Los Angeles Film Studies Center provides ACU students who are interested in film an opportunity to enroll in a one-semester film school program. This year, three ACU students are taking part in the program.

The program is run by the entity Best Semester, which is part of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

According to Best Semester’s website, the program immerses students that have a passion for film into the industry and equips them with knowledge and opportunities to set a sturdy foundation in film culture.

Tim Holt. (Photo courtesy of Tim Holt.)

Tim Holt, one of the three ACU students enrolled in the program this semester, said he thinks the program is essential for students who want to pursue a career in film.

“I have learned more about film and the industry in the past two months than I would have ever imagined,” said Holt, senior digital entertainment technology major from Plano. “The program is set up to act as a perfect transition from college life to the real world. We are housed in apartments, living right next to everyday working people. We only have class two days a week, and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we have our internships.”

Holt is interning at a camera rental house, but the types of internships varies between students.

“I chose this internship so I could learn about all of the different types of cameras and gear that crews use on film sets,” Holt said. “Others get internships with production companies, some with development companies, and still others work at casting agencies or in production offices.”

As Holt stated, the program is not just an internship; it also requires students to attend class. They are enrolled in three core classes and one elective.

“In these electives, you go deep into the guidelines of film production, writing screenplays or acting in front of a camera,” Holt said.

Holt said the program has generated positive experiences for its students.

“Overall, the program has been the absolute highlight of my collegiate educational experience,” he said. “I am so happy that ACU partners with such an amazing program and that I have benefitted so much from the partnership.”

Holt advises students interested in film to look into the program.

“Until ACU has a film program, any ACU student wanting to pursue a career in the film industry should try to attend LAFSC for one of their final semesters,” he said.