YOUTH FILMS INTERNATIONAL

Words To Live By: Conan, Radiolab and (Quite Possibly) The Greatest Commencement Speech of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

It's not hard to be inspired at the end of the week, especially in summer. On weekends you get to sleep in, not wake-up-early-just-to-spend-an-hour-commuting; you eat leisurely meals with loved ones instead of scarf an apple on the subway or coffee in your car; you surf to your hearts content, read, play, relax - dare I say, live! There are, hopefully, parts of your week that you love and look forward to with real enthusiasm, but inevitably, we all have parts of our weeks or months that we loathe. That's not gonna change, honey. Obvs, if you can cop a better attitude about those distateful bits, all the better. But, if the grating boss or the migraines aren't going to disappear as quickly as you'd like, don't despair.

Two Steps to Happiness

Step 1: Take my advice amid all of this sea of great advice - and really think about the parts of your week you look forward to, that excite you and never tire you no matter how many hours you have to spend. Your love of organzing, or your talent for research, or your way to get people to see things your way are your God-given gifts.

Step 2: Find a way to create more of this.

Celebrity Wisdom

Part Five of our Inspiration Week series features two, that's right TWO commencement speeches which are perfect complements to one another. My absolute faves of our little series.

The first is someone you may not know - Robert Kruwich. I was introduced to NPR's Radiolab a few years ago over lunch in NYC with a colleague and former editor at Popular Mechanics magazine when we were geeking out over the elusive genius of being able to tell a compelling story that has science at its heart. It's harder than it sounds. Good story telling is rare because it's hard.

The second and last is the brill Conan O'Brien. He's so enjoyable. He's hilarious in his unique Conan way. Self-depracating and brazen...and remember, he's not a chump. He was editor of his schools news paper, as in, The Harvard Lampoon.

Just a few days ago he gave the commencement speech to the Ivy League grad's at Dartmouth College. Watch Conan's speech, it's a riot. They're calling it the Greatest Commencement Speech Ever. End your week on a high note. (p.s. Conan seriously needs some sleep, he's looking a bit tired.)

Enjoy your weekend. Peace Out.

ROBERT KRULWICH

Robert Krulwich, co-producer of WNYC’s fantstic Radiolab, author of the ever-illuminating Krulwich Wonders and winner of a Peabody Award for broadcast excellence, is one of the best science writers working today. Last week, he addressed the graduating class at Berkeley’s School of Journalism and made some remarkably poignant points about passion and the future of journalism. No video yet, but you can listen here or read the full transcript here — and I can’t recommend enough that you do.

CONAN O'BRIEN

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 4 with Jeff Bezos

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 3 with Steve Jobs

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 2 with Meryl Streep

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 1 with JK Rowling

(thanks brainpickings)

Words To Live By: Jeff Bezos

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I have a Kindle.

One of those new-fangled e-readers that a few years ago seemed icky and cold, somehow betraying the heart and essence of the book-lovers since the beginning of time. I love my Kindle, but I do occasionally miss books. What I've realised though, is much like other computer based conveniences, what I miss are the aesthetics. I miss seeing the colourful art of an array of books on my shelves. Now when I go into a book store I get a little nostalgic, I love running my eyes and my hands over the latest, the classics, the books I will never buy but want to pick up and peruse anyway. I like examining the cover artwork. I miss trading books.

But, the essence of books is really in what it inspires in your imagination, and that doesn't change whether it's a dog-eared paperback or a Kindle. The upsides are things like not having to think about 'which' book to bring with you on a trip or to the beach - you just grab it and throw into into your bag. All 1500 books included. I like being able to lay in bed and hold it with one hand and click the page forward with my thumb without disturbing my perfect position with the pillow just so. (Needless side note: One of my pet peeves has always been the unevenness of the weight distribution of a book as you go from the beginning to the end and the pages add up. It's impossible to hold comfortably with one hand!). Let's be honest, Kindle appeals to my get-it-now 21st century way of life. If I'm bored with the current book I'm reading, or say, I finished it at 1:00 a.m., I can click -click on my Kindle and have another book in my hands by 1:02 a.m.

All thanks to Jeff Bezos.

Bezos is another self-made billionaire, who founded Amazon.com the online bookstore (he was 30) in the 1990's. Remember when it first came out? Everyone was petrified of ordering online - giving out your credit card number on the internet??? Who's gonna do that?!!!

Today Amazon.com is the biggest online retailer in the world with profits in the billions each year.

*Interesting side note - Amazon was originally called Cadabra.

Something else you may not know about Jeff Bezos is he is one of the big players in the race to commercialize human space travel. I've been trying to get an interview with him for years, but his PR wall is fairly impenetrable. He started a company called Blue Origin which you can read about here. They're based in New Mexico, and their website says they're hiring if you got the goods.

Jeff was also the keynote at his alma mater Princeton last year. It's short and sweet and like him, not frilly or over the top. One takeaway I really liked from it was this:

"Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice."

