The Studio Flies to Los Angeles for Production Funded by NBCUniversal
The Studio at Reel Works is an Emmy Award-winning production company that hires talented emerging filmmakers to collaborate with professional media makers to create content for clients. This summer, The Studio joined the Creative Impact Lab, a new initiative from NBCUniversal that helps apprentices from diverse backgrounds hone their production skills. Mirroring the aim of The Studio itself, this program from NBCU helps the next generation of content creators break into the media industry and learn the trade.
NBCU provided The Studio with funding to create promotional videos for America On Tech (AOT), a nonprofit that is changing the lives of students of color from underestimated communities across the country by providing them with free, top-notch computer science educational programming.
The goal of this partnership was to produce content for AOT that imparts on prospective donors and corporate partners the urgent need to support technology education for BIPOC students to help break the cycle of generational poverty that disproportionately impacts such individuals.
Stephen Czaja, Studio Producer, worked with two Reel Works students - Aldo Merino and Jennifer Loo to make the project a reality.
Aldo, an Advanced Doc Lab alumnus, and Jenni, a Cinematography Fellow, contributed to the project as camera operators. Their creative compositions and camera movements truly brought the videos to life. Jess Benmen, Data and Special Projects Manager at America On Tech, shared that she was impressed by the professionalism of the apprentices and the quality of their work.
Aldo had the following to share about the project: “This opportunity was special because I was able to work with professional-grade equipment and use the skills I learned from my classes at Reel Works. Furthermore, flying to Los Angeles for this project was an incredible experience as I learned how to work for a professional client and even got to see a bit of LA for the first time.”
Jenni also reflected on the experience: “I learned so much about the professional videography workflow firsthand—how to improvise in new environments, make creative choices that serve a story, and always make sure your interviewees are having a great time. With this professional experience under my belt, I'm much more confident in both my technical abilities and creative instincts under pressure.”
Filming took place in both NYC and LA during the month of August. Two of The Studio’s interns, Alex Ponce and Elijah Minter, worked on the videos during post-production. Alex helped with editing and Elijah created the end logo animation.
Strong testimonials from students and alumni were juxtaposed with informative statements by AOT’s founders and educators. These ideas were combined with visuals of students engaging in classes, developing projects, collaborating with peers, and showcasing their work at AOT’s graduation celebrations, including a very special event that took place at Samsung’s flagship space in NYC.
Most exciting of all, though, was the opportunity to fly to LA to film AOT’s class and graduation ceremony in California.
“Having the opportunity to fly Jenni and Aldo to LA for this shoot was incredible. These types of work experiences are priceless in the early stages of one’s career. Working with clients on the other side of the country, picking up high-end cinema gear from rental houses, filming interviews with complex lighting setups - for up-and-coming cinematographers, this was an invaluable experience that goes beyond what can be learned in the classroom.” - Stephen Czaja, Producer
The Creative Impact Lab provided The Studio’s apprentices with a truly meaningful assignment under the guidance of NBCUniversal experts and gave them the opportunity to tell compelling stories about non-profit organizations that are making a positive difference.
If you’re interested in hiring the Studio at Reel Works, please contact Stephen Czaja or learn more here.