Central PA's Film Commission partners with online platform to build a stronger community

 Central PA's Film Commission partners with online platform to build a stronger community

Written by: Staff Writer

The Central Pennsylvania Film Commission is on the lookout for talented filmmakers and production professionals eager to connect with top-tier productions with the help of Crewvie. This unique cutting-edge platform allows film production professionals to search for crew members who are ready to work. 

Register today at crewvie.com/community/cpfc and join the future of the film industry!

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Claiming The Mic: This Podcast Has Sumum To Say

Claiming The Mic: This Podcast Has Sumum To Say

Written by: Staff Writer

Subject matter from the Black perspective – yeah, we heard it before. Commentary from the Black female gaze – nothing new, right? So, what in the world of blackity blackness makes The Black Boardroom (podcast) so different when everybody and their mama has one? Glad you asked. 

The Black Boardroom podcast is brought to you by The Black Boardroom Collective. The group started as three Black women and two Black men who brought their own unique experiences and opinions to the (virtual) table. After a few iterations of getting the podcast off the ground, it is now the three ladies who occupy the space – in person. Meet Brittney Ross, Nakita Long, and Ebone Turner-Cox, and new to the group, producer/creative partner, A.C. the MaYoR, as the official Collective of The Black Boardroom podcast.

 

“The Black Boardroom was birthed out of the frustration and anxiety I felt from being in predominantly white spaces that attempted to address inclusion and belonging but kept getting it wrong and ultimately causing deep harm”, says Brittney, the creator of The Black Boardroom podcast and founder of the Collective. “Last year, I went to the homies and explained the concept of the podcast, and they all said yes. All four of those instant yeses not only warmed my spirit but confirmed to me that we were all experiencing the same thing, and this was indeed a necessity. So here we are.” 

Make no mistake about it, this group is truly unique: Ebone’s background as a business owner, fashion brand creator, spoken word artist, and as a health, government, and nonprofit professional; Nakita’s background as a health and wellness expert, fitness competitor, and experience in criminal justice, government, and domestic violence advocacy; Brittney’s background as a racial and social justice leader, aspiring author, afro liberation advocate, and experience in nonprofit executive leadership; and A.C.’s background as a creative and visual director, professional and creative writer, and passionate storyteller carries the potential to elevate conversations of the culture to new dimensions.

The tagline of the Collective is, “The Black Boardroom is a set collective of Black folks who ‘got sumum to say’, record it, and post it!” This was loosely taken from Andre 3000’s famous statement at the 1995 Source Awards, “The South got something to say…”. Just as much as our prolific poet of a brother meant that proclamation as a battle cry in response to the hostility in the room while acknowledging the rising impact of his beloved city, The Collective is declaring the same thing for themselves. What you will get from the podcast is raw and purposeful conversation with an air of levity that exemplifies the nuance of Blackness with respect to the culture and its people. 

Now, make room because it is only up from here for The Black Boardroom. The Collective and the podcast are going to levels that you may not be ready for – but they are. Don’t believe them, just watch!

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If you enjoy our content and would like to support our website and Youtube Channel, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and growing our platforms. 

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A Non-Profit Breathes Life Into Documentary By Giving Students A Voice Post Pandemic

A Non-Profit Breathes Life Into Documentary By Giving Students A Voice Post Pandemic

Written by: Staff Writer

When an organization wants to gain clarity about a specific topic, creating a program for a particular demographic to be seen and heard is the assignment. HERO; a non-profit based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that services Black youth and people of color; understood that very assignment and created an opportunity in 2022 for students to share their experience, post-pandemic.

Founder Chiwishi Joy-Abney noticed how much air time adults received due to the many deficits that COVID-19 caused. Being a mother of two, Joy-Abney also saw how her two daughters and their peers were impacted by COVID-19. Joy-Abney knew how necessary it would be to carve out a moment in time for Black students and POC to verbalize their pandemic experiences. Social distancing, remote learning, and systematic racism were all pockets that created unfair circumstances and many Black youth and POC are still healing from it. Still, light always shines bright at the end of every tunnel.

 

On January 15, 2023, HERO will premiere its first documentary entitled: Young and Black : Post Pandemic; at the Hyatt House in Philadelphia. On this evening students will celebrate surviving the pandemic. Students will also have the opportunity to acknowledge all of their individual and collective accomplishments with big prom-style energy and HERO will also be awarding ten new students the Virgil James Sr. HERO Scholarship Award. It is no surprise how devasting the past two years have been for everyone, but more importantly Black youth and POC and in 2023 it is time to listen, learn and heal because young people are depending on it. 

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If you enjoy our content and would like to support our website and Youtube Channel, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and growing our platforms. 