Enjoy your Thursday dose of inspiration.

Jeff Bezos, Founder, Amazon (Princeton, 2010)

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 3 with Steve Jobs

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 2 with Meryl Streep

Watch YFI Inspiration Week: Part 1 with JK Rowling

Words to Live by: Steve Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I remember the first time I heard Steve Jobs' name. It was more than a decade ago and I just remember thinking 'Jobs' was one of those funny last names that are also nouns. Deep, I know. At the time I was hanging out with a lot of Silicone Valley-type computer programmer geeks (far less mainstream than they are today) and just thought it was all very complicated gobblydegook. Clearly, my visionary days had yet to begin.

In terms of advice for the future, I don't know about you, but I want to hear what Steve Jobs has to say. This dude has an interesting back story. Check out his Wikipedia page here. I had no idea. Did you know he was adopted? He started a little business called "Apple" when he was 21. Ten years later we had the Mac. He's also Buddhist.

Oh, and HE INVENTED THE iPhone!! Something that's changed technology and how we live. Dude is smart. I like this quote from him

"Great things in business are not done by one person, they are done by a team of people"

The man has some great words for grads. Check it out. Be inspired.

Steve Jobs, Founder Apple, Pixar (Standford University, 2005)

Watch Inspiration Week Part 2 Meryl Streep
Watch Inspiration Week Part 1 JK Rowling

Words To Live By: Meryl Streep

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday.

If you've come by for more inspiration, we've got it. This is day two of a week-long inspirationfest. And while it's hard to follow the amazing JK Rowling's words, today's inspiration comes courtesy of a legend.

Now, Meryl is one of my favourites. I will watch her in any movie. Come on - have you seenSilkwood? Sofie's Choice? Oldies - before you were born if you are in high school - but so, so good. Kramer vs. Kramer (Just bought it. Solid gold.), Doubt, The Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia... you get the picture. (Let's not talk about Mama Mia!) The woman is brilliant. It comes from within. From experience. She's not "Hollywood" the way most show-biz people are. She's a role model in her candidness and silliness and ... confidence.

She's someone I'd listen to when she's doling out advice about the future, about success, about being a woman, especially if I'm 21 years old and thinking I'm the **** because I have a degree from a fancy university.

She's funny. She get's a laugh with just a look. This one's a longer one, but it'll seem like 5 minutes.

Enjoy. Keep sending me those thoughts on Convocation Speeches and advice to the young 'uns.

Kramer vs. Kramer 1979

Meryl Streep, Actress - Columbia University Commencement Speech, 2010

Watch Inspiration Week Part 1 JK Rowling

Grad Season & Words To Live By

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

There's something universally compelling about commencement speeches.

I've sat through a few of my own, a few of my siblings, nieces, nephews and family friends. For some reason, no matter how painfully dull or mumbly they are, I still kinda like them. (I feel the same about children's concerts. So frickin' cute.) I was my schools valedictorian, but I'm pretty sure the only people who found my speech the least bit interesting are people I was related to or graduated with. At least I didn't mumble.

A good commencement speech is important. A touchstone. A point of pride or in the worst cases, embarrassment. Sometimes schools invite back famous alum to address the freshly minted graduates. That doesn't mean they have anything particularly meaningful to say, but occasionally they do - see below.

When you hear a truly inspiring, eloquent, relevant commencement speech it gives you chills. It wells you up with hope and faith and quite likely tears, and touches your future self in a way that enables you to take it with you. Those speeches are rare, of course. They contain wisdom, humour and a firm affectionate scruff-of-the-neck warning. They often include sage advice such as 'embrace your failures' or 'try not to think about how much debt you've accumulated before you have your first job.'

Today, and all this week, as graduation looms and many of you are contemplating your future I have 5 wonderful timeless commencement speeches. It's your normal dose of Inspiration Monday to last you all week. Even if graduation has been in the rearview mirror for a long time, you should watch. I've watched them all. They're fantastic and worth watching over and over.

Do you remember your commencement speech? (For the record, I don't.) What would you say to students if you were invited to inspire and advise? Do you have a memorable commencement speech story?

Happy Monday, and Happy Graduation. Be Inspired.

JK Rowling, Author, Harry Potter (Harvard 2008)

Tomorrow Part 2 of Inspiration Week Commencement Speeches - A famous, brilliant Oscar winning actress. Guesses?

Inspiration Monday:: Young Victoria

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Today is Victoria Day in Canada. A national holiday and long weekend that they say, is the 'unofficial' start to summer. It's the first of the warm weather long weekends. We dust off our sandals, unlock our cottages, plant our annuals and revel in surviving another Canadian spring. (Second only to surviving a Canadian winter.). There are fireworks.

It's come to my mind that we are as a society so desperate for extra days off that we quite regularly forget or push aside the reason for holidays. As a country our roots are still rather young, but they trace back to the British monarchy. Victoria Day in fact predates Canadian Confederation.

