2020
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Free Spirit Media (Chicago, Illinois, USA)
Free Spirit Media's summer Industry Pathways Cohort Training
Program was revamped to be delivered virtually in response
to the COVID 19 pandemic. This program aims to support
emerging filmmakers with access to opportunities, resources
and professionals who can help young creatives further their
goals in developing successful, fulfilling careers in the film and
media industries. The summer 2020 program consisted of two
cohort streams, Interns and Fellows. 33 young filmmakers
were part of the summer 2020 program. Both cohorts worked closely with teaching artists for technical
professional development lessons such as learning editing techniques for short films, with Fellows additionally
completing a virtual placement. At the culmination of this program, all participants created and produced a
short film to help build upon their creative portfolios for future employment or education opportunities.
Haiti Ocean Project (Petite Riviere de Nippes, Haiti)
In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, 200 young creatives
used a combination of archival footage and current photos
provided by local youth to produce a mini-documentary on
marine conservation and protection of Haiti's endangered
marine species. This mini-documentary was a collaborative
effort with participants combining their ocean experience
and knowledge with delegating leadership roles to use digital
media and technology for social change. Throughout this
project, young creatives developed and grew their filmmaking
skills from designing and utilizing storyboarding to editing footage to learning how to conduct voiceovers for a
final collaborative product. This documentary was shared with their local community and beyond to show the
value of Haiti's ocean and marine life, and the importance of marine conservation around the globe.
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