Reel Works

Founded in 2001, ReelWorks is a nonprofit organization offering free filmmaking programs to underserved youth in New York City. The organization's mission is to mentor, inspire, and empower young people through documentary production and storytelling. Reel Works has grown from serving 50 students annually to reaching 1,500 young people across New York City.

ReelWorks offers 4 programs serving participants in and out of the classroom, and as they enter and develop their careers in the entertainment industry:

• After School programs pair teens with professional filmmaker-mentors to create original short documentaries, narrative and experimental films that have won countless awards and been seen by over 20 million viewers worldwide.
• In Schools & Communities takes their award-winning workshops into New York City public school classrooms and community-based organizations. Designed with hands-on exercises to keep students engaged as they master filmmaking technologies, lessons and workshops are facilitated by professional filmmakers and assistant teaching artists.
• MediaMKRS is a Reel Works program that educates and empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to succeed in the media industry. The program offers comprehensive training, hands-on work experiences, networking opportunities, and unparalleled access to industry professionals needed for a thriving career.
• The Studio at Reel Works is an Emmy-winning production company that hires talented emerging filmmakers to collaborate with industry professionals to create content for clients. On The Studio projects, Reel Works students and alumni learn advanced film production and career development skills by working side-by-side with professionals to produce, shoot, direct, edit, and deliver original documentaries, TV series, digital content, corporate communications and feature films.

Learn more at reelworks.org