Big Picture Alliance (BPA)

bigpicturealliance.org

Empowering Youth to Define Their Own Narrative Through Filmmaking

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IMG_2298 Mission History Staff Board of Directors Youth Leaders Partners Funders Big Picture Alliance’s mission is to engage, educate and empower Philadelphia youth through filmmaking & digital media arts. We provide transformative learning experiences and a supportive pathway for youth to have their voices heard, develop as young professionals and reach their full potential. Big Picture Alliance was founded in 1994 by Jeffrey Seder & Jared Martin (TV Actor/Director) as an apprenticeship program where youth produced films about issues impacting their lives under the mentorship of professional filmmakers. In 2013, BPA partnered with the School District of Philadelphia to develop and implement a digital storytelling curriculum in alignment with Common Core educational standards - resulting in improved grades, test scores, attendance, and exemplary skill development (Rand Corp Report - Aug 2014). BPA then brought this programming to hundreds of youth across Philadelphia through dozens of school and organizational partnerships. In 2015, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Philadelphia, BPA youth explored the theme of gentrification through “Stories from the Promise Zone” which screened at City Hall. In 2017, BPA youth documented their journey using DNA to trace their African Ancestry in “We Are Sankofa”, winning Best Youth Film at Black Star Film Festival. In 2018, BPA launched a Digital Media Workforce Program and the Teen Media Collective, providing youth ages 15-21 new pathways into the field of film & media.

Since 1996, BPA has served over 7000 youth through 100 partnerships resulting in academic achievement, scholarships, internships, employment, and 800 films, 60 of which are award-winning. We’ve helped cultivated a generation of young artists and professionals, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in the film & media.

Jordany Uceta Cinematographer, Editor Jose Quintana Editor, Sound, Cinematographert Aaliyah Fisher Director, Writer Theo Wyss-Flamm Cinematographer, Editor Amanda Smith Director, Writer Jasmin Carter

Actress, Production Designer, Writer, Cinematographer

Michelle Wu Cinematographer, Director, Editor Cindy Pham Actress, Writer, Editor Our relationships with local media studios, film festivals, theaters, museums, and industry professionals provide an invaluable opportunity for our youth to explore career paths and showcase their work to the broader public through screenings, broadcasts, and field trips. Students get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of television & film production and pitch their films to industry professionals who offer feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. These industry partners include: PhillyCam, Scribe Video Center, MyNewPhilly, Comcast, NBC 10, RecPhilly, Philadelphia Film Society, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rough Cut Film Fest, BlackStar Film Fest, and more. Partner With Us! 924 Cherry St. 5th Floor Philadelphia PA 19107 (443) 414-9919

In The News

• The Citizen Recommends: The Community Video Resilience Project, Philadelphia Citizen, February 15, 2021.