Two Tampa Bay nonprofits will benefit from the work of aspiring filmmakers and other Tampa Bay creatives.
JOLT Production School completed its inaugural class of 15 students in July. Over the course of three intensive weekends, students spent time with teachers and mentors to learn the ins and outs of the film industry -- from conceptualization to full production.
The students worked in teams of six to develop pro bono public service announcements (PSA’s) for nonprofits in Tampa Bay. The process is very hands on, with the teams working with experienced mentors and visiting film studios to gain first-hand knowledge they might not be exposed to in other academic settings.
The nonprofit production school was founded by film professionals Chanse Chanathalansy and Pete Guzzo. Its mission is to mentor and teach aspiring film professionals while supporting local area nonprofits.
"We’re really trying to raise the production value and standards in the Tampa Bay market, as well as give back to our community," says Mike Compton, producer for JOLT Production School.
In doing so, JOLT hopes to bring more film industry businesses to Tampa Bay as well as produce more local talent that can be hired by large scale productions that film in the region. Currently, many companies are going outside of the area to find talent.
The nonprofits that will benefit from the inaugural class are
Instruments of Change and the
Tampa Theatre. The PSAs will be launched at a
PSA Screening and Fundraiser, August 29, at 5 pm at the Tampa Theatre.
The process was a community partnership, with other creative businesses donating time and support, including
PP+K, Greyhouse Films,
First Unit Production Services,
Red Gear Studios,
WEDU,
Digital Caviar.
JOLT Productions’ next class will begin in October.
Writer:
Megan Hendricks
Source: Mike Compton, JOLT Productions
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