Susanna Spiccia has a simple question: As Georgia’s workforce embraces opportunity in the state’s film industry, are we training our kids for these new jobs?
As founder and executive director of re:imagine/ATL, a non-profit organization that connects Georgia’s youth to film and television experiences, she’s laser-focused on answering that question.
“Our biggest goal is to support teen storytellers, and let them create and produce their own stories,” says Susanna. “We want to help them learn to write, use a camera, edit and more.”
Susanna has lined up some high-profile support for her efforts. Announced today, Georgia Studio & Infrastructure Alliance joins The Arthur Blank Foundation and more than 20 other companies to create the re:imagine/ATL Alliance, a group that will focus on creating pipeline for mentoring and jobs to train the next generation for film and digital jobs right here in Georgia.
Led by a three-year commitment from The Arthur M. Blank Foundation of $285,000, companies have committed a total investment of $450,000. These companies have also committed to mentor students, create internships and provide job-shadowing opportunities.
The re:imagine/ATL Alliance is a major milestone for the organization Susanna founded in 2014.
“I had never been a part of film or media before re:imagine/ATL,” says Susanna. “I wanted a way to bring kids together from different backgrounds, and as I met more and more people in the industry, I saw what tremendous opportunities there could be for our young people.”
Opportunity comes through re:imagine/ATL events and programs such as “No Comment,” “re:imagine/COMMUNITY,” “The Green Room” and “Currents.” Each program focuses on a specific set of skills students need to get involved in the film industry. The re:imagine/ATL team, supported by a cadre of volunteers, has spent the last four years building bridges that connect students and professionals in the industry.
“We’re going into schools across metro Atlanta to give kids with limited film-study exposure some real opportunity,” says Susanna. “We’re creating a teen network focused on highlighting the stories and issues that impact young adults across the globe.”