The Lab is a multi-day series of masterclasses, workshops and discussions where industry experts share their roles in the entertainment and journalism fields, offer advice and address the skills that careers in film and journalism require. Areas of expertise include producing, storytelling, entrepreneurial journalism, finding meaningful mentors, implementing impact campaigns and more.
In addition to exclusive sessions with some of the most sought-after tacticians in the social impact and documentary space, participants will hear from an array of professionals to learn more about how they can document history today. With a goal of empowering filmmakers, journalists and storytellers with the unique voices and films focused on the civil rights and social justice issues of today, The Lab helps creatives understand what it takes to generate broader social impact using the power of story.
Goals of the Lab:
Introduce and showcase a talented pool of emerging filmmakers and student storytellers to industry leaders.
Brainstorm and prepare best practices for a successful social impact campaign.
Connect attendees with scholars, civil rights leaders, activists during the Festival.
Provide practical training in structuring stories for short and long-term formats.
Join us for the 2020 Reel Empowerment Lab
Join us for a multi-day series of masterclasses, workshops and discussions where industry experts share their roles in the entertainment and journalism fields, offer advice and address the skills that careers in film and journalism require.
Are you a high school or college student interested in film or journalism?
Are you a young filmmaker aiming to break into the industry?
These are the workshops for you, join us September 24 & 25!
Thursday, September 24: Masterclass in Storytelling Pt. 1
5-5:15pm: Welcome and Introductions
5:15-6pm: Structuring Storytelling (Masterclass)
6:00-6:45pm: POV: Producing with a Point of View (Masterclass)
Friday, September 25: Masterclass in Storytelling Pt. 2
10-10:15: Welcome and Introductions
10:15-11am: Entrepreneurial Journalism (Workshop)
11am-11:50pm: Civil Rights and Social Justice Stories:Designing for Impact (Masterclass)
11:50-Noon: BREAK
12:00-12:45pm: Mighty Mentors: Finding the Support for Success (Workshop)
12:45-1:00pm: Closing and Final Remarks
RSVP to participate in the 2020 Reel Empowerment Lab Virtual Workshops
Leadership and Curriculum:
Led by Dr. Imani M. Cheers, Associate Director and Associate Professor of Digital Storytelling, School of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University, and Director of Academic Adventures, Planet Forward. The sessions will take place in 5 hours over two days during the festival.
For additional information please contact info@marchonwashingtonfilmfestival.org.
Empowerment Lab speakers:
Lindsay Guetschow, The Raben Group
Lindsay is a Principal in The Raben Group's Impact Entertainment practice where she brings 15 years of experience building campaigns for films, nonprofits and philanthropists that drive meaningful and measurable change. The heart of Lindsay’s work lies at the intersection of storytelling and social impact.
Jeremy Caplan, Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
Jeremy Caplan is the Director of Teaching and Learning at CUNY's Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in New York City. He also leads the school's new Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program, a 100-day online-only curriculum for independent journalists around the world.
Cheraine Stanford, PBS-WPSU
Cheraine Stanford is the Director of Content Strategy at WPSU, responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for the station's original productions across digital, radio, and television. She is also a moderator and on-camera host. For many years, Stanford was a journalist, producer, director and writer with a career spanning print, web, TV and independent film.
Asad Muhammad, VP of Impact & Engagement Strategy leads the American Documentary |POV Engage team which encompasses the community engagement, education, and station relations arm for television’s longest running showcase for independent nonfiction works. Asad brings over fifteen years of experience in education and community development with a primary focus on the advancement of court-involved, queer-identified and incarcerated youth.