Victoria Day honours the inimitable Queen Victoria. Ladies, if you are in need of a strong role model, check her out! She was wise, strong and savvy and had to fight for the throne, which she rightfully claimed at the age of 18.
I can't say it enough: Don't underestimate teenagers.

Read more about her remarkable influence and reign here and here.

I recently watched the movie The Young Victoria - twice - rare for me. But TYV had the perfect mix of ingredients - wonderfully delivered by writers and actors and based on a true story. Throw in the unrivalled glamour, dysfunction and pomp of royalty and it's more than I can resist. Watch the movie if you can. Heck, buy it.

Since then, in the spirit of Youth Films International, and in honour of Victoria Day , I watched documentary chronicling her life. It's the perfect Inspiration Monday story.

If you're a teenager, go ahead, rule the world.

(BBC) Timewatch: Young Victoria.

"The story of how an unassuming little girl rose to be the most powerful woman in the world. At her birth few believed Princess Victoria would ascend the throne, but a number of untimely deaths and the failure of her uncles to father any children meant that Victoria became heiress to the British throne. The battle between her and her mother the Duchess of Kent, however, was to become a fierce maternal struggle, as the duchess schemed to share in the power and riches that would one day be Victoria's."

Part One:

Part Two:

Dear Sixteen Year Old You

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Sat, 07 May 2011 04:59:00 +0000

Simple. Honest. Direct. Funny. Serious. Well lit.

Nicely done. You agree?

From the Mailbag:: Casual Fridays

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 06 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

From time to time I will get asked questions by students, friends, or people I've met five minutes ago about my life as a Discovery Channel producer. Today I'm going to reach into the YFI mailbag and pull out a couple of those gems.

It really is an incredible job seeing sights and meeting people you would not otherwise have the privilege. On a science show most of the time people are very down to earth and grateful that anyone has taken an interest in their work...but we get the big guns too and most of the time even the celebs are pretty cool. It's usually their handlers are the major pain in my butt. In a couple of months I'll be heading to Thailand to film elephants and a myriad other exciting subjects and stories. I also hope to share some Youth Films teaching while I'm there. It's a beautiful part of the world that I'm looking forward to exploring for the first time. If you've got some travel tips to share, bring it on!

Now, as promised those mailbag goodies!

So, do you produce the whole Discovery Channel?

Yes, that's right I do. Each week the Myth Busters, Teutels, Stephen Hawking and I have a Skype date and I tell them to pull up their socks

and hurry up and send in their expense reports.

(That may be a slight exaggeration. )

Do you know the dudes from Myth Buster's?

Not yet. It's on my bucket list. (not really)

Stephen Hawking?

As a matter of fact...

What's this B-roll you're always talking about?

"B-roll" is pretty much anything we shoot (with our camera) that does not involve someone talking on camera. For some reason there is no "A-roll" or "C-roll" in our jargon. Just the B-roll. A-roll would be the on camera inte

rviews, but don't ever call it that. You'll lose your cred.

Happy Casual Friday. Have a great weekend. See you on Motivation Monday.

Mail your mailbag questions to info@youthfilmsinternational.com

*Interviewing Prof. Stephen Hawking, Cambridge University. Career highlight.

Tech Tuesday: Underwater Slo-mo HD Camera + Surfer = Gorgeous

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” This clip from the BBC documentary “South Pacific” shows Rudi Diesel capturing a once in a lifetime shot of surfer Dylan Longbottom in a massive 12-foot wave using a Typhoon HD4 high speed camera. It’s the first shot of its kind ever recorded, and one of the most amazing surfing shots you’ll ever see.

Here's the shot you'll want to watch over and over.

Link

Inspiration Monday :: The scary first step

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

I recently jumped out of a airplane, and let me tell you there is no scarier step in your life than the one that leads to a straight down free fall at 190 kilometres an hour from 13,000 feet (that's 4 km) up.

THAT is a big step with no turning back. Of course it was a blast, and turned out to be one of the best, craziest experiences of my life.

But, it never would have happened without that all important 'step' out of my comfort zone, aka a perfectly good airplane.

Making a short documentary is far less scary that skydiving, as you probably could have guessed. So if you've ever wanted to, here's a little more inspiration to for you, below.

Teens are makings impressive documentaries all over the world.

If you're in high school and want to learn how to make a documentary, take that first step, email us. It could turn out to be one of the best experiences of your life!

Teen's Documentary on 'Derby Girls' to Be Screened at Seattle Film Festival

Some people go to the roller derby and think it's fun, albeit somewhat quirky. Hastings teen Lucy Adams recently went to the roller derby and thought, "This would make a great documentary."

A junior at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, CT—Adams attended the Hastings Public Schools until high school—she is enrolled for the second year in a broadcast journalism course. Around the time her teacher assigned this year's documentary film project, Adams and her friends visited the roller derby—and she was immediately fascinated by the women who compete.

