Reel Fresh Films Review

Fresh Films provides educational and social opportunities for young people to understand AND BE PART OF the many facets of a major international industry film and production. I became familiar with Fresh Films when they reached out to me to use our historic home (a Victorian Mansion) to make a film (actually a TV pilot). With the guidance of the clearly experienced and dedicated leaders at Fresh Films, the students did EVERYTHING - wrote, filmed, edited, etc. They learned everything about the process organizational skills, auditions by actors, selection of actors, make-up, sound, lighting, filming, editing. The students not only had the opportunity to gain knowledge from these experiences but they also had a great variety of new social experiences being part of a major project. As an educator, I appreciated seeing a very creative way of educating students in this project-based atmosphere. They even involved our son (who is 8) so he too could learn from this project. When they had asked to use the mansion, I did some research on them to prepare for the filming. While doing so, I noticed that very successful folks like Congressman Bill Foster (physicist, politician and former entrepreneur) gave time to Fresh Films so I knew right away that I needed to support them! Keep up the great work in providing opportunities to students. Education needs to move away from traditional at the desk training towards being global and realistic in terms of developing much needed skills. Fresh Films really works towards this modern educational training and I appreciated the experience of learning from this myself. Sandra G. Biedron, Ph.D.

Five Stars! Fresh Films was an invaluable and unique experience for my daughter. She participated in a few different FF programs, including a feature-length film and a TV pilot. She met teens from all over Chicago who shared her interests, and worked with pros who became mentors. The hands-on learning prepared her for work in the film industry. Since graduating the program, many opportunities have opened up, including work on a documentary film about Montessori schools, and internships with United Way and a documentary film studio in Chicago.

Before my senior year in high school, I was able to work as a teen filmmaker on the pilot of a TV show, and had a truly awesome experience. Fresh Films gives teens the opportunity to work closely with the camera, actors, along with the executive actions that go behind making films.The staff is extremely nice, and prides itself in getting young minds interested in media making.

I had the wonderful opportunity of doing an internship with Fresh Films. One on the marketing side and the other on production. During both of these experiences I learned a lot and had the opportunity to work alongside great people!

Having been a Fresh Filmmaker myself, it is absolutely wonderful to see this organization continue to inspire and empower young students. The big brands they partner with help fund these programs and is a great way for them to give back. Many times high profile celebrities join in on the action. Fresh Films is a big stepping stone for any teenager interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Highly recommended!

My teen daughter is an aspiring actress, and wanted to learn the behind-the-scenes aspect, too. Thanks to her experience with Fresh Films, she has gained the knowledge and appreciation for the teamWORK that a filming crew puts in! She has done several of their workshops and camps, and just adores the staff! It is a fantastic, fun learning opportunity, and she can't wait for the next camp!

I am the director at the Davenport Teen Center of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley. Four of our members had the incredible opportunity to participate in their Spring Break program. They had an absolute blast, and were able to create a commercial for Closet 2 Closet- a local non-profit. Everyday our members came out of the Fresh Film classroom with a huge smile on their face, and could not stop talking about all they had learned that day.
We look forward to continuing the partnership between Fresh Films and Boys & Girls Clubs! It is a phenomenal experience for all involved!