ECS News posted Friday, April 09, 2010
ECS Teens Takin' Over Video Debuts
It took nearly a year of Saturdays, but Philly: Love Disguised, a video by the ECS Teens Takin’ Over program at ECS, made its debut on March 2 at the studios of WHYY. The short documentary highlights the challenges teens face growing up in some of Philadelphia’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
The ECS teens worked with the WHYY Learning Lab, which works with schools and community organizations to help youth tell their stories on video. The participants gained hands-on media skills and experience in teamwork.
“I felt like I accomplished something,” said Dion, who wants to pursue a career in the media. “I want to work behind the scenes, so I’m already ahead.”
With instruction and support from WHYY staff, the teens did all their own writing, shooting, editing and scoring for the video during their Saturday sessions. When the editing process went past its deadline, former WHYY community media instructor Reid Cohen moved computers and production to the ECS headquarters while the Learning Lab was closed for construction. The project was a true team effort and the results are moving.
“It was the atmosphere – being around my friends and working together,” said Dana, now a college freshman. “The topic was a big concern because a lot of the teenagers I know live in these neighborhoods where there are drugs and gun violence.”
The video is currently available at www.ecs1870.org/teenvideo.
Submission by Rob Formica, Marketing Communications Manager
