Production Training for Rising Filmmakers of Color

Dear kind Donors,

I’m the Programs Assistant for Justice for My Sister, and I’m proud to share the latest update on the PA Certification Program. Because of everyone’s generosity, we were able to give life-changing experiences and job opportunities for filmmakers and artists from our communities that have been historically under-served and underrepresented. We couldn’t have done it without your continued support!

Over the summer we wrapped Phase 1 of the program, having brought on 31 participants with opportunities to practice skills while giving them paid job opportunities to add to their resumes to move up the ladder and find success as artists. We were able to bring on professionals from the TV/Film industry to share their expertise with our students, and partake in discussions fostered by our trauma-informed practice. I felt the cohort's care and support with every session, even while being on the virtual format of the workshops. Since then, two of our participants have gone on to find work with one of our guest speakers, Moises Zamora, creator of Netflix’s Selena: The Series. We paid stipends for 10 of our participants to get on-the-job training on 5 BIPOC-led productions who share aligned values with JFMS. We also fast-tracked 4 of the participants to Warner Brothers’ Access to Action program, where they will no doubt be continuing to receive extensive training in TV and Film production. Another participant was also recently recruited to a studio production of the drama series Snowfall. 

At the end of the program, the camaraderie and gratitude we felt could not be contained in the virtual space, so we hosted a mixer at the lovely Cafe de Leche Cafe to commemorate the job well done completing Phase 1. We accomplished so much, with participants expressing glowing feedback about the program thus far. Alix A., one of the graduates, said, “I had such an amazing time on set and JFMS has been so helpful and supportive of my endeavors. I truly believe everything that comes my way after this is all thanks to this brilliant program and the work you do.” Another graduate, Bree S. said, “This program was INCREDIBLY impactful to hear the perspectives of other BIPOC in the industry…I'm glad to have gotten the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful so that I can have a realistic plan of action.”

We are now entering Phase 2, where JFMS will bring a more hands-on training curriculum that will give the participants the chance to prep a camera package and run their own set. 

Your continued support will make it possible for us to continue bringing more creators of color into the fold. We’re proud of our PA cohort, and we’re proud of our JFMS community, and we are so grateful you are a part of it. Your donations and support show the participants the love, care, and appreciation for their hard work and dedication to flourish their careers in the arts. Let them know we’ll always be cheering them on!

If you have a need for crew, please email me at programs@justiceformysister.org and I’m happy to send you the contact information and resumés of our vetted graduates. 

¡Unidos para siempre!