"I never realized how big roller derby was," she said. "There are more than 30,000 female skaters worldwide. There are celebrities who compete, but many of them have normal day jobs. And then at night they participate in the roller derby."

Her final product, Derby Girls, has been selected to be screened at the largest student film festival in the world, The National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY), held each spring in Seattle, WA.

"I hadn't even heard of the festival," Adams said. "My teacher found me in the hallway the day before the submission deadline and said I should enter."

Adams’ documentary was one of only seven chosen to be shown out of entries from 25 countries and 40 states—most of which were produced by college and film school students.

It took about three weeks to make," said Adams, who does all of her own editing. "I interviewed players, spectators and people who volunteer at bouts." Her sources were members of the Gotham Girls Roller Derby team of New York, including "Margaret Thrasher," "Razzle Deazzle" and "Roletta Lynn."

Derby Girls isn't Adams' first film, though, by any means. Last year she produced a film about homeless people who live in Grand Central Station—"It was tricky finding people who would agree to be interviewed for that," she said—and recently took her camera on a trip to Patagonia with her family, interviewing guides about the effects of receding glaciers on tourism.

Adams, her family and her journalism teacher plan to attend the festival from April 28 to May 1 in Seattle.

"I definitely think I want to pursue film-making and journalism in the future," said Adams, who is just embarking on the college search process. "It's a lot of fun."

(Link to story here.)

Nerd Tuesday: Love and Tips from the Techies

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Dwight Schrute, Office nerd

At some point being a nerd became ...cool.

These days people you may not have previously considered 'nerd worthy' wear their Nerd label's with pride. I sometimes wonder if the real geeks and nerds - the Dwight Schrute variety - (I'm told there's a difference, but let's not quibble) ... the truly 'uncool' ones feel infringed upon. Y'know, feel that their nerdy status is tainted by people who are cool and good looking and rich, but use the nerd thing as a status symbol.

Don't laugh, 'Nerd' is a status symbol. It's shorthand for smart, current and clever. And, who could blame the nerd-posers for wanting to be in that clique? In the nerd-house these days we have your billionaire geniuses like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and billionaire-movie makers like James Cameron.

And we have nerd conventions like NAB. James Cameron was one of the celeb's to take centre stage today at the tech-fest in Las Vegas. Once a year for decades now, the National Association of Broadcasters sets up tech nirvana on and off The Strip and has become THE go-to event for the entertainment technology development. In previous years NAB's been the red carpet event for unveiling amazing movie-making toys from High Def cameras to digital movie houses, to the famous Red camera and of course, 3D.

And it was there that Cameron made this announcement: All Movie Theatres will be 3D Within Five Years. Check out the story here. According to the man behind the jaw-dropping Avatar, the 2D viewing experience will be considered 0ld-school in theatres by 2016. Obviously, this will have a huge impact on the industry on just about every level.

You buying it? Or is every movie worth making in 3D? I'm not sure if my eyeballs or brain can handle that much 3D.

Maybe I'm just not cool enough to be considered a nerd.

Thoughts?

Soccer on the Water: Based on a true story :: Inspiration Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

We all need a little inspiration, and, we might need a little more on Monday's. Welcome to YFI's Inspiration Monday's. Watch this incredible story....

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Cate Blanchett Launches Youth Film Initiative

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Cate Blanchett, one of the best actresses in the world has picked up on the importance of Youth making documentaries and is getting behind it in a real way. Make a doc. Be the change.

Start thinking about your Youth Films International doc. What important issue would you want to showcase? Leave a comment.

(Hello? Is that you?)

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 17:52:00 +0000

A big hellooo Youth Films Followers!

I know it's been silence on the radio for a while. Thanks for hanging around! I'm not sure what is in the air these days but I have been getting emails from so many former YFI students lately! It's such a treat. Today I got another call from my former student Shilpi. (Thanks for the love, girl!) It has roused me from my work and nudged me blinking into the daylight! Glad to know we've had such a positive impact on your lives, career choices and confidence.

What now?

Rest assured, the popular YFI Documentary Workshops are alive and well. There will be more YFI 2011 news coming your way. This has been a year to recalibrate and bring in some new themes, people, rules and ramp it up for the next session. I'd love your ideas, feedback and suggestions for what to include in future workshops. What is your favourite way to learn? As I have always taught, "doing" is a linear process, but "creating" is a very non-linear process, so go ahead and throw some non-linear ideas at me. Please stay in touch, keep the emails and phone calls coming. It's encouraging to know you still think of us. It'd also be great to get your friends, teachers, students and anyone with an interest in learning how to make a documentary to "Like" our Facebook page (on the left) or follow us www.twitter.com/youthfilms

'Til next time!

Fran

(Lead On, Giver.)

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:35:00 +0000

It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it.

