Reel Works celebrates the latest cohort of Career Discovery Production Assistant program graduates.

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.

Hosted by the Youth Justice Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of incarceration and building an equitable justice system, the program offers pathways to stable, exciting careers. For participants, this opportunity represents a chance to redirect their lives positively, gain valuable skills, and build professional networks that can lead to long-term success.

We are honored that New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam and New York State Senator Cordell Cleare joined the wrap party. Their participation underscores their commitment to empowering youth, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering a new generation of storytellers who will shape the future of New York City.

Council Member Salaam, known for his experiences as a member of the exonerated Five (formerly known as the Central Park Five), spoke passionately about the media's impact on shaping narratives. Recounting his powerful journey, Salaam posited opportunities for using media to achieve liberation and historical veracity.

Council Member Salaam said, "My story is now the story of the exonerated five, but I still attach myself to the Central Park five. I never want to release the negativity of what that story was trying to be. That story wanted to be negative. But I've transformed it into an opportunity for power." This emphasis on employing storytelling to interrogate and challenge historical erasure is salient in all aspects of our work at Reel Works. 

The Council Member stressed the importance of passing on powerful legacies and resources to future generations so that they can thrive. He highlighted that filmmaking can be a tool in transferring these revolutionary frameworks and preserving cultural heritage.

Senator Cordell Cleare amplified this message. In a separate address, Senator Cleare dialogues with graduates about the importance of storytelling for African American communities. Sharing her frustrations with the lack of African American representation–both on the screen and behind the camera–Cleare is deeply committed to bolstering new initiatives like Career Discovery. 

Through collaboration with the Youth Justice Network, Career Discovery offers a vital respite for youth to have frank conversations about the racist systems that perpetuate incarceration. Launched in 2024, funded by the Civic Engagement Commission, the program has brought aspiring and experienced filmmakers together to participate in creative production while exploring media's impact on civic culture. Students and facilitators engage in workshops that support participatory learning and skills development to harness filmmaking as a catalyst for social change.

There is an overwhelming sense that both students and educators are part of the same immersive experience. Student Elijah Brown reflected on his overall experience of the Career Discovery program: "Everything I learned from Reel Works, like Grip, has been fun. The projects I worked on allowed me to gain new skills and experiences."

As the celebration concluded, the message was clear: through the power of storytelling and media, young filmmakers have the potential to reshape narratives, challenge injustices, and create a more equitable and representative future. We are so grateful for the support of Council Member Yusef Salaam and Senator Cordell Cleare, whose participation in this initiative.