HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CREATE PSA IN SUPPORT OF MAYOR’S GREENING INITIATIVE
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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – June 28, 2017 – Students from four Grand Rapids high schools have planned, directed, shot and produced “Breathe,” a public service announcement (PSA) in support of the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss’ Mayor’s Greening Initiative – launched to help the city reach its goal of a 40 percent tree canopy. The PSA will premiere at the July 7 Movies in the Park screening of “Mrs. Doubtfire” (7 p.m.) and “Forrest Gump” (9:30 p.m.) at Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
“I had a sneak peek at the PSA and I was truly impressed with what our talented students created,” Mayor Bliss said. “I am encouraged that students are rallying around the Mayor’s Greening Initiative and that so many of our great community organizations are supporting our youth.”
The Mosaic Film Experience facilitated the collaboration between the students, video production professionals and the City of Grand Rapids.
“This creative community collaboration was a result of an ongoing conversation between The Mosaic Film Experience and Mayor Bliss about how we can activate our city’s young people, engage them with real-world learning opportunities in digital media and engage them in sustainability,” said Skot Welch, founder of The Mosaic Film Experience.
In April, Mayor Bliss met with Gorilla, Carbon Stories and students who are enrolled in the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology’s afterschool program to discuss the greening initiative. During the meeting, Mayor Bliss challenged the students to create something that encourages others to get involved.
Students represented City High, Grand Rapids Montessori, Innovation Central and CA Frost high schools.
The students met with Gorilla and Carbon Stories multiple times throughout April and May to develop creative and pre-production concepts. Gorilla provided video equipment and engaged local professionals to volunteer. Lowing Lighting and Grip provided lights and additional equipment. Carbon Stories collaborated with students on developing creative ideas and produced a behind-the-scenes video of the process.
“After meeting with Mayor Bliss, the students were very inspired to create the PSA. Our role was simply to provide technical education about the tools they were using, serve as professional mentors and then get out of their way.” said Eric Johnson, owner of Gorilla.
After the video was filmed, the students engaged with Gorilla on the post-production phase, which included editing the footage and reviewing music and color correction.
“It was an amazing experience to see our vision for the video come to life,” said Mariah Barrera, senior at City High and director Breathe.
In addition to the July 7 premiere, Breathe will be featured at the remaining 2017 Movies in the Park events.
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About Mosaic Film Experience
Founded in 2011, The Mosaic Film Experience (MFE) is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses the platform of digital media to provide students with an opportunity to tell their unique stories and equip them with the critical thinking, collaborative and creative skills necessary for career preparedness. There are three aspects to The Mosaic Film Experience: The Mosaic Event: An annual interactive experience that provides students access to industry professionals through creative, career-inspiring workshops. Mosaic Mobile: An annual mobile film competition where films are shot, edited and entered on mobile devices. Mosaic Community: Events ranging from after school curriculum to industry guest speakers and film screenings. For more information about MFE, visit http://mosaicfilmexperience.com/.
About Gorilla
Gorilla has been producing films since 2004, getting their start in nonprofit and documentary projects, and filming in over 60 countries in a few short years. The honest, human-centered approach that defined their early projects is the foundation for every video they make today. Their experience is extensive, ranging from small, agile commercial projects to original full-length feature films. As their company continues to grow - both their commercial brand in Grand Rapids and entertainment brand in Los Angeles - so does their desire to elevate humanity through thoughtful filmmaking. Visit them at Wearegorilla.co & Gorillavr.co, Facebook: Gorilla Instagram: @Gorillagrla
About Carbon Stories
Carbon Stories is a creative agency that tells stories and shares experiences through numerous media forms, including; photography, videography, graphic design and print media. Carbon strategically markets and creates content which provides clients with a clear representation of who they are. Carbon Stories started in 2015 and since has grown to a team of 20 creators housed on the West Side of Grand Rapids. To see some of their work go to carbonstories.us.
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