- Albert Einstein

Over the years we have longed and wished we could give a tax receipt to our generous donors to return the favour of their generosity, as well as to encourage anyone who plans to donate part of their income to charity anyway, to send it our way. Well that time has arrived! We have just about finalized the banking details and within a week will have a way for you to donate online on our website! All donations received by year end will receive a charitable tax receipt for 2010. Here are some interesting articles to browse on how we give and reasons for you or your company to donate. Remember, giving to YFI means you are giving back your community by helping us give back to the community.

Single women bigger charity donors than men

Men, Women Give To Charity Differently, Says New Research

7 Reasons to Give More of Your Money To Charity

A humble thank you to all of our supporters - financial, corporate, creative, in-kind, and moral - for helping Youth Films continue to grow to support today's youth in pursuing their creative dreams. It is our way of following Mr. Einstein's sage advice. You can expect an email in the coming days and weeks if you have previously participated in our free student workshops, or have personally expressed interest in financially supporting Youth Films International. Youth Films International is a non-profit organization (with official charitable status) that offers Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking workshops to students 16 + in downtown Toronto and the surrounding region. Under the passionate leadership of award winning Discovery Channel Producer Frances MacKinnon, students are given a mini-production company experience like no other. Students work in teams of 2-4 and are taught by top level industry professionals how to plan, shoot and edit their very first short documentary. Our environment is one of mentoring, ethical filmmaking and future opportunity. Your donations make it possible to run our programs well, and share this opportunity with kids who frankly could use a bit more opportunity; those bright lights with great potential but no money. By donating to YFI, you are leading with your giving. Lead on, giver. Finally, a little teaser: We are making sweeping changes to YFI for 2011 - and I can honestly say they are very exciting. Can't wait to share with you! Soon! For more information or feedback please email: info@youthfilmsinternational.com “Your reputation is built not on what you receive, but what you give.”

(Fall Gala Update)

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:29:00 +0000

Hello Youth Films students, friends and fans! Happy September!

How was summer? Are you TIFF-ing up a documentary storm? Back to school?

Friends, it has been a busy summer of meetings about the future of YFI, traveling the globe, filming and gearing up for the 2010-2011 Season of YFI. We couldn't be more excited! We'll be unveling more details about just what is coming around the bend!

This marks the entryway to our 4th season of teaching students how to make ethical, entertaining documentaries. Much is in the works to make our next series of workshops even more rewarding and amazing than ever. The next season of workshops will feature some incredible opportunities - but stricter entrance rules for applicants- so if you are interested in a future in documentaries, start thinking about it now. Application for the 2011 workshops can be found here.

To that end, we have decided to postpone this year's annual Fall Gala (previously scheduled for October 19th) as we are lining up something even better in the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned for more!

If you are a high school teacher, student or community member interesed in hosting a Youth Films Internatioanal workshop, email me at info (at) youthfilmsinternational (dot) com

For more information on Youth Films workshops from past years, click here. We always love to get your feedback and letters!

More to come soon!

Summer Travels

Summer travels: Central Alberta Melbourne Beach, Florida

The Note

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:51:00 +0000

(*editors note: apologies if you're seeing formatting nonsense. Despite best efforts, this blog doesn't want to keep one font for the whole post.)

I have always said that the teaching I do for Youth Films is really about inspiration. Obviously, it is not possible to teach beginners everything they need to know about documentary film making in six weeks. Nor is it possible to deconstruct the concept of ethics to young minds (or old ones). Mentoring is much easier to understand. The term may be new to some, but all ages understand the idea of support and guidance.

The idea of focusing on inspiration is simple and somehow genius at the same time. It's the magical connection between passion and understanding and confidence. And it seems to work. Each year a couple of students come in with a little flicker of a flame and find enough inspiration in our Youth Films International Intro to Docs workshops to grow that into something bigger. It's exciting and rewarding to also see those who continue to grow and make more mini-docs on their own beyond YFI. It's cool.

We're now in the planning stage of Cycle Four of YFI for 2010-11. But let me tell you about the first year. The first year was a whirlwind of learning. It all came from the gut and was driven by passion. I had no experience as a Teacher, so I decided not to try to be one. Just to inspire and guide, with some strict deadlines.

Soroosh was one of my first students. He was in grade 12 and stood out for lots of reasons. Smart, respectful, creative, self-motivated. He'd never made a doc before but his understanding of people and a natural ability to interview was fascinating. During the workshops he made a documentary about a community of Esperantists in Toronto who meet up regularly to chat and keep this obscure language alive. It was great.

I lost touch with Soroosh. Until a few weeks ago.

Soroosh wrote to say he's on a break from University for six months to volunteer at a children's home in Thailand. While he's there he's going to make a documentary, and maybe give the kids a camera to teach them how to tell their own story. It's a beautiful example of the spirit of YFI moving forward. I was so touched by his email. Here's an excerpt:

Hey Fran!

