CONTINUITY Accepting Applications for Third Annual ‘Diversity in Media Program’ between March 1st and April 30th

The discussion around diversity in film production has been on the rise over the recent years with the #oscarssowhite campaign and success of films like Black Panther. Continuity, a non-profit whose mission is to expand diversity in media production, puts action behind this desire. Continuity is taking applications for their third annual media production training program. This program focuses on helping underrepresented filmmakers gain the skills needed to secure employment or start their own business in the media production industry.  Applications for their new 36-week program are being accepted through April 30^th at continuitystl.com.

“Minorities are dramatically underrepresented in media today, especially behind the camera,” explains Dan Parris, Executive Director of Continuity. “Our free, 36-week hands-on intensive filmmaking course provides skills-based training, mentorship and opportunities for untapped talent in our city.”

Starting August 2019, a group of 10 adults will have the opportunity to join the third annual media training program. Classes will be taught entirely by industry professionals. The program will be broken down into three progressive phases, each of which lasts 12 weeks, one night a week from 6-9pm. Classes will include:

• Access to a state of the art film equipment & computers
• Paid stipend for the entire program
• Networking & mentoring opportunities during and following the program

Continuity’s past graduates have had their work recognized at both the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and the St. Louis International Film Festival, including an Honorable Mention for Best Local Short.  Show Me Democracy, a documentary that Continuity participants helped edit, went on to premiere nationally on Fuse TV.  The Riverfront Times coverage of Chris Hill’s The Wave, a video produced in the Continuity program, led to nearly 6000 video views and the subject of his piece receiving much needed free reconstructive dental surgery.  Students from these programs have gone on to start their own businesses, intern at local TV stations and acquire freelance work with production companies in St. Louis as a result of completing this program.

Classes will be held on Wednesday nights from 6-9pm with a Thursday evening lab from 6-9pm. Programs takes place at the Cortex from August 14, 2019 – June 5th, 2020. A preview of the 2018-2019 Continuity program will be held May 31st, 2019, at the Cortex (details on website closer to date.)  This event will premiere participants’ favorite projects from the program. Continuity also plans to hold its first ever Fall Filmmakers Conference in Early November. For more information, those interested can contact Continuity at http://www.continuitystl.com/call-to-action.

Financial assistance for this year’s program was funded by Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, Monsanto’s Creative Impact Fund administered through the Arts & Educational Council, Missouri Humanities Council  and St. Louis Philanthropic.