We Believe in The Believe Show!
As Reel Works toured the empty hallways of P.S. 272K – a public elementary school located in Canarsie of Brooklyn – we marveled at the excitement exuded by the administration. The school's Principal, Verna Taylor, directed us into a large classroom filled with stacked chairs and student desks. "This room is used for storage now but will eventually be our media studio", Principal Verna exclaimed! We fervently took down notes as the principal described what this future studio will be used for – a news broadcast show, supported by Reel Works, that will be directed and produced by the students of P.S. 272K. The title of the production would become known as "The Believe Show".
The Believe Show sees 12 fifth grade students in specific roles such as cinematographer, boom operator, editors, make-up artist and last but not least, the anchors. Gerson Legend, the Reel Works Teaching Artist assigned to P.S. 272K, saw the students of The Believe Show take pride in their roles. The make-up artist demanded a fanny pack for keeping sweat wipes and chapstick in. And, the anchors are perfect in their roles. They've developed segments such as "Joke of the Day", "Recipe of the Week", "Community News", "Today's Weather", and the "School Report" – all while maintaining chemistry and charisma.
P.S. 272K is located in Council Member Narcisse's district. Narcisse has a personal connection to the school, relaying to Reel Works that she personally helped clean out the classroom that's currently housing The Believe Show's studio, and she agrees that public schools all over the city should have such an opportunity. The Believe Show is quite unique. With the support of Reel Works, elementary school students are producing a morning news show in a well-equipped studio, which is broadcast to their own community.
As the nexts steps for the students of P.S. 272K, a visit to Reel Works is slated where they will tour the facility, produce a segment with professional equipment and edit the segment to be included in their next broadcast. There will be a special news industry quest, who will speak directly to the students, providing insight and inspiration. Though Reel Works seeks to inspire youth, it’s the students of P.S. 272K that have provided just that – opening the door for Reel Works’ In-School program to instruct diverse media formats as well as engage council members and school administrator's in a unique way.
The Believe Show is a perfect title for the P.S. 272K news broadcast, as it encapsulates Reel Works mission along with the students' newly found journey into the media industry!