For 20 years, Fresh Films has been transforming the lives of underestimated young people through dynamic skills-building experiences that prepare them for success in the creative economy and beyond, and that facilitate future economic mobility.

Access to hands-on, immersive experiences in the creative industries are often restricted to those with connections to the entertainment sector, and/or those living in proximity to media hubs. Fresh Films is democratizing this access so that career opportunities in high-growth and high-wage fields are equitable and inclusive for all!

How? Students get hands-on experiences working every job involved in video production. Teen participants do not simply receive a camera and get turned loose. Instead they apprentice under the close mentorship of professionals and college interns while working on a set of real Emmy-nominated productions: films, television shows and documentaries. Teens also learn through school or after-school via Fresh Films’ year-long curriculum that meets state and national educational standards.

The relevance of film often sparks an interest in students not triggered by traditional studies and prepares them for internships, further education, and careers in the media and entertainment industry that include film and video production at traditional Hollywood companies as well as social media and video departments at nonprofits and companies like Best Buy.

Our participants are of all ethnicities, genders and backgrounds, are 66% youth of color, 57% female, and 55% from low-income school districts. Youth apply to the program with passion and commitment, no previous experience necessary. The program starts in high-school because research shows us that youth of color and young women do not think they are capable of working in media or entertainment, so we need to engage, mentor and build their skills early-on to build that groundswell of diverse talent.

Fresh Films participants never need previous experience or a particular GPA, just a desire to learn. The program is always free to youth to remove participation barriers. Students engage with hands-on opportunities allowing for self-expression and realization of their capabilities as they are guided by mentors, many of which are program alumni, and supported by peers in a collaborative environment that builds experience in all aspects of film and media, in a rapidly growing high-wage career field needing more diverse representation.

As a production studio and training ground, we provide amazing industry connections, mentorship opportunities, corporate internships, and pathways to college and careers in the ever-growing creative economy that is experiencing an 11% job growth; including by not limited to the film and entertainment industries.