LATM's "Project Now-Create Tomorrow" Teaches Horace Mann Middle School Students How To Use Filmmaking To Make A Positive Impact In Their Community

Glendale, Calif. – March 25, 2009 – Los Angeles Team Mentoring (LATM), Disney Consumer Products (DCP) mentors, teachers and community volunteers have teamed up to assist Horace Mann Middle School students to create their own Public Service Announcements (PSA's) from start to finish through a program called "Project Now – Create Tomorrow" developed in conjunction with LATM. From developing a premise to writing scripts, storyboarding, location scouting, directing, producing and editing, the students were involved in every step of the filmmaking process. The PSA's were unveiled today at Horace Mann Middle School, and the 7th and 8th grade student participants received the star treatment with a red carpet leading into the school auditorium for the premiere of their work.

Students chose the subjects of their PSA's based on the issues that were most important in their school and community, with topics ranging from the impact of gangs to avoiding bullies. The students worked closely with DCP character artists and designers, and specialists from franchise marketing, creative operations, audio visual, product development, event management and communications. Mentors from other divisions of the Walt Disney Company including Imagineering participated as well.

"We are proud to be a part of LATM's efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of young people and to bring some of that Disney magic to a very important cause," said Magda Loczi, DCP lead program developer and mentor. "The students gained valuable knowledge about the filmmaking process, learned that filmmaking is a team endeavor, and broadened their views on the different tools that can be used to make a change in their community."

"We have never seen our youth transform so quickly. What better way to realize this project than with the help of Disney who truly exemplifies the art of storytelling through filmmaking. It is extremely empowering and every young person should be given the opportunity to tell their story, said William Figueroa, LATM program director. "LATM youth not only shed light on the serious challenges of living in gang riddled communities through their PSA's, but they offered solutions of hope and good decision-making."

In an effort to guide middle school students growing up in challenging environments to recognize and reach their full potential as members of the community, (LATM) uses a school-based team approach to mentoring. During this critical period in their lives, young adolescents are given the tools and support necessary to make positive choices. "Project Now – Create Tomorrow" serves as the "community service" portion of the TeamWorks curriculum, which has empowered students to take an active role in creating positive change in the community.