Training Institute & Film Festival Competition. KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, INC. 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd. #124, Burbank, CA

Transcription

1 Training Institute & Film Festival Competition KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, INC. 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd. #124, Burbank, CA

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Letter from Founder & Executive Director 2. Our Mission Statement 3. Our Vision and Objective 4. Meet the Board of Directors, Administrators and Instructors 5. Movies By Kids, For Kids Film Festival & Awards Ceremony 6. Our Strategy 7. Film Festival Competition 8. Research 9. Workshop and Film Festival Budget 10. Testimonials 11. Testimonials Continued 12. Writers Guild of America, West 13. Donations Graphic Designer: Sandra Presley 2010 All Rights Reserved. Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

3 A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER & Executive Director It gives me great pleasure to share with you information about Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS). We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May Our program trains youth in foster care programs and other underserved youth to create, write, cast and star in their own 10-minute short films. This training culminates in an annual, red carpet, film festival competition where we present Movies by Kids, for Kids. This program teaches kids to express themselves through the art of filmmaking and encourages interest in careers in the movie industry, which is so prevalent in Los Angeles. Simultaneously, the teamwork, creativity and discipline required to complete the short films help the young participants develop a better self-image and a sense of accomplishment that will engender a greater belief in their ability to rise above their current social and economic conditions. The screenplays that are written by the kids in our program are registered with the Writers Guild of America, West, (WGAW), which issues each child a certificate of their registered script. This program is offered completely free-of-charge to the kids who participate. We shoot up to 16 short films per year at an estimated cost of $10,000 per 10-week workshop. We rely solely on partnerships, contracts, sponsors, grants and tax-deductible donations for both the operating and production budget of this amazing program. We are grateful to Final Draft, Inc., makers of Hollywood s premier screenwriting program, for donating software to KITS. It is my hope that after you review this package you will be compelled to join Final Draft in supporting this great organization with both financial and in-kind contributions. I hope to speak with you about how you and/or your company can help us continue to impact the lives of our kids. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Tige (Tie-jee) Charity Executive Director/Founder Kids In The Spotlight Inc. 1

4 OUR MISSION To train youth ages who are in the foster care system and other underserved youth, to create, write, cast and star in their own 10-minute short films, culminating in an annual film festival competition where we present Movies by Kids, for Kids. 2 Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

5 VISION To create an annual film festival competition to introduce talented young writers and actors to Hollywood s prominent casting directors, agents, producers, etc. The gala event will provide an Oscar night-like experience for the participants that, along with their training, may further motivate them to consider careers in the film industry. OBJECTIVE The purpose of Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) is to provide underprivileged youth with an introduction to and training for the art of filmmaking. This program will provide a safe environment for kids to express themselves while cultivating interest in film industry careers, which are so prevalent in Los Angeles. Additionally, it will foster teamwork, creativity and discipline, resulting in a better self-image and a sense of accomplishment that will engender a greater belief in their ability to rise above their current social and economic conditions in order to realize their dreams. Kids In The Spotlight Inc. 3

6 Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. Founding Board of Directors Marilyn Beaubien An independent financial consultant, a film and television producer and the prior Chief Financial Officer of Gener8xion Entertainment, Inc. She is a Certified Public Accountant who started her career with Price Waterhouse & Company. Audrey Brooks Has over 25 years of experience in the Medicare Insurance Industry. She has held positions as a Medicare Claims Examiner, Section Manager and Business Service Analyst. Robert F. Campbell A six-time Emmy Award recipient for Outstanding Journalism and News Writing at WNBC-TV and NBC News in New York City. Following his long career as a journalist and news editor, he produced and wrote for the television drama Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and for several feature films. Tige Charity A graduate of Oral Roberts University with a B.S. degree in accounting. She worked 15 years as a Claims Specialist for major insurance companies. In 2006 she transferred her corporate skills into working as an independent casting director. She has cast several feature films, short films, stage plays, webisodes and live events. In May of 2009 she founded Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. Jan Coleman (Board Chair) Has an extensive background in marketing, promotional partnerships and executing local publicity programs in the film industry. She started her career at The WB and worked in the publicity department, then moved to MGM Studios as the coordinator of creative advertising. She worked at The Walt Disney Studios in field publicity, promotions and coordinated local promotional campaigns for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Incredibles, etc. She then went on to work for 20th Century Fox. Currently she works at Warner Brothers Studios working on the Harry Potter Franchise. Tamesha Scott (Board Co-Chair) Tamesha most recently filled the role in the Talent & PR Dept with Davie Brown Entertainment, one of the industries leading agencies for product placement and entertainment marketing. A product of California s Child Welfare System, She went on to receive her Bachelors Degree from Texas A&M University. She has also worked as a Stage Manager, Casting Assistant and a Production Manager in the entertainment industry. Claudia Wells An Emmy winner who starred in 6 ABC and CBS television series, countless MOW s, episodics, school break specials, and started her career at age 8. She s most notably known for starring opposite Michael J. Fox in Back To The Future. For nearly 2 decades, Ms. Wells has owned and operated Armani Wells, ( a high end men s resale shop. 4 Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

7 Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. MOVIES BY KIDS, FOR KIDS FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS CEREMONY Providing Hope For Youth Through The Art of Filmmaking (818) Kids In The Spotlight Inc. 5

8 MOVIES B Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing a unique arts program to foster care youth and other underserved youth. We create opportunities for kids to express themselves through the art of filmmaking and to bring their creativity to the spotlight. We seek to stimulate and activate their creative minds by providing exposure to the various stages of filmmaking. The teamwork, creativity and discipline required to complete the short films will help the young participants develop a better self image and a sense of accomplishment that will engender a greater belief in their ability to rise above their current social and economic conditions and to realize their dreams.

