Our Educational Initiatives
At CFA Institute, education has always been our priority. We believe that context is the key to working collaboratively and feeling confident in your career path.
Our formula for successful education consists of merging the technical, practical & creative aspects of the filmmaking process.
We have designed six programs that work together to empower filmmakers and actors through all the stages of the filmmaking pipeline.
Sign Up for Our Labs & Workshops
CFA started by being the first to teach the technical side of performance to actors. This expanded into teachings for both crew and actors with an emphasis on inter-departmental education. Our labs and workshops promote practical, hands-on learning with industry leaders, ensuring safer sets, better collaborations, and successful creative projects. By involving vendors, we foster long-term partnerships that support sustainable careers in filmmaking.
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Join Our Creative Community
Connecting with collaborators in the film industry can be challenging. Our networking events facilitate meaningful connections between like-minded artists and vendors. These events have resulted in lasting bonds and professional opportunities, enabling our community members to find their film “family” and embark on successful projects together.
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Showcase Your Skills in Our Film Challenge
We cherish our partners, vendors, and community members, and we are passionate about storytelling through filmmaking. Our quarterly film challenges provide opportunities for our members to create films with the support of short-term loans, gear, and help with publicity. These challenges embody our mission, allowing filmmakers and actors to learn, grow, and produce outstanding work together.
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Fund Your Project with Fiscal Sponsorship Program
We offer our members the opportunity to receive tax-deductible donations and grants, aiding the funding and realization of their creative projects. Our Fiscal Sponsorship Program provides comprehensive support services, including fundraising assistance, financial management, and industry networking. This empowers underrepresented filmmakers to bring their visions to life while keeping filmmaking accessible for all levels of talent within our community. By focusing on storytelling, we foster a future of diverse voices thriving in the film industry.
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Bring Your Story to Life with Indiewood Screenwriting Fund
We’re passionate about supporting storytellers who need a more equitable path into the screenwriting world. The Indiewood Screenwriting Fund offers selected writers personalized feedback, mentorship, and access to workshops without the burden of submission fees. Through community-building, creative development, and live readings, we help emerging screenwriters grow, connect, and bring their stories to life.
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Get Industry-Driven Feedback with NOT WIP
We’re committed to helping filmmakers refine their short films through structured feedback and industry insights. The NOT Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab offers a professional test screening experience, providing valuable audience-driven feedback that goes beyond a filmmaker's immediate network. Our aim is to foster a collaborative environment that connects emerging filmmakers with industry professionals, providing invaluable post-production resources and strengthening cross-regional partnerships to enhance their projects and careers.
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To get involved as a partner, sponsor or vendor for any of our programs, please email us at institute@cinematographyforactors.com.
As a registered 501(c)(3), Cinematography for Actors Institute is able to offer receipts for tax deductible donations including those that offer in-kind donations.