How are you? I've been checking up on the Youth Films International Blog and it's great to see how far you've taken this entire project. I'm really proud to have been part of it all! I want to thank for inspiring me to make films. I recently made another short doc for a local film festival here in Waterloo. You cna see it here if you like: In July, I'll be heading to Thailand to volunteer at a children's home. It's located in a small village seven hours away from Bangkok. The organization I'm working with is called Baan Unrak, and their doing some fantastic things for the community over there. I'll be staying with them for six months. Thank you for being so patient with me and for pushing me when I needed it the most. You've unleashed the filmmaker inside of me! ~Soroosh

You can follow Soroosh's blog here. Who knows where this adventure could lead him? If you wish to donate to this project please contact him directly. If you want to send him one or more video camera's for his doc project, please do.

One last thing to check this out. I love this idea they've come up with. How many of us have books in boxes, shelves and drawers we'll never read again, despite your vows? It's good Feng Shui to clear out that clutter. Send them to people who really need them. Here are the details from his latest email.

"One of the volunteers here, Paul, is trying to set up a book shop in the village. We'd be selling English books, mostly aimed towards the tourists that come in here during the summer. If we get this up and running, we would be generating some income for the Children's Home

... What is missing in the shop is a few shelves on the wall offering books for sale to these backpackers and indeed anyone else seeking a good read. We need to raise enough money to purchase the first consignment/supply of books from our supplier and from there get the project up and running - this is where you can help! If you would like to help out and donate to this project please follow this link to donate http://www.baanunrak.org/donatepp.html Even a small donation would help enormously! There is no other major book seller in town so we'd like to jump on this opportunity as quickly as possible but require the funds to do so.

So go ahead and de-clutter, send some books to some great people if you are able. You'll feel better.

My point in sharing this letter is just... you never know what can happen. Amazing where our paths lead us. Becoming a good story teller, a good film maker requires life experience.

Inspiring, non?

How To Smooch A Crocodile: Notes From The Field

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:11:00 +0000

My job is almost always a combination of fun, frustrations and exhaustion.

Here's a prime example of the Fun:

Mexican Biologist Luis Ortiz has caught this baby croc that was attacked by an adult just weeks ago, had cosmetic surgery (by Luis's veterinarian wife) to save his eyeball, and now is tucked away in a makeshift 'crocodile sanctuary' with 10 other wild crocs. Luis's love of the crocodiles and other animals in the local ecosystem is captivating. We were walking around among the crocs (me mostly terrified, and him laughing and calm) in an enclosed space. Among the trees providing shade - a deadly poisonous one he casually mentioned not to get anywhere near. Of course we had to walk directly by it to not step on a sleepy reptile. It's hard to decide in the moment if you are being a chicken, or wisely cautious. Did not end up as crocodile lunch and, hey, I kissed a crocodile.

Tax Receipts and Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:22:00 +0000

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
~Winston Churchill

I'm excited to announce that Youth Films Intl. has crossed a major hurdle that will ensure a strong future for for this non-profit. A charitable (both officially and unofficially!) organization has extended their status to include Youth Films. This has huge impact on us.

It means that we can accept individual and corporate donations and issue a tax receipt; it also means that we are eligible for funding from dozens, even hundreds, more foundations, government grants and bursaries that require a charitable designation.

Anyone who has casually inquired or valiantly tried to chug-chug down that road to obtain charitable status can attest that it is a daunting, expensive, complicated and rather discouraging process. We tried, with the generous help of several friends, legal firms, etc but in the end the cost was exorbitant for a small volunteeer-based entity like YFI.

It's also been a great reminder that projects like Youth Films simply cannot operate alone. We need community, government and corporate support to thrive and to offer quality, fun, long-lating and profound learning to the next generation of film makers.

This Company (which you'll know about soon enough) has galloped to our rescue with enthusiastic support and belief in what we are doing to ensure Change Is Happening and will continue to happen in the lives of young people with dreams of being documentary film makers and journalists.

AND IT GETS EVEN BETTER!

As the whirlwind of this good news set in just a few weeks ago, I rushed off to film stories in Mexico, and was thrilled beyond belief to discover, while flitting between the jungle and the whale sharks, that we received our first donation directly because of our charitable status!! If the importance of charitable status wasn't already made, this immediately confirmed it.

A heartfelt and giant thank you from all past and future students, mentors and volunteers at YFI as we already start looking towards 2011 and 2012 for exciting growth.

I won't keep you in the dark for too long about this mystery Charity. Once the banking has been set up, we'll let you know shortly how you can donate to Youth Films International, and how to receive your tax receipt.

It's not all about tax receipts of course. If you would like to be involved with Youth Films as a Mentor, or if you're a student interested in one of our workshops in 2011, please contact us at info@youthfilmsinternational.com.

Sincerely,

Frances MacKinnon
Executive Director
Youth Films International

YFI Founder and Exec Director Frances MacKinnon Interviwed

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:20:00 +0000

Catch the interview today, with Daily Planet's lovely co-host Ziya Tong live streamed to www.discoverychannel.ca.

