Sony has partnered with the USC School of Cinematic Arts and will start providing cinema cameras including the VENICE 2, FX series, Alpha cameras as well as installing Sony’s new Crystal LED B Series wall to enhance the school’s Virtual Production Curriculum. Furthermore, Sony has also made a $2 million donation to the school. A model for others.

Contributing to high filmmaking education

It’s about time major camera companies will start contributing to enhancing and empowering filmmaking education, especially in cinematic art universities, that lack the high-end equipment needed to conform to industry standards. All over the world, art and motion picture faculties are suffering from limited resources regarding budget, which is being fueled by other high-tech divisions in the university. It’s about time the art departments will start getting all the attention. The solution can be created with the help of camera companies, like in the case below.

USC School of Cinematic Arts

Founded in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929, the USC School of Cinematic Arts offers comprehensive programs in directing, producing, writing, cinema and media studies, animation and digital arts, production, interactive media, and games. The school claims that since 1973 not a year has passed without an alumnus or alumna being nominated for an Academy Award or an Emmy. Check out their Film & Television Production Division’s video below: 

Sony donates cinema camera and funds to USC School of Cinematic Arts

Sony has decided to partner with USC School of Cinematic Arts by granting its high-end cameras plus two million dollars of donation. As stated by Sony: “Beginning immediately, the USC School of Cinematic Arts will be adding a variety of the latest Sony Imaging equipment to their renowned course curriculum ranging from the Sony Cinema Line of cameras including VENICE 2, FX9, and FX6 models as well as the versatile lineup of Alpha mirrorless cameras.  Further creative tools such as Pro Audio, high-resolution displays, and access to cloud services will be made available as well.  Sony will also utilize this partnership to help develop and improve its products and services based on customer feedback from students and faculty at the school. Additionally, this summer the School of Cinematic Arts will be adding a Sony Virtual Production studio featuring Sony’s latest Crystal LED B series. Beginning in Fall 2022, a best-in-class education experience for students around the virtual production landscape will be offered at the school. In addition to the collaboration on products, facilities, and education, Sony has donated two million dollars (USD) to support the efforts of this new partnership”.

The USC School of Cinematic Arts will be adding a variety of the latest Sony Imaging equipment to their renowned course curriculum ranging from the Sony Cinema Line of cameras including VENICE 2, FX9, and FX6 models as well as the versatile lineup of Alpha mirrorless cameras. 

Closing thoughts

It’s always nice seeing a camera manufacturer donate and helps the education of young filmmakers. Indeed, cameras, lighting, and novel equipment are essential factors as filmmaking has turned to be a very technology-oriented profession. We’d love to write about more initiatives like this by other camera manufacturers, especially regarding other less famous and acclaimed educational filmmaking institutes. That will definitely make a positive change.