For nearly 25 years, Reel Works has empowered young voices across New York City through free, innovative filmmaking programs. Our commitment extends beyond teaching technical skills—we're building the next generation of diverse storytellers through one-on-one mentorship and hands-on production experience.

At the intersection of storytelling and language accessibility, Reel Works is revolutionizing youth media education in New York City.

Our groundbreaking Dual Language Documentary Lab Program, launched in summer 2024 through the generous support of NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, is transforming how bilingual teens learn filmmaking in both Spanish and English. Towns' commitment to empowering young Latino voices through media has made it possible for us to break down language barriers in film education.

Brooklyn teen filmmakers win Best Cinematography at Reel Works Film Festival 2024.

The Reel Works Film Festival celebrates innovative storytellers both within and beyond our programs. This year's Best Animation winner, Daniel Oliver Lee, captivated audiences with "Daltokki," a mesmerizing journey through dreamlike landscapes.

Winner of the Best Documentary Film award at the 2024 Reel Works Film Festival, Vanessa Cruz's "The Making of a Matriarch" centers on the stories and experiences of three generations of Dominican women: her grandmother, her mother, and herself.

Created through our inaugural Dual Language Doc Lab program, Cruz's bilingual documentary recounts her family’s influence with authenticity.

Aunika, a rising creative director and photographer, brings a unique perspective shaped by childhood experiences in Brooklyn photo studios and powered by her imagination.

In the heart of New York City's bustling film industry, Reel Works recently hosted its Annual Alumni Mixer, an event that proved to be nothing short of spectacular. Partnering with the renowned Adorama Rental Company, this gathering brought together diverse film and media professionals, creating an electrifying atmosphere of creativity and opportunity.

HBO’s “The Gilded Age” / Local USA 829, IATSE Costume Department Training–a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO, Reel Works, and Stockade Works–recently offered aspiring costume designers an immersive experience in period costume design. Warner Bros. Discovery and the Empire State Development Fund funded this program, enabling a comprehensive curriculum that blended various learning environments to provide a holistic view of the art and craft of costume design.

Abby joined Reel Works in 2016 and has grown into a critical leadership role, transitioning from Program Director to the new Director of Data and Impact. Her journey at Reel Works showcases creativity, education, and innovation.

Discover how Abby's unique journey from Program Director to Director of Data is shaping the future of Reel Works and empowering young filmmakers. Read the full story to learn about her inspiring career path, her impact on our programs, and how she's using data to drive positive change in our community.

In the dynamic entertainment world, Jenn Bullock stands out as a visionary leader and accomplished professional. As an elected officer and NY Director of Education for Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Local 798 I.A.T.S.E., Jenn has initiated and overseen significant strides in shaping the industry's future. Her, along with the membership of I.A.T.S.E. Local 798, have achieved an innovative partnership with Reel Works to launch the inaugural I.A.T.S.E. Local 798 Entertainment Industry Hair Stylist Training program, which issued a new education and skill development standard. An Emmy-nominated hairstylist herself, Jenn brings a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to her role. Let's explore her remarkable journey, from her roots in theater to her current position at the forefront of education for hair and makeup artistry in television and film.

At Reel Works, we're not just teaching filmmaking – we're shaping the future of storytelling. Our programs are designed to empower young voices, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to share their unique perspectives with the world. But don't just take our word for it. Let's hear from two of our 2023-2024 Youth Ambassadors about their experiences in our programs.

The People and Culture (P&C) Committee at Reel Works was established to foster transformation for Reel Works staff. Launched during rapid growth, this inclusive committee unites staff members to collaborate on policies, procedures, and community building.

Reel Works in Schools recently graduated its latest cohort from the Career Discovery Production Assistant program. This initiative serves young adults interested in pursuing careers as Production Assistants in New York City's vibrant media and entertainment industry.

Reel Works attended the Tribeca Film Festival! This opportunity, made possible by the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, provided a dynamic platform where emerging filmmakers could engage with cutting-edge films and eminent professionals. 

In celebration of Pride Month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with lesbian filmmaker, exceptional Reel Works alumni and current staff member, Emily Freire.

Reel Works in Schools is hard at work! Within the past month, the team has graduated four different cohorts of young filmmakers. Each program is unique in design and curriculum, but all emphasize the importance of storytelling and creative expression in students' educational journeys.

Emerging filmmaker and Reel Works alumni Kelly has announced her new film, Dreamland. In our exclusive interview, she shared that creating Dreamland was a journey of self-discovery and a culmination of various projects and trajectories, like the Center Stage Beauty Podcast.

We’re thrilled to spotlight an influential member of Reel Works who enhances the future of the media and entertainment industry, Keisha Katz, our Director of Workforce and External Partnerships. As an incredible leader, Keisha embodies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and leadership.

On April 12, 2024, Reel Works, in collaboration with Paramount Global, hosted the inaugural MediaMKRS Summit in the vibrant city of New York. It was a momentous occasion where over 150 individuals from various sectors - including education, industry, government, and alumni - convened to address the pressing issues within the media and entertainment industry.