The Association for eXperimental Cinematic Innovation

is a dynamic community of filmmakers, technologists, designers, and storytellers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what cinema can be. Our mission is twofold: to spark creative breakthroughs in filmmaking technology and storytelling, and to empower hands-on prototyping as a core strategy for achieving those breakthroughs.

By uniting a diverse membership—ranging from hardware hackers and software developers to cinematographers and producers—we foster a collaborative, maker-focused environment reminiscent of the early ILM days. Whether it’s developing custom camera rigs, designing novel editing tools, experimenting with AI-driven workflows, or crafting entirely new production methods, AXCI members take a DIY approach, rapidly iterating on ideas that can reshape the future of film.

We welcome anyone passionate about exploration and experimentation—from students building Arduino-based projects to industry veterans seeking fresh inspiration. Through workshops, hackathons, networking events, and an annual prototype showcase, AXCI provides the resources, mentorship, and camaraderie to bring visionary concepts to life. Join us, and let’s reimagine cinema—one prototype at a time.

Cinematic Innovations & Prototyping

An emerging interdisciplinary field that
brings together filmmaking, engineering,
design, and rapid prototyping to reshape the
creative and technical processes of cinema.
Scholars and practitioners in this area develop and test novel hardware, software, and workflows—often through DIY methods such as Arduino, 3D printing, and open-source coding—to push the boundaries of conventional film production. By blending hands-on experimentation with theoretical inquiry, Cinema Innovations & Prototyping not only advances the art and science of storytelling but also democratizes innovation, enabling filmmakers at all levels to engineer new tools, solve practical challenges, and pioneer fresh approaches to cinematic expression.

Hands-On Innovation

Explore DIY tools and prototypes designed for creative media makers.

Education-Focused

Built to empower students and educators through accessible tech learning

Creative-Tech Fusion

Where filmmaking meets coding, engineering, and prototyping.

Community-Driven

Connect with a growing network of artists, tinkerers, and educators.