9 Y KIDS, FOR KIDS Graphic Designer: Sandra Presley Kids In The Spotlight Inc. All Rights Reserved. STRATEGY 10 week workshops 20 new kids per workshop 5 weeks of developing & writing a script using Final Draft 3 weeks of acting coaching 1 session of casting 2 weeks of film production FILM FESTIVAL COMPETITION BEST FILM BEST ACTOR BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR BEST ENSEMBLE CAST BEST SCREENPLAY/STORY BEST WARDROBE/COSTUME Tige Charity, Exec. Director & Founder 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd. #124, Burbank, CA (818)

10 Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. RESEARCH The Arts Impact Studies show that the arts can have a vast positive impact on youth as well as the community at large. Moreover, it has been reported that whether there is direct participation in arts programs, just simple audience participation or even just the mere presence of artists and arts organizations in a community, there is a positive impact. Simply put, experiencing the arts in any way has a positive effect. In terms of the impact on youth, a 2002 Ivy League university study noted that simply having a network of artists and the existence of an arts organization or institution within the boundaries of a community can not only increase cultural diversity but also decrease neighborhood crime and delinquency. When the youth of the community experience the arts as audience members, there are the added benefits of improved school performance and an increased tolerance of others. The study goes on to say that direct participation in the arts increases self-esteem, improves a person s sense of belonging, builds social networks, encourages one s ability to work with others and improves communication skills. In addition, a 2000 report done by Michael Spencer, the Founder and Executive Director of Hospital Audiences, Inc., explains how a person s actual health is improved by many of the positive impacts of arts participation just described. The perception that life has meaning... what enriches our lives is also good for our health. On every level of arts interaction there is a measurable positive effect for the youth in the community as well as the community as a whole. Why Film? The benefits of youth participation in live theater, specifically, has the documented potential to promote a positive self-image, improve language, problem solving and overall communication skills, encourage creative self expression, social awareness, logical and intuitive thinking, promote empathy for others, and decrease or prevent delinquent behavior. However, Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. uses film as its arts medium of choice, giving youth the experience of filmmaking from start to finish. The art of filmmaking provides all of the above benefits of participation in live theater but with the added benefits that are unique to this particular medium. The Games, Learning and Society (GLS) research group out of Wisconsin conducted a project that explored the process and product of youth filmmaking. In their project, they viewed the process of filmmaking as similar to that of the process of live theater. According to GLS, with filmmaking as with theater, young people have an opportunity to tell, adapt and perform their personal stories, which for youth at-risk can be a journey into self-awareness and empowerment. The experience of filmmaking can offer a platform for their stories and validate their very existence where they might otherwise feel lost and silenced within their challenging circumstances. Research by GLS describes film as part of digital media, which as a whole is a tool for self-expression. Their research goes on to explain youth filmmaking as a way of teaching media literacy and giving youth a voice and a way of expressing their creativity. Another study by researchers at the University of Southern California and the University of California, Berkeley concluded that digital media, inclusive of the process and end product of filmmaking, creates new opportunities for youth to grapple with social norms, explore interests, develop technical skills, and experiment with new forms of self-expression. Further, the study shows that learning digital media in an informal, non-classroom setting allows youth a degree of freedom, autonomy, self-direction and creative exploration. Providing this variety of benefits to youth at-risk both in and outside of the foster care system can have such a beneficial and life-altering effect. 8 Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

11 Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. Projected Budget Cost per 10-week session Acting Instructor (3 weeks) Writing Instructor (5 weeks) Director of Photography/Camera Man (Four films per session) Administrative Cost Film Director (Four films per session) 1, Film Editor Gaffer Set Designer Sound Recorder Boom Mic Operator Casting Director Production Assistant Catering/Refreshments Script Supervisor Graphic Designer for DVD covers/movie Posters 1, Props /Supplies / Misc. Equipment rentals Total 10, Annual Film Festival Competition Theatre/Venue Rental 6, Film Awards for Kids (15 recipients) 5, Caterer 8, Event Planner 5, Graphic Designer (Event Invitations) Marketing/Advertising 5, Security 2, Celebrity Host Honorarium 1, Insurance Photography 1, Total 34, Kids In The Spotlight Inc. 9

