Film Students Receive the Green Light to Begin Production
July 2025
The Summer Teen Media Program—a six-week film intensive—kicked off with student orientation on June 14. Designed to guide students through the complete filmmaking process from script to screen, the program offers hands-on experience in every stage of production as students create three short films over the course of the program.
The first three weeks took place at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where students toured the galleries and drew creative inspiration from the museum’s vast collection to develop their first short film. For their second project, students focused on crafting personal films that reflected their own stories and experiences. The final three weeks of the program are held at Esperanza Academy High School, where students begin work on their third and most collaborative project.
For this final project, students are challenged to create an original 8 to 10-minute film centered on the theme of “Power.” The students divided into three production teams, and each student took on a professional role—such as writer, director, cinematographer, lighting or sound technician, actor, or editor—mirroring a real-world film crew.
A highlight of the program is the “Big Pitch” event, where each group presents their film concept to a panel of industry professionals. Modeled after the real-world experience of pitching a film to a production company, the event provides students with valuable experience in selling their creative vision. On July 11, students traveled to Big Picture Alliance’s production studio to pitch their projects to a distinguished panel of experts, including:
- Michael J. Dennis – Award-winning filmmaker, curator, and media host
- Sloan Steel – Accomplished film/TV writer and professor at Temple University, UArts, and Scribe Video Center
- Matthew Morris – Filmmaker with a focus on uplifting the African American experience in film
- Yasmine Carruthers – Strategic producer known for bringing powerful, impactful stories to the screen
Here are more detailed bios to learn more about the panel.
All three teams delivered thoughtful, compelling presentations and received constructive feedback and encouragement from the panel. Each of the films was officially green-lit for production. Afterward, students engaged in a Q&A session, where the panelists shared career insights, industry advice, and personal stories from their journeys in film. The program concluded with the Annual Film Screening and Celebration at the Esperanza Arts Center on Wednesday, July 24.
A collaboration between the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Big Picture Alliance, and Esperanza Academy, the Summer Teen Media Program provides a rich and empowering platform for students to discover their voice, develop their skills, and bring their stories to life.
Congratulations to this incredible group of future filmmakers!
