In the summer of 1993, editor Fred Heinrich and his wife, freelance producer Stephania Lipner, launched Inner-City Filmmakers, an organization offering free industry training to talented, disadvantaged high school students in Greater Los Angeles.
The May ’92 riots in Los Angeles served as a catalyst for Heinrich and Lipner, prompting them to form the group as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of youngsters who might not otherwise get the chance to become part of the film community. Fast-forward to today and the nonprofit organization has provided training and hands-on experience in different aspects of filmmaking to 220 graduates of different ethnic backgrounds and from low-income families. This year Inner-City Filmmakers extended its reach to 450-plus high school educators, who help identify deserving students for the program.
Inner-City Filmmakers has also helped secure paid entry-level jobs for 200 grads. Some have since moved up the ladder to become employed professionals, with careers in the business. More than 35 Inner-City Filmmakers students are currently working at major motion picture studios and production companies. There are eight union members: six with the Motion Picture Editors Guild, one in the International Cinematographers Guild, and one with the Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians.
Heinrich recalled that the purpose of Inner-City Filmmakers hit home for him during its first year, when students from Bell High School, in Bell, Calif., brought in their school video yearbook, which included five obituaries. "That underscored the fact that we need to help create some opportunities for underprivileged young people in the inner city," he observed.
A new dimension will come to Inner-City Filmmakers next month as a means to continue to generate those opportunities. In conjunction with the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and sponsor The Eastman Kodak Company, Inner-City Filmmakers is presenting an evening of short films created, produced, directed and edited by its students. The event is slated to take place during the evening of May 15, at the Kodak Screening Room in Hollywood. In the past, this work was screened during the course of Inner-City Filmmakers’ graduation ceremony. This is the first time that the showcase has been staged as a special event unto itself.
Among the Inner-City Filmmakers graduates whose work will be shown are Nicole Cater (Little Alicia), Fernando Chavez (Secluded Daughter), Daniel Doucette (Thicker Than Blood), Bernardino Gonzalez (Blink of an Eye), Devon Klinger (The Lucky Redneck), Julio Lagos (The Pacifist), Markeisha Lewis (Bootilicious), Maria Loza (Out of Bounds), Nancy Mejia (Give Me Some Luvin’), Oliver Ponce (Lost Influence), Lissette Roldan (The Other Side) and Kanica Suy (Michael’s Freedom).
Heinrich and Lipner noted that decision-makers from feature/TV studios will likely be in attendance, as well as a smattering of spotmaking folk. Lipner hopes to boost involvement from the commercial industry not only at the screening, but also in Inner-City Filmmakers generally. A key stride towards the latter end was made last summer with an advertising and production course that culminated with students getting the chance to create and produce PSAs (SHOOT, 10/26/01, p. 7).
As for the rationale behind holding a separate screening event next month, Heinrich simply explained that he and Lipner felt the need to showcase the work because of what it represents. This, he related, is an opportunity to see films made by a diverse mix of young people who will be the next generation of writers, directors, cinematographers and editors.
