The Atlanta Police Foundation recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of its new AT&T Digital Media Studio, a state-of-the-art media center for youth inside the At-Promise Center in Atlanta’s Westside.
The studio will serve as an additional diversion program where youth learn film and digital media skills and begin considering future career paths, according to foundation officials.
Through the use of cameras, video recording equipment, computers and the latest editing software, the new studio will help equip aspiring young film makers and cultivate a pipeline of diverse storytellers.
“At AT&T, we know every child has the potential to achieve something great,” said Venessa Harrison, president of AT&T Georgia. “As we work to cultivate a future of opportunity and promise for Westside residents, it is our hope the AT&T Digital Lab will help equip our youth – tomorrow’s leaders – with the film and digital entertainment skills needed to compete in one of Georgia’s highest demand industries.”
The studio recently held its inaugural program, the Westside Storytelling Competition – a component of AT&T’s new initiative Believe Atlanta. Youth participating in the program worked collaboratively to create three separate mini-documentaries: “Where I’m From,” “Time Capsule” and “Restoration.” All three student-created videos highlight the importance of community and collaboration, key components to helping ensure the Westside continues its path of transformation and growth, while also preserving its rich history.
“The At-Promise initiative provides opportunities that help prevent and divert youth from engaging in criminal activity and drive students to achieve success,” said Dave Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Atlanta Police Foundation. “The AT&T Digital Media Studio offers creative new programming avenues to equip our youth with film and digital entertainment skills. This program inspires them to tell their unique stories and begin thinking about their future career paths.”
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