Witnessing the Free Spirit Media Effect at FOCUS
By FSM Communications
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LVaughn Taylor (left) and Maya Horton (right) sharing their InPathways Cohort experiences at FOCUS
More than 300 of our friends, supporters, alumni, and participants were part of The Free Spirit Media Effect at FOCUS. Thanks to your amazing support, Free Spirit Media raised over $120,000 in FOCUS 2019 proceeds! With Melissa DuPrey as emcee and the DJ stylings of DJ Rae Chardonnay, FOCUS 2019 was one of our most fun yet! Guests enjoyed time to dance, mingle, play games and bask in the sunshine and fresh air within the Ivy Room’s outdoor gem. The Free Spirit Media Effect was in motion.
“A machine can never create a video like that!”
As the evening’s official program began, guests were ushered inside The Ivy Room. In anticipation of Free Spirit Media’s “most important half hour,” Free Spirit Media Executive Director and Founder Jeff McCarter highlighted the importance of supporting the transformation of media and society. Maya Horton, and LVaughn Taylor, two members of the InPathways Cohort and directors of “The Free Spirit Media Effect”, shared how their media skills and confidence were strengthened by the program. Taylor remarked, “In the past, I’d directed smaller videos where I would be behind the camera, and focus on what I’m filming…so I’d just ask a lot of ‘what do you guys think?’ Whereas in this production, people were like ‘so what are we doing next?’ — I had to be the captain of the ship…it was that pressure and that feeling that everyone was relying on me that made me more decisive and more on point…” Without further ado, ‘The Free Spirit Media Effect” premiered. The promo, starring Diana Butler of Youth Council, showcases the journey of a jaded young woman who encounters the magic of Free Spirit Media’s programs and is transformed into a media trailblazer. Along with appearances from staff and other participants, the promo also featured Board Vice President, Qadree Holmes at Quriosity Productions.
“In the past, I’d directed smaller videos where I would just be behind the camera, and focus on what I’m filming…so I’d just ask a lot of ‘what do you guys think?’ Whereas in this production, people we’re like ‘so what are we doing next?’ — I had to be the captain of the ship…it was that pressure and that feeling that everyone was relying on me that made me more decisive and more on point…”
Board President Stacey Bolton imploring the importance of creative development
Stacey Bolton, Free Spirit Media’s Board President, followed up the premiere with his own perspective As Senior Vice President at Northern Trust, Bolton commented that his company is looking to hire individuals with creative minds. On the promo he noted, “A machine can never create a video like that!” With Melissa DuPrey, Bolton led the crowd in an inspiring live-ask. In a matter of a few minutes, our guests raised thousands of dollars to support diverse media.
As the evening drew to a close, Taylor and Horton pulled the names for seven raffle prizes, which included a drone and smart TV. DuPrey announced the raffle winners to an eager crowd. Thanks to your amazing support, Free Spirit Media is also a winner and we appreciate helping us make this an incredible night! We can’t wait to see you at Founders’ Circle and FOCUS 2020!
Free Spirit Media is thankful to all of our supporters who were able to celebrate our youth media makers’ creations. Please help us continue to empower the next generation of creators by providing opportunities for creative development!
Check out “The Free Spirit Media Effect” for yourself along with photos from the night by Snap Yourself!, Qurissy Lopez and Vashon Jordan Jr.