Ziya and I will be talking to students and future scientists in Winnipeg from our Toronto studio as part of the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology.

Check it out!

That, as they say, is a wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:32:00 +0000

They really do say that, by the way. It's one of the most welcome phrases any production crew can hear.

The 2010 Youth Films International workshops have finished. Four teams made up of 12 students made a stellar push to the finish line on our last all day editing workshop, led by Apple Canada.

Thanks to the students who came out faithfully week after week, and for the most part everyone delivered what they were supposed. And a major shout out to the Mentors - Ian, Ryan, Kyle, Andrew, Philip, and Aaron) who were a huge help to the students and gave up their time with such great attitudes to help others. I'm super proud of you and hope I can help you down to the road as you begin your careers in tv and film.

So what's next? Well, there'll be more on that later but for now we're looking at the possibility of hosting a summer camp in Toronto, and the Fall Gala at the National Film Board in Toronto, where students work is showcased during an evening where friends, family and colleagues are welcome to attend.

I'm posting some photos from our last day. Stay tuned for more of what is happening in the exciting months to come and for previews of this years student documentaries, posted right here on this website.

If you are a student interested in attending a Youth Films 'Art of the Ethical Documentary' in Toronto or anywhere else in the country, please contact info@youthfilmsinternational.com. We just might come to your town!

For more information on just what we do at our documentary workshops, click here.

The final push:

The First Cut Is The Deepest

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:23:00 +0000

We are one week from wrapping up the 3rd annual Youth Films International workshops. The pressure is mounting on these hopeful young film makers. Literally, their 'Final Cut' has to be handed in by the end of next week's workshop. Tick, tick...

I get a huge kick out of seeing the lights of recognition and satisfaction, and a bit of fear, as these first time documentary makers see their project coming together. This years group ranges in age from 13-17, with a group of amazing mentors that help support them along the way. Mentors have made a huge difference both to me, and to the teams in need of guidance and support.

Most of you haven't had the pleasure of taking part in these great workshops, so I'll paint you a picture.

If you peeked in on one our workshops you'd see me, sometimes a guest instructor, and a group of students sitting around tables in a big room at the National Film Board in the heart of downtown Toronto. It's interactive, we have break out sessions, practice interviewing. It looks self-contained. But, one thing is for certain, Youth Films would not exist or continue to thrive without the support of many community partnerships, like Henry's, Staples, National Film Board, Discovery Channel, and Apple Canada, to name a few. (**editors note: We always welcome further community participation. Please contact us at info@youthfilmsinternational.com to get involved)

By week five (this week) students know what they need: A solid story to tell, some B-roll and interviews to tell it, and the final step: editing. For reasons anyone who remembers their time trying to figure out editing software can attest to, editing looms in the distance as the last mountain to climb in the short six weeks we gather to make our documentaries. Until this year, students were on their own to provide their own computers, editing software, and to find their own support - technical, creative and otherwise in the midst of the final push. It was by all accounts the most challenging part, especially for those who'd never heard of time-code or time line.

At yesterdays all-day workshop, we had the privilege of learning the ropes from Apple's Mike Alfano. Mike is an excellent editor is his own right, and spends much of his time teaching young people how to edit using Apple products, like Final Cut or iMovie. Within moments (seriously, moments) Mike had everyone at ease and dispelled any myths about editing being hard to learn. There was dragging and dropping, and marking in's and outs all around; in other words they building their documentary. It was a happy, rather silent, sight.

Next Saturday is D-Day. All projects have to be finished and handed in, 100% complete. The words 'That's a wrap' will be uttered.

Youth Films International's partnership with Apple is new this year and we couldn't be more thrilled. A huge thank you to Mike and to Martin Byrne. We look forward to growing our partnership as YFI continues to expand.

Here's a few photos from the day.

Youth Films International Final Cut Editing workshops with Apple Canada's Mike Alfano

The Art of the Interview:Workshop Four

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:55:00 +0000

YFI 2010 Workshop 4

What's The Story, Morning Glory: YFI Workshop Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:18:00 +0000

Youth Films Intl. Workshop Part 3. Teaching the Art of the Ethical Doc

Future Doc Stars: Meet The 2010 YFI Students

noreply@blogger.com (Youth Films International) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:42:00 +0000

(Photo: Getting ready to interview Prof. Stephen
Hawking and his daughter Lucy at his office in
Cambridge, 2009)

Every year, the students that are accepted into the Youth Films International workshops get better and better. Kids in high school dedicate themselves to spending six Saturdays with professionals at the iconic National Film Board learning about making a documentary - and during the week they do the work and make them. It inspires me.

Another thing that amazes me each year is the depth and thoughtfulness of the subjects students chose to profile in their documentaries. As you'll see below, they are personal, touching and smart. Good on you.

So thanks for coming students, I'm glad you're part of the history of Youth Films. You've set the bar higher yet again.

