunity to develop and deepen their filmmaking talents and knowledge through the department’s unique vertical and horizontal integration of curriculum, thus ensuring that each consecutive year within the program enhances and expands their skills and productivity. 

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts is a free public high school which serves students throughout Los Angeles County. Admission to LACHSA is based on a competitive application process, which includes an in-person audition/interview and a rigorous portfolio review.