12 TESTIMONIALS Dear Kids In The Spotlight, My likes about this program was how the whole class had to stand in front of each other and talk, no matter how shy we were. I also liked it when we had to say, I can do great things! I basically like everything about the whole program, I don t have any dislikes. Sincerely, Robin A. Dear Kids In The Spotlight, The reason why I liked the Kids in the Spotlight program was because of all the staff members that worked with us. They helped me with my acting skills, how to write a script, and have energy without being shy. I would like to thank all the people who helped with all the rough and fun times. That s why I like Kids in the Spotlight. Sincerely, DeVonte C. Lines from other testimonials This was a good experience for me. Cindy Thank you Tige, Ms. Griffin & Ms. Sharon for everything you did for us. Guadalupe G. You guys taught me how to step out of my comfort zone & don t be shy. Tyeishia The thing I liked most was the acting and learning how to act. Karim M. 10 Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

13 t, tligh e Spo h T n I e Kids, Tig Dear m you me. r o f a ch so mu ple that c he rned o t a e e p d l n r a I othe you e t h a t h e ic. w t and t kno na be so n f the n d i o I d gon parts e was peopl n different i Being as fun. n w t whe movie h tha actc u m it so ice more r oyed I enj me I pract Thanks fo g in ho. h r c o o a g te I mirr r o y f m s me. n ing i ing! Thank ing up on h v t i every for not g d me an ways, Al e Lov Tara H. Dear Kids In Th e Spo tligh What t, I enj oyed the e about xperi KI en write r. As ce of bein TS was g a you r the m ec ov I lov ie The We all I wrot ed se e ird O ei n to li fe an ng my movi es. d e e there was r veryone wh come eally o was nice. I rea ll every y enjoyed thing s behin eeing and b d the eing in th scene I m g e B oi gram. ng to miss ackground. KITS Since prorely, Kimbe rley G. Lines from other testimonials It was a great experience to write & film what we made. Diana E. I really love this program. It was very professional and I really like the way you treated us. Danny P. I was happy, so that was my favorite part. Regina D. Thank you for this program. I had so much fun. Sheddric Kids In The Spotlight Inc. 11

14 Writers Guild of America, West Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. is changing the lives of kids one workshop at a time. Tige Charity Participants in Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. receives a certificate of registration from the Writers Guild of America, West. Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. Administrators/Instructors Ed Broaddus Founder and president of Jack Of All Trades, Inc. Mr. Broaddus has a B.F.A. from G.M.U. in acting and has been working in the media field as a producer, director, editor and cameraman for over twenty years. He lends his skills to KITS as a director, editor and web-designer. Antonio D. Charity A graduate of Howard University s Department of Theatre Arts, Mr. Charity has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, commercials and Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions. He has also worked for more than 20 years as a mentor for several youth programs such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Big Brother Big Sister program. Sharon Hogg For the past eleven years, Ms. Hogg has taught the Meisner Method Acting Technique at the highly respected Joanne Baron/D.W. Brown Studio in Santa Monica, CA. Her work extends to appearances in feature and independent films, television, music videos and theater, in addition to working behind the camera in production and casting. She is the founder of MONARCH Theater Company. T. Faye Griffin NAACP Image Award winner and proud product of South Central Los Angeles, T. Faye Griffin has put words into the mouths of Academy Award winners, comedians, and politicians as a speech and comedy writer. With more than 20 years experience, she has amassed an impressive list of television writing and producing credits. Griffin is a longtime member of the Writer s Guild of America and the owner of the boutique writing service Words by Faye. Reginald Nelson A published author and screenwriter, Mr. Nelson received his B.F.A from Howard University s Department of Theatre Arts and an M.F.A. from the University of Illinois. In Chicago, he founded the Congo Square Theatre Company in the mid 1990 s. He also worked as a teacher in the Chicago public school system. His film Fly Like Mercury, produced by David Schwimmer and directed by Harry Lennix, received an award at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. 12 Kids In The Spotlight Inc.

15 DONATION REQUEST We hope this presentation has provided you with a solid understanding of who we are, what we are doing, who we serve and how we go about serving them. Again, this program is free-of-charge to our participants. We rely solely on partnerships, contracts, sponsors, grants and tax-deductible donations to offer this amazing program for underprivileged youth. We are changing the lives of children and teens one film at a time. Please help us make a difference by supporting our organization. A contribution of any amount would be extremely helpful and appreciated. All financial donations will help cover the operational, promotional, film production and management costs of the program. It will also cover the rental of a screening room for the film festival, awards for the festival winners, and other festival expenses. In return for your kind and generous donation you have the option to be listed as a sponsor on our website and in the festival program booklet. Please detach the bottom portion of this letter and return it with your tax-deductible donation. Please make checks payable to: Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd., #124 Burbank, CA Please return this portion with your gift. Thank you! Please make your check payable to: Kids In The Spotlight, Inc. Name: Address: Phone :( ) Enclosed is my gift of: $ Date: List me as a sponsor on KITS website yes OR no

16 KIDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, INC. 145 S. Glenoaks Blvd. #124, Burbank, CA TIGE CHARITY, EXEC. DIRECTOR & FOUNDER (818)