Updated: October 31, 2023
Summary
The Film Club of Santa Monica College is proposing an initiative at the Center of Media and Design campus to build a FREE equipment rental library for all SMC students to access professional-grade film and multimedia equipment.
Information
Throughout the pandemic of 2020-2023 and currently ongoing, there has been an increased shift into embracing digital technologies and especially adapting and developing video content for a variety of different purposes, e.g., virtual job application videos, class assignments, demonstration of video content, business promotions, social media, etc. Many students, especially production students in the Film and Media programs, are particularly challenged to find resources and multimedia equipment to develop and submit 2-minute visual samples or demo reels as part of their transfer applications to various 4-year institutions. In addition, the Film Club has seen multiple opportunities for students from different majors to collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects that could have further propelled students toward professional success had they the equipment and ability to access the content creation resources at CMD more freely to pursue the opportunity.
In Spring 2023, the Film Club proposed to Associated Students to request the support of approximately $38K from Auxillary Funds to start this library. Associated Students at the time was willing to support this initiative based on more research and information, including the support of multiple programs, departments, and the following logistics of an equipment rental library:
- Where will the equipment be stored?
- Who (or which staff member) will be responsible for checking in/out the equipment?
- Who (or which staff member) will be responsible for maintaining the equipment?
- What happens if the equipment is broken or needs to be repaired?
The Film Club proposes that the equipment be stored and rented at the Center for Media and Design campus. There should be a collaboration between the Financial Aid office, Work-Study and student help, and a qualified Staff Member to help manage and advise students to operate and learn technically from the equipment rental process. The process of renting equipment should be a privilege granted freely to all SMC students; however, it should be a lesson in personal responsibility if the equipment is broken carelessly, with fees included.
We have detailed more of what this may look like on the Film Club website. Check out the Film Club website (scroll below the Club Calendar) and see our full plan of action and text drafts. We welcome any suggestions or feedback.
Any questions? Email [email protected]
Updates
March 5, 2024
The administration remains silent on our budget proposal despite the clear need for accessible gear at the CMD campus. Call the Dean of Student Life today to demand they prioritize funding for this equipment library. Post the link to our petition on your Facebook wall so we can show them how many students are behind this.
March 5, 2024
We hit a major milestone today that proves the student body wants this equipment library. Post this link on your Facebook page and text three friends who need better gear for their projects.
Reached 100 supporters
March 5, 2024
31 Comments
1. policy to enforce students to return equipment is needed. 2. insurance provided by the school would be ideal. 3. Mario Franco would be a good person to place in charge of the equipment. 4. For now, one of the editing bays may have to suffice for storage.
Having accessible equipment would help students pursue their creative ideas and make them a reality. For those wanting to build a portfolio or just tell a story, equipment is a vital part of making a film. Can't do it without a camera or good audio! We would appreciate and make good use of the equipment if this rental library is accepted and created
The largest barrier to entry to young film students is quality equipment. They cut their teeth by filming on iPhones, but they need quality equipment to get to the next level.
I’m a film production transfer student. I am interested in using the equipment for making short films. The better I get, the better my reel will be when I send it out to universities with my application. Filmmaking is difficult and takes time and experience to learn. Please consider obtaining filmmaking gear to be rented out to students. SMC is the premier CC for transferring to film school.
Access to film gear was a major factor in my learning and becoming a professional in the field.
This could be cool to do
This is amazing for us as students to be able to use equipment for current and future projects hopefully we can get this approved .
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Updated: October 31, 2023
Summary
The Film Club of Santa Monica College is proposing an initiative at the Center of Media and Design campus to build a FREE equipment rental library for all SMC students to access professional-grade film and multimedia equipment.
Information
Throughout the pandemic of 2020-2023 and currently ongoing, there has been an increased shift into embracing digital technologies and especially adapting and developing video content for a variety of different purposes, e.g., virtual job application videos, class assignments, demonstration of video content, business promotions, social media, etc. Many students, especially production students in the Film and Media programs, are particularly challenged to find resources and multimedia equipment to develop and submit 2-minute visual samples or demo reels as part of their transfer applications to various 4-year institutions. In addition, the Film Club has seen multiple opportunities for students from different majors to collaborate on cross-disciplinary projects that could have further propelled students toward professional success had they the equipment and ability to access the content creation resources at CMD more freely to pursue the opportunity.
In Spring 2023, the Film Club proposed to Associated Students to request the support of approximately $38K from Auxillary Funds to start this library. Associated Students at the time was willing to support this initiative based on more research and information, including the support of multiple programs, departments, and the following logistics of an equipment rental library:
- Where will the equipment be stored?
- Who (or which staff member) will be responsible for checking in/out the equipment?
- Who (or which staff member) will be responsible for maintaining the equipment?
- What happens if the equipment is broken or needs to be repaired?
The Film Club proposes that the equipment be stored and rented at the Center for Media and Design campus. There should be a collaboration between the Financial Aid office, Work-Study and student help, and a qualified Staff Member to help manage and advise students to operate and learn technically from the equipment rental process. The process of renting equipment should be a privilege granted freely to all SMC students; however, it should be a lesson in personal responsibility if the equipment is broken carelessly, with fees included.
We have detailed more of what this may look like on the Film Club website. Check out the Film Club website (scroll below the Club Calendar) and see our full plan of action and text drafts. We welcome any suggestions or feedback.
Any questions? Email [email protected]
Updates
March 5, 2024
The administration remains silent on our budget proposal despite the clear need for accessible gear at the CMD campus. Call the Dean of Student Life today to demand they prioritize funding for this equipment library. Post the link to our petition on your Facebook wall so we can show them how many students are behind this.
March 5, 2024
We hit a major milestone today that proves the student body wants this equipment library. Post this link on your Facebook page and text three friends who need better gear for their projects.
Reached 100 supporters
March 5, 2024
31 Comments
It’s my understanding that there is a lot of equipment sitting there, unused. Much of it is old and would cost very little to insure - but still works very well. And there are a lot of students that would benefit from the use of the film equipment. This is a no-brainer and I don’t understand why it hasn’t already been made available. The bureaucracy is incredibly frustrating. The students need this, so please make the time to sort it out.
1. policy to enforce students to return equipment is needed. 2. insurance provided by the school would be ideal. 3. Mario Franco would be a good person to place in charge of the equipment. 4. For now, one of the editing bays may have to suffice for storage.
Having accessible equipment would help students pursue their creative ideas and make them a reality. For those wanting to build a portfolio or just tell a story, equipment is a vital part of making a film. Can't do it without a camera or good audio! We would appreciate and make good use of the equipment if this rental library is accepted and created
The largest barrier to entry to young film students is quality equipment. They cut their teeth by filming on iPhones, but they need quality equipment to get to the next level.
I’m a film production transfer student. I am interested in using the equipment for making short films. The better I get, the better my reel will be when I send it out to universities with my application. Filmmaking is difficult and takes time and experience to learn. Please consider obtaining filmmaking gear to be rented out to students. SMC is the premier CC for transferring to film school.
Access to film gear was a major factor in my learning and becoming a professional in the field.
This could be cool to do
This is amazing for us as students to be able to use equipment for current and future projects hopefully we can get this approved .
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It’s my understanding that there is a lot of equipment sitting there, unused. Much of it is old and would cost very little to insure - but still works very well. And there are a lot of students that would benefit from the use of the film equipment. This is a no-brainer and I don’t understand why it hasn’t already been made available. The bureaucracy is incredibly frustrating. The students need this, so please make the time to sort it out.