Ohio Film Futures: Empowering Youth Through Media Arts & Storytelling
A not-for-profit organization dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for underserved youth, preparing them for film and media careers through hands-on training, mentorship, and real production experience.
Shoot Your Shot. Tell Your Story.
Our Mission
Empower Youth
Provide access to industry-standard education in film and media arts.
Foster Creativity
Develop technical skills through hands-on experience.
Create Opportunities
Prepare underserved youth for careers in Central Ohio's growing media industry.
Core Activities
Media Workshops
Year-round sessions teaching cinematography, editing, screenwriting, directing, sound design, and podcasting.
Summer Film Camp
Structured program where participants create short films, learning and participating in all the production phases.
Mentorship
Pairing with industry professionals for guidance and real-world insight.
Film Showcases
Events showcasing participant work and celebrating community.
Brand Management
Promoting and positioning student film projects for audience reach and impact.
Film Festivals
Eligible second-year participants will be considered for festivals like the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).
Podcasting
Students learn interviewing and episode writing, take on production roles, train on audio equipment and soundboards. Additionally students will produce three recorded episodes and a live in-school podcast.
Who We Serve
Primary: High School Youth 14-18
From underserved communities in Central Ohio
Secondary: Young Adults 19-24
Seeking career pathways in media arts
Adjudicated Youth: 14-17
Passionate about media production
We are open to all youth; however, prioritize young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in opportunity zones.
Leadership Structure
A.M. Bates
-Executive Director
Oversees strategic vision, operations, and fundraising efforts. Leads program development and ensures high-quality instructional design, planning, and implementation. Builds partnerships, secures resources, and guides organizational growth to expand impact and opportunities for students.
Jenae "Nae" Talison
-Executive Assistant
Manages office operations to ensure efficiency, organization, and seamless day-to-day execution. Leads family engagement, community outreach, and event coordination efforts to strengthen program impact and partnerships.
Additional roles include Community Engagement Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Finance Manager, and Instructional Staff.
Funding Strategy
Grants
Educational, arts-focused, and workforce development grants
Donations
Individual and corporate support
Events
Film screenings, galas, luncheons, auctions
In-Kind
Equipment, software, services
Programs offered at no cost to underserved students with sliding scale for others.
Financial Plan
Year 1 total revenue: $195,000 from grants ($160,000), corporate sponsorships ($15,000), and donations ($20,000). 60% of the budget ($117,000) is allocated to programming and production equipment, with the remaining 40% ($78,000) distributed across staff salaries, marketing, and administrative costs.
Measuring Our Impact
Program Outcomes
Students with no prior experience complete a full production cycle, from script to screen—building confidence, technical skills, and real industry exposure.
Program Deliverables
Each cohort produces a collaborative short film, culminating in a Red Carpet Premiere where students publicly showcase their work to family, community members, and industry supporters.
Community Engagement
After the Red Carpet Showcase, there is Family Reception, and later a Sponsorship Reception—where community members and potential partners engage directly with student work and help fuel a $575,000 initiative to expand year-round programming.
Long-Term Goals
Second-year students gain access to national industry experiences like ABFF (May 27–31, 2026), connecting with leading filmmakers and executives. With increased funding, we aim to double student participation in 2027 and expand access to career pathways in film and media.
