The Austin School of Film @ Motion Media Arts Center was formed in May 2003 by combining two organizations in Austin dedicated to bringing access to, and training in, small-gauge filmmaking—Austin Cinemaker Co-op (founded 1996) and the Center for Young Cinema (CYC, founded 1999). The combined histories of these two award-winning organizations have formed an indelible foundation for a media center dedicated to educating the public about media arts tools, production standards, and career opportunities.