Ghetto Film School’s new short film “What’s in a Name” amplifies GFS’s goal to give platforms to people whose stories are not always told and volume to voices often unheard.
The film, via agency Wieden+Kennedy NY, edited by Cut+Run’s Aika Miyake and produced by Bryght Young Things, pushes against some of the stereotypes and conventions that society often attributes to creatives and filmmakers of color and what they are (or aren’t) capable of.
The film features voice overs by Spike Lee and Alfre Woodard, both of whom are involved with the school. Additionally, the students of Ghetto Film School’s star in and filmed many of the scenes, reflecting the inclusive force and spirit of the nonprofit.
“It was incredible to work with everyone at W+K on this PSA, and to see the work of the students reflected in the message. Their work, and their presence, is the proof of the impact Ghetto Film School is having on the future of film – theirs and ours.”
Aika Miyake
With humble beginnings in the South Bronx, this organization is redefining the future of film by serving thousands of young, multicultural creative talent across the world. Watch below:
RELATED: Cut+Run’s Miyake edits ‘Black Joy Manifest’
“Nearly all talent and footage featured in this film is either from a student, alumni, or instructor at GFS, and the film was co-directed by GFS alum, Luis G. Santos and Jordan Hall,” related Dan Koo, W+K Art Director. This was an integral part of grounding GFS’ message throughout the narrative, where they truly do foster the idea of ‘bringing up the future of film’ well beyond their program.”
“Everything you see visually supports the message, from the student breaking through the wall (a nod to how often POC have to break their way into a space), to the dolly shot that references one of Spike Lee’s most iconic techniques, adds Funmi Adejobi, Copywriter at W+K NY.
CREDITS:
CLIENT: Ghetto Film School
- Client Contact: Stosh Mintek, Montea Robinson, Elaine Delgado
AGENCY: W+K New York
- Executive Creative Director: Karl Lieberman
- Managing Director: Neal Arthur
- Copywriter: Funmi Adejobi
- Art Director: Dan Koo
- Head Of Integrated Production: Nick Setounski
- Senior Producer: Yukino Moore
- Junior Producer: Christopher Gonzalez
PRODUCTION COMPANY: Bryght Young Things
- Director: Jordan Hall
- Director: Luis G. Santos
- Executive Producer: Daniel Navetta
- Producer: Steve Cozzarelli
EDIT: Cut + Run
- Editor: Aika Miyake
- Post Producer: Brady Fiero
- Executive Producer: Amburr Farls
- Managing Partner: Michelle Eskin
FINISHING/VFX: Jogger Studios
- Head Of Production: Diana Cheng
- Creative Director: Andy Brown
- Flame Artist: Michael Vaglienty
- Flame Assist: Jorge Tanaka
MIX: Wave Studios
- Executive Producer: Vicky Ferraro
- Sound Designer / Mixer: Isaac Matus
- 5.1 Mixer: Aaron Reynolds
MUSIC: Future Perfect
- Producer: Maxwell Gosling
- Composer: Victor Magro
ON-SET PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Kusumadjaja
- Producer: Theresa Kusumadjaja
- Photographer: David Gonzalez