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Rule Number One, Life's Best Teacher Is Experience ~ Signed, Debatable Decisions Podcast

Rule Number One, Life's Best Teacher Is Experience

~ Signed, Debatable Decisions Podcast

Written By: Staff Writer

📷 Connie Cobbs

Making great decisions is an art form.

Hidden gems in their respected industries such as Mark Madden (Madman Promotions), Alvin Whitney (Emmy Sports Award Winner), Big Guy (recording artist), Mike B (Prince of Fashion) Taj Lewis (CBS Sports Senior Production Manager), and several other guests who made a positive impact during season one of Debatable Decisions Podcast are constant reminders of why this recipe works. Each guest provided genuine and honest conversation about their life experiences, which was very therapeutic and inspiring for all involved, and hosts Corey Scales, Quetee Pie, and A.C. the MaYoR relished in every perspective given. 

Now, with 14 episodes uploaded (YouTube/Spotify/Apple Podcasts) Corey Scales, Quetee Pie, and A.C. the MaYoR are ready to end the season on an all-time high. If episodes 1-14 provided anything to viewers of all ages, hopefully, it was the enjoyment of witnessing healthy dialogue accompanied with great understanding. The season finale will be no different; it will provide so many different perspectives because all three hosts and the special guest are certainly going to feed your soul.

Binge Here 📱

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If you enjoy our content and would like to support our platform, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button which is located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and supporting other creatives.
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Here Is Why It Is Important For The Youth To Produce F.A.C.T.S.

Here Is Why It is Important For Our Youth To Produce F.A.C.T.S. 

📷 John Bivins

Written By Ms. Que aka Quetee Pie

Many times the best way to tell a story is, to begin with, a quote, so I share with you a quote from William James. “Belief creates the actual fact”, which is how the story begins.

It all started with a belief that the amazing city of Harrisburg houses an abundance of talent in its under-resourced communities and the simple fact that the usage of art is the key in framing a viable space to cultivate this idea. The evening of August 25, 2022, I had the extreme pleasure of seeing this belief turned fact come to fruition. Facts (as our students would say)!

No really, FACTS! That's the name of the game! Film, Art, Culture and Tourism Specialist. FACTS is a non-profit program committed to creating a space to service under-resourced communities utilizing art programming. It engages its participants in activities that force them to think ‘outside of the box’. Most importantly it is committed to invoking a strong focus on the 4C’s: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity as people of all ages take part in project-based learning. The design is structured to provoke a continuum, where the youth will be trained in the arts and adults will obtain jobs in the arts.

I know I said a mouthful, so back to the story. That magical evening, I entered the Whitaker Center in the downtown sector of Harrisburg, where I first encountered a V.I.P. room full of mingling stakeholders. I mention this, because this is where the magic happens; community building and programming, which birth phenomenal programs such as FACTS. The second noticeable happening, were the visibly proud parents, family members, teachers, etc. shuffling through the door to see their children soon to perform. All recipes for the exposure of local artists and aspiring creatives of Harrisburg city.

As I finally get to my seat, for the grand finale or the 7 Experiences (ST(E)AM Camp/1 Collaborative Outcome, I wonder how can they possibly showcase all of the program’s components from a stage. I mean, the program had seven sessions: Direct Connect (film/production), Trade-OFF Program (trade meets film set), The Broadcast Clinic (ins and outs of live broadcasting), The Culinary Clinic (film meets food), The Production Clinic (music and film meets engineering), The Performance Clinic (speaks for itself), and The Ultimate Spin Basketball Camp (ST(E)AM meets basketball). However, history has taught us, if anyone can unify all of the arts from a mere stage, it’s Johntrae Williams.

The grand finale’s ingenious setting was a telethon encompassing local talent performing to raise money for the FACTS program. I mean, how creative is that? Throughout the evening, I had the sheer enjoyment of watching children of all ages tap into ways of learning that most of our schools have forgotten about, today. Every participant had a role. For example, our emcee for the evening was also the same young lady to interview D.L. Hugley during the clinics. A part of the showcase was also a huge monitor, streaming video footage of all the components of the 7 Experiences. Truly, it was a joy to watch local talent in the roles of producers, singers, dancers, violinists, film-makers, etc. The music video was exceedingly impressive, as I experienced a first, an actual music video produced, directed, filmed and performed by the FACTS participants.

This very day, September 15, 2023, a call to action presents itself; donors, stakeholders, and citizens of the great city of Harrisburg, here is an opportunity to buy-in. In October 2022, the highly-regarded producer/actor, Samuel L. Jackson will be returning to Broadway, and FACTS wishes to, as well. They are gearing up for their second installment of the Direct Connect and Production Clinic. The goal is to raise enough funds for its students to pack up their talents and reveal them on Broadway.

Johntrae knew this fact, art has a circuit in every aspect of the world, including the hearts of youth. By tapping into that circuit you open up a wealth of knowledge, culture, and success.

