On June 26th, Voice Films Institute, a development incubator for young filmmakers will launch VOICE, a national filmmaking series targeting young filmmakers ages 14-20 with a unique collaborative learning experience among peers, educators and professionals in producing original films. Following the event that evening, will be a screening at the Apple Promenade in Santa Monica.

Supported by Apple, Kodak, Panavision, FotoKem and Chapman-Leonard, the first Forum, VOICE LA, takes place June 26 from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm at the University of Southern California’s renowned Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts.

The state of the art Zemeckis Center supports Voice Films’ core focus of applying digital technology to express original youth voices through film.

Beginning, intermediate, advanced writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, actors, musicians, photographers ages 14-20 are encouraged to register by calling Epiphany Entertainment at (626) 792.6858.

"We are excited to share this learning experience with young filmmakers in Los Angeles and help them express their voice and realize their potential as artists and educators among their peers," said John Bradford King, co-founder and president of Voice Films Institute.

"We believe this first Forum will be a great growth barometer for everyone involved so that future Forums in major cultural epicenters can develop into richer more fulfilling experiences for youth across the country."

The Voice LA Forum will connect youth with advisors from the film industry and educational community who will lead collaborative, hands-on sessions to promote dialogue, address questions and provide constructive feedback to attending filmmakers.

A core feature of the Forum will be a full production set. Working with professional directors and actors, two filmmaking teams will rework scenes from recently produced films in Los Angeles. Through the process, the teams and attendees will learn about the craft of filmmaking - how directors, cinematographers, actors, producers and crew work together to get the desired result from the script.

The short professional films include, "Fate Smiles” directed by Sophie Shepherd, an 18-year-old senior at the Culver City Academy of Visual and Performing Arts in Los Angeles; and “God Bless,” directed by 18-year-old Brad Leong and produced by Dan Engelhardt from the Silicon Valley in Northern California.

Sophie on Location

On the evening of the 26th, Apple Store Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica will host a special screening of the films.

For more information on the creation of the shorts and clips, please visit: VoiceFilms.com

Industry pros and university instructors will lead sessions related to key areas of filmmaking including:

-- Hands on directing;
-- The nuts and bolts of producing;
-- Collaborating on film projects;
-- Directing actors and acting for film; and
-- Writing with purpose and an original voice.

An innovative collaborative session will involve young filmmakers and writers pitching their films and stories. Attendees will hear the pitches, ask questions, offer suggestions and share their unique "gifts" by collaborating on future productions.

"The format involves teams of people learning how collaboration can lead to a better script, performance and ultimately a better film," added King. "Seasoned professionals will engage, challenge and inspire young artists while applying positive youth development principles in our directing, acting, producing and writing workshops."

Los Angeles technology companies were instrumental in helping filmmakers create their shorts. Chapman-Leonard provided production equipment to give the films a highly polished look; Panavision provided the advanced 16mm cameras through its new filmmaking and grant programs; Kodak provided film stock and advice; Fotokem provided film processing services; Apple provided a professional editing suite with Mac G5s and Final Cut Pro that made editing easier, faster and better.

"We will encourage Voice participants to share resources and knowledge towards the common good of making a film: by taking pride in the value of their contributions to others and defining success by what they give rather than what they take," said Norm Wada, co-founder and executive director of Voice Films.

About VOICE FILMS

Voice Films works exclusively with young filmmakers, ages 14 to 20, to share their voices through film and digital technology and develop their capacity to express an authentic voice. Voice Films integrates the principles of Positive Youth Development into its forums, productions and nationwide collaborations. The concept promotes positive youth development, providing young people with the opportunity to express their vision and skills in manners of value to their peers and their broader community.

For more information about Voice Films or to register for the event, go to: VoiceFilms.com

About USC Robert Zemeckis Digital Arts Center

The prestigious USC School of Cinema-Television has provided training for graduate and undergraduate students in all areas of cinema-television study since 1929, from hands-on production to academic analysis. In addition to its world-renowned programs in film, the School boasts expanded curricula in television studies, animation and digital arts, interactive media, and producing. Since 1965, not a year has passed in which a graduate of the School has not been honored with an Academy Award nomination.

In 2001 the School celebrated the opening of the revolutionary Robert Zemeckis Center for Digital Arts -- the first educational facility to embrace all aspects of digital production from concept through post-production. Launched by a generous gift from alumnus and Academy Award-winning director Robert Zemeckis (Castaway, Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, Contact), the 35,000 square foot facility houses the latest in non-linear production and post-production equipment, offering students hands-on experience with the latest industry standard technology.

To RSVP for either event, please call Epiphany Entertainment at: (626) 792.6858.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

~Jennifer King

Other Articles About Voice Films in RuggedElegantLiving.com:

04/07/04, A Different Kind of Spring Break on the Beach: Young 'Voice' Filmmakers Make Their Own Movies