1st Take Youth Film Program Teaches Life Skills and Careers In Film to Miami Youth In Need
Industry: Entertainment & Games
Miami, FL (PRUnderground) October 24th, 2017
Florida Film House, in partnership with youth-based organizations Urgent, Inc. and Gang Alternative will launch another three 3-day film workshop near the end of 2017 for young people ages 12-18 who live in challenged and underserved communities. At the end of the experience, students will have a completed short film to share with family, friends and audiences at next year’s Urban Film Festival, August 30-September 3, 2018. Florida Film House Director Blademil Grullon, “These kids are very creative and very talented and even at this young age, I’m amazed at their ability to tell a story, their story! I really appreciate their willingness to express and expose their stories to me. Participating in the 1st Take Youth Film Program is my favorite part of the job.”
The workshops kick off with tools and insight from industry professionals who will teach the fundamentals of filmmaking. Then students are divided into teams consisting of producers, directors, writers, actors and editors, and each team is assigned a script outline. The next day, students finalize the script and call sheet, block scenes, draw storyboards and rehearse. “In two days, we provide a solid foundation for developing a project from script-to-movie before they even pick up a camera,” says line producer Peter Ebanks. He is a regular instructor with the program. “We teach them about character development, script breakdown, budgeting, scheduling, everything from pre- through post production.” Mr. Ebanks has produced projects that have premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, Miami International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and so many other accredited festivals around the globe. On the third day, they film, edit and learn techniques to complete the project.
“It was so much fun,” says 16-year old Marcus Williams, who participated in workshops earlier this year. The Edison High School senior and Urgent, Inc. Rites of Passage intern thanks 1st Take for having a passion for film. “I get to use the equipment and create my own films and public service announcements.”
When asked what’s needed to make this program a staple in Miami-Dade County, Marco Mall says, “Quite frankly, we need supporters to expand our program. We’re very proud of the relationships we’re establishing with local youth programs that appreciate what we offer to their students. We’re discovering and molding the next Barry Jenkins (Oscar winner and Miami native) or Blademil Grullon, and we need help to achieve that goal.” The 1st Take Youth Film Program is possible thanks to City of Miami District 5 Commissioner Keon Hardemon, The City of Miami, Southeast Overtown Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Simkins Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Urgent, Inc. and Gang Alternative.
If you’d like to make a contribution to or learn more about the 1st Take Youth Film Program, go to 1stTake@floridafilmhouse.com or contact Marco Mall at 786-217-8869 or marco@floridafilmhouse.com. All media requests should be directed to Stephanie van Vark at 305-710-2212 or stephanie@stephaniecreates.com.
About Florida Film House
Florida Film House is a team of passionate filmmakers working together to tell the stories of their community to educate and inspire the world. With over 700 productions, working with countless brands and celebrities, Florida Film House is in direct response to growing the international market for new urban content. The capital made from filming is reinvested into acquiring the necessary resources to underwrite the majority of expenses to develop their content. Florida Film House is a vertically integrated company that makes content from creative writing, producing, film, post-production and international sales. Focused on building an ecosystem that will offer superior film production services to the public, give back to the community by educating the youth through the 1st Take youth film program, minimizing financial risk with Worldwide Urban Distribution, and exposing those works of art through Urban Film Festival and Filmwire.net. Florida Film House is the beacon of the new generation of filmmakers.
