Smp Rise

Most of our participants are alumni of other great programs that don't create productions. SMP Rise produces micro-productions as a way of providing opportunities. SMP Rise's goal is to be the bridge to continued training in symphony with other organizations. SMP Rise addresses a gap in foundation skills and the "next level" skills to RISE in the industry.

SMP RISE is a nonprofit organization that empowers underserved and system-impacted communities by providing workforce development focused on the art of storytelling. We help individuals gain the skills needed for sustainable careers in the film, television, and digital arts industries through education, unique mentorships, and paid apprenticeships.

To solve the problem of raising skillsets for entry into the film industry, SMP RISE offers hands-on experience through micro-productions, where apprentices learn directly from industry professionals. We also address financial barriers by offering paid apprenticeships, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This model not only provides essential training but also helps participants build their resumes with real credits and, potentially, paths to union eligibility.

Create opportunities for one-on-one mentor/apprentice engagement and interaction through seminars and by producing micro-productions where the mentor can teach the apprentice the skills and offer hands-on training.

A learn & earn model adding the financial support to learn. We provide paid apprenticeships.

Our apprentice productions will reach the screen for public viewings, film festivals, and the like, which will provide screen credit in tandem with the skill endorsement from our professional mentors as well as a solid work credit on their resume.

Union mentors for classes and workshops, mentors are key. If the apprentice shows promise the mentor has the ability to invite the apprentice to apply for a permit from the local and possibly work on a union production when the opportunity presents itself. This is when the apprentice can begin acquiring "union days" that credit towards receiving the required number of union days to become eligible for the union.

The founder has 40 years of experience in film and television and is using the network of union professionals to educate the underserved participants. Conducting union-lead classes provides a curriculum of the highest professional standards, even surpassing the curriculum of traditional film school.

1. over 40 years of industry experience
2. powerful network of union mentors as educators
3. Relationships with studios and vendors to sponsor equipment, location and services for our programing.

In the past two years we have proven that our methods of raising skillsets and connecting our participants with union mentors works.

We have educated and provided hands-on learning to over 40 participants who have gained the knowledge and the connections to gain employment at a higher level than when they entered our programs.

We have built lasting relationships with freelance employers who consistently rehire our apprentices for their freelance labor needs.

Our programs now include life skills: financial planning to navigate the freelance workforce, health and nutritional classes and workshop, mental and physical health workshops,- areas where underserved communities lack guidance and education opportunities in in these important life skills and knowledge.