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This pre-college filmmaking class represents the writing process in a setting that acknowledges multiple forms of representation for effective communication. Students were introduced to the skills used by filmmakers and encouraged to write, script, design, edit and cast their productions for a final screening five weeks after they began their journey in the college-bound program. Evidence of their growth as writers and producers is given in their testimony to the new levels of awareness of the way in which they have improved as writers and artists. This project is a signal that the writing process can be revamped to meet the standards of media literate adolescents in the precollege environment. Academic programs that value student talent in its many forms are encouraged to give the time, expertise, and support necessary to bring the filmmaking arts to the pre-college youth in their charge.

The Media Project was created to facilitate the journey of "inner city" high school students as they learned to make their first short films. Their leader chose to enlist the support of a professional cinematographer, production manager, editor, and director, to see that the final short films are of a high quality. The six teenagers experienced the project as members of an extensive social network that consisted of Nick, the video production company that sponsored the project, the community members who provided acting talent, the professionals from the film and video community, and Grant State University that provided services for the young filmmakers. Through these people and the circles of support that they represent, the students achieved success as young filmmakers who are valued and celebrated by their elders, peers and family members. The experience of the six Black filmmaking students, in the context of an African-based family system that is created and managed by a Black male filmmaker, has many important features to be noted and studied more deeply for the potential it promises as a model of instruction for other media projects involving youth.