With support from the California Arts Council, Film2Future will deliver its Intensive Animation Program, a free, 300+ hour filmmaking and career-readiness program for underserved and underrepresented high school students across Los Angeles. Students will learn the animation pipeline from pitch through post-production, working in teams to create original short films that reflect their lived experiences and cultural perspectives from hundreds of volunteer industry professionals. CAC funds will support staffing, mentor coordination, and instructional resources that ensure students receive individualized guidance, access to all needed filmmaking tools, and a professional-caliber training experience. All participants will receive a laptop with industry-standard software, free transportation, meals, and individualized support to remove barriers to their participation and success. Through the program, students gain creative confidence and direct connections to professionals in the entertainment industry.
The core of F2F’s program is our filmmaking intensives. Students work in teams to create short films with instruction and mentorship from 200+ industry professionals. We have provided five summer intensive courses: Narrative Filmmaking, Animation, Emerging Technologies (VR, AR podcasting), Music Video Production, and Advertising. We also provide our students year round learning and networking opportunities, providing them the and opportunities needed to succeed in entry level positions and emerging industry disciplines.
We partner with leading companies in the industry to deliver our programs, such as Lord Miller, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, and many more. Volunteer industry professionals give students a 360-degree view of the filmmaking industry. They also teach life skills associated with being an artist, such as accepting feedback, overcoming disappointment and financial literacy. Speakers in our programs include leaders in their respective fields such as Kemp Powers (Writer/Director, Soul), Kristen Schaal (Voice Actor, Bob’s Burgers), Thomas Kail (Director, Hamilton) and Joseph Raymond Lucero (Actor, Mayans MC).
F2F’s strong industry partnerships allow us to secure paid internships and jobs in the film industry for alumni at companies such as Netflix, NBC and CBS, and shows like Glow, Grey’s Anatomy and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. To date we have secured over 150 paid opportunities for alumni, also aiding them in developing their resumes and practicing their interview skills. These well-paying positions enable F2F youth to keep their artistic talents at the center of their career.