Reel Works Filmmaking Labs

# Reel Works Filmmaking Labs Reel Works offers free filmmaking programs for New York City teens, built on a one-on-one mentorship model: every student is paired with a professional filmmaker who provides hands-on guidance from first pitch to final cut. Core offerings include the Documentary Lab, Narrative Lab, and a summer Animation Lab, taught at the organization's Brooklyn studio. ## What You'll Do - Create an original short film from start to finish over roughly a semester - Learn screenwriting, producing, cinematography, editing, and sound - Work one-on-one with a professional filmmaker-mentor - In the Animation Lab, explore 2D and 3D animation with industry tools - Screen your finished film for a public audience ## Who Should Apply NYC teens ages 14-19; no previous filmmaking experience is needed, and all programs are free. Labs run in fall, spring, and summer cycles with applications submitted online through the Reel Works site. ## Outcomes Students finish with a completed, publicly screened short film, a mentor relationship with a working filmmaker, and a portfolio piece for film school applications. Reel Works alumni have continued into film programs and industry jobs, and the organization also runs advanced fellowships and career pathways (MediaMKRS) for returning students.