Teen Producers Project: Working as teacher/advisor

Yesterday was a really bad day . Some flaky and irresponsible things I’ve done caught up with me and I was a bit overwhelmed with all the tasks I have on my plate what with seeking a second job, finding a new place to live and beginning heavy post work on my music video.

However, today was a really good day !!! I reaped the benefits of the good things I have done.So anyway, today I did my usual gig as instructor for the San Diego Media Arts Center’s Teen Producers Project. This branch I work at is doing something different. Instead of me just instructing a class of students, this is an actual group of kids who have already been through the TPP program and are trying to put together their own production company.

It was a bit hectic keeping everyone on task and not fighting over who plays what crew position, but they really made me proud. To watch little Michael (only 11) work as camera operator and to see Mulu directing the actors was just so exciting for me. Their first video project is about a new student to PJAM (it’s a residential community that sponsors an after school program- the program that MACSD is working with to create this little kid-run production crew). The “new student” asks the coordinator questions and looks around the small recreation/study center.

Everyone did such a good job and it’s so fulfilling to see kids get to learn filmmaking at such a young age. I think this could really help them in so many ways in the future. They will learn to work together, to lead, to be creative, to be organized and they will have some skills that may help them in the work force.

At the end of the say after we put the equipment away I said goodbye to the kids and I told them what a wonderful job they did and how proud I was of them. One of the boys said “I’m just happy to see you smiling.” It was so sweet. I love these kids. I can’t believe I get paid for this…

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So later Media Arts Center had their annual holiday party. I totally forgot about it, but luckily Sebastian (TPP Coordinator) reminded me about it when I turned in my equipment this afternoon. So I went with Michael (Visual Effects Director of my music video) and I met some really cool people. It was fun to talk about the TPP to people who were not familiar with it.

I met some really lovely people and compelling artists. I met a fellow named Shin who does something very similar to what I do. He had already heard of me as someone had told him I speak fluent Vietnamese. His organization, AJA is like teen producers project, but specifically for refugees (while we deal with any minority group) and more focused on still photography. He actually came back from Thailand where they have a sister project going on.

He’s definitely “cool people” and I’m really interested in their organization. Especially because so far I’ve gotten to work with Mexican and African kids, but not Asian kids yet. I’m going to their venue tomorrow evening where some kids will be showing their photos and videos.

So a very enjoyable day. I haven’t felt this good in quite a long time.

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