The YouthFX summer program provides an important creative outlet for teens in the city of Albany, teaching them important life skills as well as introducing them to the exciting potential of digital filmmaking. We had an incredible summer of fun and exciting filmmaking experiences, and both my program assistant, Gaetano Vaccaro, and myself were so impressed by the skill and talent exhibited by each and every one of the 15 young filmmakers we worked with this summer. After six weeks of YouthFX, we looked back with amazement at all the projects the group took on and completed. Counting our final documentary and short film projects the YouthFX crew produced a total of 9 movies this summer! This year in addition to teaching the creative and technical aspects of digital film production we introduced kids to the editing process, and in fact most of our projects were edited by them or with their assistance. In addition to making films this summer, we also offered the YouthFX kids a firsthand look at how television production happens with a visit to the WRGB studios (our local CBS affiliate). We got a tour of the country’s oldest television station and even watched the live noon newscast in person from the studio. We also met with a WRGB producer, Greg Schmidt, who gave us an in-depth look at how many of their commercial and TV segments are created. Once again illustrating to the kids that in addition to all he fun they had at YouthFX, they were also learning important technical skills that can be applied to future careers in the field of film and television production. In the coming months Gaetano and I will be putting the finishing touches on the projects and will be setting up a event soon at a local theatre to showcase the work that these young filmmakers produced, so keep an eye out for that exciting event.

-Bhawin Suchak