Learn more about the Direct Connect and Production Program at

factspa.com

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If you enjoy our content and would like to support our website and Youtube Channel, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button which is located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and growing our platforms.

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Harrisburg Native Breathes Air Into His Hometown With STEAM Summer Camp Clinics

Harrisburg Native Breathes Air Into His Hometown With STEAM Summer Camp Clinics

I'm more focused on giving solutions and inspiration, more than anything

 ~ Nipsey Hussle

Written by Staff Writer

On July 25, 2022, Johntrae Williams, founder of F.A.C.T.S (Film, Arts, Culture & Tourism Specialist) birthed a new STEAM Camp that would give a group of students an experience of a lifetime. Students who participated in this STEAM Camp learned the many different facets that the film industry encompasses. Having community partners such as the Handles Foundation, LifeThruMusic, Coexist Space; Direct Connect and Trade-Off clinics made it possible for students to receive a hands-on experience, by bringing "Hollywood to Harrisburg". Let's take a glimpse at the level of engagement that the students, staff, and community partners embodied this summer.

Real-Time Camera Work @ Direct Connect Clinic 

Scarface Farewell Tour Presented By Handles & Sampson Entertainment

Students Learn The Importance Of Meal Prep

@ Culinary Clinic

Craft Services with Life Thru Music

The Essence Of Hair & Makeup 

@ Cosmetology Clinic

From Eden Salon

Every Student Has A Voice 

@ Music Production Clinic

Music Man Multimedia with Life Thru Music

Focusing The Frame @ Direct Connect Clinic

D.L. Hughley Comedy Show Presented By Handles & Sampson Entertainment

Bon Appetit @ Culinary Clinic

Craft Services with Life Thru Music

It's All About The Eye @ Direct Connect

14th Annual Cultural Festival Featuring Dru Hill

F.A.C.T.S is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to creating sustainable space for arts programming that serves chronically under-resourced communities.

Stay Connected

@LevelsReadyEnt

#LevelsReadyEnt

#CultureCreatesClass

If you enjoy our content and would like to support our website and Youtube Channel, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button which is located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and growing our platforms.

We appreciate your support ~✌🏾 👑's

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May your next move be your best move ~ Signed, Debatable Decisions Podcast

May your next move be your best move ~ 

Signed, Debatable Decisions Podcast

Written By: Staff Writer

📷 Connie Hobbs

Providing content that generates conversations, increases cultural understanding, and pushes the needle instead of pulling it has always been the catalyst behind Levels Ready Entertainment telling stories of individuals and collaborating with entities with the same nichè. This part of our journey is unforgettable because a concept hit our algorithm that will help create an oratory experience in 2022 that also checked all of our boxes on why we create content that you just read in the previous sentence.

📷 Levels Ready Ent

There comes a time in a person's life when he or she makes a decision to finally bet on themselves, despite how unfamiliar that feeling feels or the anxiety that is sometimes attached to this action. For Corey Scales, owner of You&Eye Entertainment, that decision was made twice. The first time happened in 2017 when Corey chose to step back from everything and almost everyone to make sense of his past to manifest a "Prolifik" future for himself. For the next four years, Corey's main focus would be loving on his family and watching an industry innovate thanks to YouTube University. The second time happened in 2021, when Corey realized his voice is his vehicle, and every consequence in his life actually established profound wisdom that would help save many in the village and tribe. Instead of tearing down his community and those around him, Corey's consequences were restructured to become bold proclamations of experiences that would provide wisdom to uplift the village and tribe, this is important, especially when building spiritually.

📷 Tyresha Vaughan - Blanding

Now, hopefully, you are already hip to the Debatable Decisions Podcast, but if not, it's all good. This is the concept created by Corey Scales that Levels Ready Ent. had to not only keep on our algorithm but yours as well. Debatable Decisions Podcast is a platform that enables show hosts Corey Scales, QueteePie, and A.C. the MaYoR the opportunity to laugh, love, and learn amongst one another. It also gives guests like Grammy-nominated multi-platinum music producer Agenee, business owner Avery Cloud Jr., and the Prince of Fashion himself, Mike B, and others the opportunity to share their life's experiences with an audience who loves culture and is empathic to language. We all know how to make decisions, but making a great decision is an art form, and we are glad Corey Scales decided to live in his purpose and allow Levels Ready Ent. the ability to educate through entertainment with the Debatable Decisions Podcast. And as a content-based family, we all hope you enjoy season one.

To watch the first episode of Debatable Decisions Podcast ft. Mike B. "The Prince of Fashion" click here  (and like the page lol).

Stay Connected

@LevelsReadyEnt

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If you enjoy our content and would like to support our website and Youtube Channel, you can do so by clicking our Donate Button which is located at the top-right side of this page. Proceeds will go towards improving production, creating more dope content, and supporting other creatives. 

We appreciate your support ~ ✌🏾👑's

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