LAFCI CELEBRATES
10 YEARS!
2016 - 2026
Founded in 2016 with the inaugural 4-Day Intensive workshop held at Malibu High School and Warner Bros. Studios under the leadership of co-founders David Newman and Angel Velez, the Los Angeles Film Conducting Intensive (LAFCI) marks its 10th anniversary in 2026. Over the past decade, LAFCI has become a vital institution for music creators worldwide, dedicated to advancing the art and craft of conducting, composition, recording, and film music education.
To commemorate this milestone, LAFCI will host a series of special programs and events throughout 2026, including the return of the Studio Intensive, LAFCI: LATINO, the Masterclass Series, and a reimagined edition of its flagship program—The Intensive 2.0.
Building upon the legacy of the original workshop, The Intensive 2.0 reflects the continued evolution of the modern media composer and the demands of today’s industry. The program features three distinctive recording opportunities designed to challenge and inspire participants: a hybrid scoring session to picture, a songwriting module, and an orchestral scoring experience. Together, these components provide a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum that bridges artistry, technology, and professional practice.
An Inside Look: Thomas Wilkins
Wise Words:
LAFCI is proud to present, An Inside Look, a series of interviews featuring professional conductors sharing personal perspectives on their craft. Available as a free resource in our Resource Center page, An Inside Look provides a candid
conversation with some of today's leading conductors on their experiences in the field as well as advice for you. Visit the Resource Center
1.To compose for orchestra is to imagine the orchestra.
2.To orchestrate for orchestra is to know the orchestra.
3. To conduct is to both imagine and know the orchestra.
-Conrad Pope, faculty member
Hollywood Composer-Orchestrator-Conductor
page for a complete list of currently available interviews. Play the above video for
our latest interview with conductor, Thomas Wilkins.