About Us
Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May 2009. Our program trains youth in foster care programs and other underserved youth to create, write, cast and star in their own short films. This training culminates in an annual film festival competition where we present “Movies by Kids, for Kids”. Kid in the Spotlight allow kids to express themselves through the art of filmmaking and encourages interest in careers in the movie industry, which is so prevalent in Los Angeles.
Simultaneously, the teamwork, creativity and discipline required to complete a short film helps the young participants develop a better self-image and a sense of accomplishment that will engender a greater belief in their ability to rise above their current social and economic conditions. The screenplays written by the kids in our program are registered with the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), which issues each student a certificate for their registered script.
This program is offered completely free-of-charge to the kids who participate. We shoot up to 16 short films per year at an estimated cost of $8,900 each. We rely solely on sponsors, grants and tax-deductible donations for both the operating and production budget of this amazing program. KITS is grateful to Final Draft, Inc., makers of Hollywood’s premier screenwriting program, for donating software to our organization. It is our hope that you will be compelled to support this great organization with both financial and in-kind contributions. Your contribution empowers us to empower our kids.
MISSION
To train youth ages 11-18 who are in the foster care system, and other underserved youth, to create, write, cast and star in their own 10-minute short films, culminating in an annual film festival competition where we present “Movies by Kids, for Kids”.
VISION
To create an annual film festival competition to introduce talented young writers and actors to Hollywood’s prominent casting directors, agents, producers, etc. The gala event will provide an Oscar night-like experience for the participants that along with their training may further motivate them to consider careers in the film industry.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) is to provide underprivileged youth with an introduction to and training for the art of filmmaking. This program will provide a safe environment for kids to express themselves while cultivating interest in film industry careers, which is so prevalent in Los Angeles. Additionally, it will foster teamwork, creativity and discipline resulting in better self-image and a sense of accomplishment that will engender a greater belief in their ability to rise above their current social and economic conditions in order to realize their dreams.
STRATEGY
• 20 kids, ages 11-17, divided into 4 groups of 5
• Kids attend a 10-week filmmaking workshop
• 2 days a week, 1.5-hour each session or 1 day a week , 3 hour session, Monday – Saturday
• 5 weeks of developing and writing a script using the Final Draft software
• 3 weeks of developing acting skills
• 2 weeks of film production, including the casting of each group’s script
• 5 weeks of editing classes using AVID Adobe Premiere Final Cut Pro X, working side by side with a professional film editor to learn this specialized craft that takes a keen and creative eye
• We offer 4 workshops a year at various schools or foster care facilities
• We present an annual film festival competition
• We enlist working child actors to judge the film competition and present the following awards:
– Best Film
– Best Actor
– Best Supporting Actor
– Best Story
– Best Ensemble Cast
