Storytelling, Skills, and Studio Time: Highlights from RWiS Classrooms
Reel Works in Schools & Communities (RWiS) continues expanding career-connected learning and hands-on media training for high school students across New York City. From industry guest speakers to studio visits and community-driven documentary shoots, students are gaining real-world experience in filmmaking, content creation, and storytelling.
Cinematography Workshop with Kyle Gorjanc at H.A.R.T. High School
In December, Local 600 cinematographer and MediaMKRS trainer Kyle Gorjanc led a guest session at H.A.R.T. High School’s Narrative Workshop. Kyle helped students sharpen their visual storytelling by rethinking how they approach shot lists, composition, and cinematography techniques.
Music Video Production with Excellence Sound Academy at Boys and Girls High School
In March, Harlem-based recording academy Excellence Sound Academy (ESA) partnered with the Music Video cohort at Boys and Girls High School.
ESA—an organization that trains inner-city youth ages 13–21 in music production—guides students through the process of writing and producing original songs for their video projects. Through this collaboration, students gained hands-on experience in songwriting, audio recording, and learned about real career pathways in the music industry.
Documentary Storytelling at Bronx High School for the Visual Arts
Students at Bronx High School for the Visual Arts are creating documentaries on topics like teen mental health and the impact of AI. To deepen their research, students interviewed academic experts from NYU and Fordham University, including PhD candidates and professors in psychology and education, NYU PhD candidate Aaron Rodwin, Fordham Associate Professor Rose Perez, and Fordham Assistant Professor Jenn Lilly.
Career Discovery Week at Paramount Global with Information Technology High School
On April 3, 45 students from Information Technology High School visited Paramount Global Times Square for Career Discovery Week. Through a partnership with Reel Works, students attended a panel with Paramount executives, toured media offices, and created their own social content to document the experience and inspire future participants.
Hospital Documentary Project with Bronx Lab and Bronx International High School
In January, students from Bronx Lab and Bronx International visited North Central Bronx Hospital to interview healthcare professionals for a documentary on public hospitals. Students practiced field production techniques, including interview framing, directing, and audio recording.
Celebrating Student Rough Cuts at Reel Works
In February, H.A.R.T. High School students visited the Reel Works studio to share rough cuts of their narrative films. Students also recorded personal interviews reflecting on their goals and creative journeys.
“I’m into YouTube, photography, and flight simulators. I love capturing and editing my own footage. It’s where I can really express my creativity.” — Jayden, H.A.R.T. High School student
BHSVA Community Walk & Studio Editing Session
In March, students from Bronx High School for the Visual Arts filmed b-roll on a neighborhood walk to enrich their documentary visuals. Back at Reel Works, students reviewed their best footage and set editing goals to finalize their projects.
What’s Next for Reel Works in Schools Students
Julia Chien at Millennium High School: Millennium High School will welcome Julia Chien to guest speak on Stop Motion Animation. Check out Julia’s work here.
Park Slope Collegiate at Brooklyn Academy of Music: Park Slope Collegiate will visit BAM Rose Theater to explore the indie cinema experience and gather inspiration for their narrative projects.
Uncommon Canarsie at Reel Works: Uncommon Canarsie will spend a day at Reel Works building pitch decks, practicing their cinematography skills, and exploring our sound booths!
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