Our Story.

Local Cinema Studios (LCS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was born from two film professors coming together to create a passion project, the film Bruiser, on a budget and realized this would be a great opportunity to give their students a chance to work on set in meaningful positions. 

Inspired by the experience Bruiser provided students, University of South Carolina Professor Dustin Whitehead has forged forward by building a team passionate about both filmmaking and mentorship. Local Cinema Studios educates a new generation of cast and crew in the Southeast by providing on set experiences that tangibly bridge the gap from academia to industry for students who are interested in filmmaking.

LCS creates indie films with students, recent graduates, and professionals. Our team knows that results are about the process as much as the product. We value bringing diverse sets of voices onto projects and creating positive experiences that demonstrate the best of artistic collaborations. 

LCS measures success by the experience and what opportunities students get next—with a mission to help them develop employable skills, forward careers, and grow creativity. 

Our projects empower emerging voices. We are training a new generation of filmmakers while challenging the industry’s status quo. We are reimagining what filmmaking can be when you treat everyone with respect and kindness. 

We are making art, and teaching the business behind the screen. We are building relationships, and making memories. We are having fun, and providing opportunity. Contact us to collaborate now.