Meet the upcoming generation of documentary film makers who are making sure Change is Happening. Be sure to cheer them on.

Micah Adrian

I am 16 years old and I live in Pontypool.
I have been interested in filmmaking for a long time and have made quite a few shorts for fun and also for school. I have not yet made a documentary so I think this could be a good way for
me to expand my knowledge in film.

Caleb

Through the years ever since well about grade 7 I have been making short films and productions with my friends. While learning some good editing and filming traits i was able to pick up how to edit. I am doing this certain project cause i think it is a great way to expand my filming and editing skills. Also teaching me new things about the filming process and also just to have a good time putting together another short film with my friend to see how we have improved in are movie making skills. I love making films and i love watching them and hopefully this will give me a better understanding of them.

Our documentary is about Neighborhood Gentrification in the GTA and the various social and economical effects of this process.

Sham, Felicia, Cassandra

My name is Sham Mughal and I am a 17 year old student, currently in grade 12 at David and Mary Thomson C.I. I am very interested in video production because I now understand how powerful of a tool it is to get information across. I hope to become a very successful director and be able to change the world through my movies. I have taken Communication and Technology also Video production classes which has helped me realize what I want to do and how to do it.

Felicia

My name is Felicia Khan. I’m 17 years old and I’m attending my last year at David & Mary Thomson CI. When I was in grade 10, I was first introduced to Video Production and started learning about filmmaking. In this production class, we got familiar with the video camera; we made short videos throughout the year, and then a large video project in the end. I never got the chance to actually film a documentary so I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like. I’m looking forward to being able to create a documentary .

Cassandra Vincenzi is a grade 12 student who has always had an interest in the film industry; it became relevant to her that she actually wanted to consider it as an occupation when she found herself examining cut and angles while watching popular movies. She has never done a documentary before; but during her grade 11 communication technology course she decided to do a Mocumentary about a girl who thought she was the sidekick of a super villain in reality this so called villain was actually just the schools bully. She hopes that learning the techniques to creating a documentary will enhance her understanding of the art of film. She is hoping to attend the RTA program at Ryerson University but at the moment she will be attending the Arts and Contemporary Studies. She hopes that she can take the skills she learns and apply it to her future career.

Our Doc

Our documentary topic is Social Change. The question that we are asking is: Is Social Networking hypnotizing our generation to stop us from finding out the truth and to believe what they say and not to question anything and at the same time “Dumbing-Down” our generation. We will be looking into the case of the internet and the computer also television and how it is or isn’t destroying the young minds. Also is it a positive direction we are moving to and a negative. Through this question we will try to uncover the truth and answer the question that everyone is asking.

Marcus

Hello, my name is Marcus, I am 13 years old and I enjoy wildlife and animation. I am from Markham, Ontario, and go to Brother Andre Catholic High School. I am in the 11th grade but take a few grade 10 subjects. I really enjoy doing biology and other science because of all the interesting wonders our world holds.

When I was in the 1st grade I was bullied and mocked. My parents decided to home school me after that experience until I was 9 years old. My father decided to put me in school again but again it did not work out. Because of that I was held back 2 grades but soon my parents decided to home school me again. Soon, I managed to skip another grade and go into high school.

Malcolm

My name is Malcolm Cassius Rose Harriott. I stay at home and do virtual schooling from Richmond Green S.S., I am in grade 9 and I am 11 years old. My hobbies are: animations, soccer, drawings, violin, and piano. My aspirations in life is to be an animator and a dentist, I am going to try to be the best animator ever with my brothers.

Our Doc

In our film the behaviour of geese will be monitored from our own backyard as we journey around our pond. We will also make animations to give a better interpretation for their behaviour.

Oksana, Matthew, Jeremy

Hello, my name is Oksana Slade! I am 15 years old. I was born and raised in Ukraine, where my parents were missionaries for 12 years. I am in grade 11. I have been homeschooled all of my life. I enjoy reading, playing piano, and making cards. I love musicals with a passion. I've always had an interest in writing and I am thinking about pursuing a career in journaling.  

My name is Jeremy Langlois and I am 17 years old. I have an interest in engineering and architecture. I am interested in mechanical engineering. I play the cello, bass guitar and the piano. My current job is working as a Lifeguard and swimming instructor and I have been doing so for two years. I have also always had an interest in film and photography, and have often thought about becoming a professional film editor/photography.

I go by the name Matthew, Matthew Sutherland. I born and raised for the first half of my life in the beautiful province of British Colombia. I greatly enjoy music, art, photography and filming. I like anything that involves being creative and artistic. I am in grade 11, and hope to pursue a career in arts and media, and what every that may in-tale.

Our Doc
The short documentary that us three will be making, will explore homelessness in down-town toronto among youth. And how youth may come into that kind of predicament. We will observe what can be done to end homelessness among youth in toronto. We will be talking to people are experienced in this area and what they have to say.

Stay tuned for more, including blog updates on their projects.