Participants in a previous Movie Boot Camp created by Lathea Smyles. | Submitted Photo
A program for 9- to17-years-old from the Greater Grand Crossing and Roseland communities aims to help at-risk youths this summer by giving them a foundation in movie creation and production.
The eight-week Movie Boot Camp program is presented by founder Lathea Smyles, of Sta Phocus Media, as a violence prevention and conflict-resolution program with a creative outlet for the children, Smyles told The Suburban Marquee.
"The main objectives for the Movie Boot Camp is to increase youth's positive self-esteem, acquire copings skills and to provide hands-on experience on movie making, from the beginning of a concept to the marketing of and performance of the final production," Smyles said.
The project focuses on at-risk youth, Smyles said, who may need anger management, counseling, and structure and may be interested in media production.
"Our goal is to expand our reach to the south suburban communities, and we would like to offer the program to cities and villages at no cost," Smyles said. "We are seeking additional funders in order to keep it a free program for all participants."
The program starts with instruction in the film medium's history and impact, including discussion of genres ranging from drama to comedy, Smyles said. As the participants divide into "production companies," they explore the entire process of creating a three-to-five-minute short film, from inception to final edit.
"Each participant will leave with a copy of their Movie Boot Camp Breaking Through Shorts," Smyles said. "In addition to learning the ins and outs of movie making, participants will receive group and individual counseling on how to reduce the impact of traumatic experiences and to provide support to those who have defiant behaviors, have experienced community violence, disasters and family or interpersonal violence."
For the past three years, the program has received funding from the Chicago Community Trust Safe and Peaceful fund, Smyles said. Facilities have been provided through the Chicago Public Libary's Woodson Branch and the Ring of Hope.
Those interested in finding out more or supporting the Movie Boot Camp program can call 312-202-0419.
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