A.C.T.I.O.N. Generation Grant
Advancing Cinema & Television Innovation for Ohio's Next Generation
Track 1: Youth Filmmakers (Ages 14–18)
- Central Ohio residents
- May apply as individuals or teams
- No business entity required
- Must have a completed script or strong concept
- Must have a mentor, educator, or sponsoring organization (Ohio Film Futures can serve in this role)
Track 2: Emerging Filmmakers (Ages 18–24)
- Central Ohio residents
- Must be established as a business entity (LLC or equivalent)
- Original film or TV project in development or pre-production
Requirements
Youth Track (Simplified + Supported)
- Script or project concept
- Basic production plan (we can provide a template)
- Simple budget outline
- Commitment to complete project within 8 months
- Participation in mentorship/check-ins
- Receipts and documentation of fund usage
Emerging Track (Full Requirements)
- Detailed production budget
- Timeline and milestones
- Proof of business registration
- Progress reporting within 8 months
- Receipts and documentation for fund usage
Selected Recipients Will Receive:
Mentorship
From industry professionals
Production Guidance
Check-ins and ongoing support throughout production
Equipment Access
Access to equipment/resources where available
Showcase Opportunity
Present completed work at an Ohio Film Futures screening
Application Materials
Youth Track Application
- Script or concept
- Short video or written pitch
- Basic budget + plan
- School Leader & Teacher recommendation
Emerging Track Application
- Script
- Production plan
- Detailed budget
- Business documentation
- Portfolio
Sustaining the A.C.T.I.O.N. Generation Fund
Grants & Sponsorships
Apply for arts grants and secure corporate partnerships.
Fundraising Events
Host annual galas, luncheons, workshops, and community film screenings.
Crowdfunding
Launch campaigns targeting supporters of independent film.
Membership Program
Offer exclusive content and recognition for donors.
Creative Workforce Studio & Media Arts Lab
Building the Future of Ohio's Creative Workforce
Ohio Film Futures is expanding beyond seasonal programming to create a permanent Creative Workforce Studio & Media Arts Lab in Columbus, Ohio. This innovative space will serve as a year-round hub where young people can learn, create, collaborate, and prepare for careers in film, television, digital media, podcasting, content creation, and emerging creative industries.
For many students, talent is not the barrier. Access is.
The Creative Workforce Studio & Media Arts Lab will provide the equipment, mentorship, professional training, and industry exposure that too many young people never have the opportunity to experience.
WHY IT'S NEEDED
Talent Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not.
Central Ohio's creative economy continues to grow, yet many young people have limited access to professional media equipment, industry mentors, production experiences, and career pathways.
Currently, Ohio Film Futures operates primarily through seasonal and temporary programming. A permanent home will allow us to serve more students, more consistently, and with greater impact.
The Creative Workforce Studio & Media Arts Lab will transform Ohio Film Futures from a summer experience into a year-round workforce development initiative that prepares the next generation of filmmakers, editors, producers, writers, content creators, and media professionals.
Showcase & Sponsorship Benefit
Following our Red Carpet Screening and Family Reception on July 30, 2026, Ohio Film Futures, in partnership with Honest Work Studios and Columbus Center of Entrepreneurial Development (CoED), will host our Student Showcase & Sponsorship Benefit on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11am–1:30pm.
This event is a pivotal step in expanding our impact, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters to help transition Ohio Film Futures into a year-round program serving youth across Central Ohio.
Fundraising Goal
This investment will enable year-round programming, providing schools with essential media production support for performances and plays, as well as engaging after-school media production workshops, podcasting programs and securing a permanent Creative Workforce Studio & Media Arts Lab. Our aim is to deepen our impact and build sustainable pathways into film and media careers for youth across Central Ohio.
Our Board of Directors
Our dedicated Board of Directors brings diverse expertise and passion to guide Ohio Film Futures, ensuring our mission to empower youth through media arts is successfully achieved. Each member is committed to fostering creative opportunities and career pathways for underserved youth in Central Ohio.
Devan J. Cothran
President
Oz Leon
Vice President
Jennifer Coleman
Secretary
Derrik Pannell
Director
Christopher Strickland
Director
Cherita Marks
Director
Media Production Summer Camp
June 8 – July 30, 2026
From Script to Screen — Learn the Skills of Film Production
Open to all rising 9th–12th grade students, residing in Franklin County, Ohio. Each completing participant will earn a $1,000 scholarship. Limited space available!
Who Can Join
Rising 9th–12th Grade Franklin County High School Students
FREE Perks
No Cost Camp, Free COTA Passes*, Breakfast & Lunch provided at no cost
*Limited number
Earn a Scholarship
Each completing participant receives a $1,000 scholarship.
