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 general@smcfilmclub.com