Represenation matters which is why entertainment industry leaders pay it forward by pairing up with the next generation’s storytellers!
On Thursday, November 1 the AT&T Hello Lab celebrated its second year of the mentorship program. Leaders in the entertainment industry such as Lena Waithe, Common, Taika Waititi, Shelby Stone, Cary Fukunaga and Rachel Morrison mentored aspiring filmmakers from groups traditionally underrepresented in enertainment as they created films showcasing authentic stories. Each filmmaker was supported by a community of industry advisors, studio and production company executives, agents, and attorneys. Advisors and mentors also counseled the filmmakers on pitching their work, managing budgets, and directing character-driven narratives. The filmmakers debuted their short films at LACMA in Los Angeles, CA as well as on the Hello Lab channel on DIRECTV and DIRECTV NOW.
The five filmmakers, Tazbah Rose Chavez, Sean Frank, Melisa Resch, Constance Tsang and Chelsea Winstanley told stories from a very unique perspective regarding issues such as homosexuality, race in America, women equality in the workplace and women’s rights. Each film was so completely different from the next but all so raw, pulling on your emotions whether that emotion be anger, sadness, or joy.
This program is so important, especially now at a time where many feel their voices and stories aren’t being heard. “The only way change can happen is by helping to create it. And that’s exactly why I’ve invested in this mentorship program. These diverse and talented filmmakers need guidance to get them where they need to be. We’re here to help them find their place in this business and tell their story,” said Waithe.
This year’s amazing filmmakers have arrived! #ATTHelloLabFilms pic.twitter.com/c2zNAmzBQ9
— AT&T Hello Lab (@ATTHelloLab) November 2, 2018
Writer-director of “Your Name isn’t English” @Tazbah discusses how rewarding it was to film in her community for this Mentorship Program film. pic.twitter.com/JnLU609LJR
— AT&T Hello Lab (@ATTHelloLab) November 2, 2018
