Watsonville, CA — The Pájaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD) Expanded Learning Program and Calavera Media have joined forces to launch a training initiative: the Film Lab at Pájaro Valley High School. This collaborative initiative aims to contribute to the field of filmmaking education, with an emphasis on practical training and experiential learning.

In the context of the broader film industry, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented. According to a 2023 UCLA study, while Latinos have made strides in leading roles—securing leads in five of the top ten box office hits—they still fall short of reflecting their demographic proportion in the U.S., which stands at 18.7%. Moreover, the study found that films featuring diverse casts, such as those where people of color constitute at least 30% of the ensemble, dominated nine of the top ten most viewed films globally, demonstrating a clear audience preference for diversity on screen.

The Film Lab aims to directly address these disparities by offering an intensive, hands-on training program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to enter and excel in the film industry. Focused on technical proficiency in cinematography, lighting, and sound design, as well as the artistic aspect of storytelling, the lab is tailored to prepare students for the realities of filmmaking.

Participants will have the opportunity to work with professional-grade gear and software, including Adobe Creative Cloud, ensuring they gain familiarity with the tools that are standard in the industry. A significant part of the training involves actual film production, from concept development to post-production, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

The program is hosted at Pájaro Valley High School, with workshops scheduled twice a week on Tuesday and Wednesday starting at 4:00 pm, and an extra day on Thursday dedicated to allowing students to independently work on their own individual projects with support from the instructor. Part of the film lab training involves learning to use Adobe Creative Cloud software, essential for editing videos, designing visual effects, and enhancing sound, which are crucial skills in the film and media industry. Gabriel J. Medina, the instructor for the Film Lab and local film producer, highlights the importance of providing equitable access to the arts at Pájaro Valley High School. “At Pájaro Valley High School, the arts have faced long-standing inequities. This film lab is our response, equipping students with not just the skills, but also the vision to thrive in filmmaking and beyond. As AI reshapes the job landscape, the human touch in arts becomes irreplaceable. We’re preparing these students to be at the forefront of this change."

Medina’s vision for the Film Lab is not just about teaching students how to create narrative films, but also about giving them a platform to express their identities and experiences. As the film industry evolves, embracing diverse voices and stories becomes crucial. The Film Lab is poised to play a role in shaping the next generation of filmmakers, offering them the tools to capture and share their narratives.

This partnership between PVUSD Expanded Learning and Calavera Media marks a significant step towards bridging the representation gap in film. It's a testament to the power of community collaboration in fostering talent and providing young artists with the opportunities to succeed in the competitive world of filmmaking. There are still spots available for interested participants!

Partnership continues this Summer with the Chicano Film Lab!

The partnership will extend into the Summer, with Calavera Media offering a Chicano Filmmaking course. In this course, students will delve into the world of notable Latino filmmakers, exploring both local talents and those who have made a mark in the wider industry. They'll get a closer look at various filmmaking styles and techniques used to craft compelling narratives.

Additionally, students will receive hands-on training with the equipment used in independent filmmaking and will have the chance to meet Latinos actively working in both major and boutique production studios. The highlight of the program is the creation and presentation of a short narrative film, showcasing the skills and creativity developed during the course. This unique Chicano Film Lab is available to PVUSD high school students and will kick off on July 1, running for 6 weeks at Calavera Media's Production Studio located at 80 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076.

Interested parents and students can find more information and register through the provided link. With limited spaces available, we encourage you to sign up soon to secure your spot in this inspiring journey into filmmaking!