16 May Philadelphia Organization Spotlight: Big Picture Alliance

BY ANDRE CHERRY

The cinéSPEAK Journal publishes a monthly Philadelphia Organization Spotlight highlighting a  local film or moving image focused organization, business, or collective doing unique and  impactful work.  

While the film industry has historically been inaccessible to people of color, Big Picture Alliance uses filmmaking as a tool to help amplify BIPOC voices. Its mission is to “uplift underrepresented stories, amplify marginalized voices, and cultivate a new generation of storytellers who contribute towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just society.” 

Big Picture Alliance provides various filmmaking experiences to Philadelphia youth to help them create their own stories through digital media. The organization offers a supportive space for youth to feel heard and respected. They are also currently planning a summer film festival that is created specifically for young people. All these experiences enable young Philadelphia filmmakers to flourish and grow into future successful members of society.

cinéSPEAK asked Aleks Martray, Executive Director of Big Picture Alliance, about the organization’s goals, available opportunities for young filmmakers, and its upcoming partnership to bring a creative incubator to Philadelphia. 

cinéSPEAK: What are some of the programs or opportunities at Big Picture Alliance that folks can get involved in?

Big Picture Alliance: Big Picture Alliance’s pathway of after school, summer, and workforce programs provide Philly youth access to digital media tools, creative community, and professional mentorship, empowering them to define their own narrative from script to screen and [from] curiosity to careers.

The various program offerings can be found here. 

cinéSPEAK: What is unique about your organization within the Philadelphia landscape? 

BPA: For over 30 years, Big Picture Alliance has been empowering youth through free filmmaking and digital media programs across Philadelphia. Big Picture Alliance’s pathway of school, summer, and workforce programs annually serve over 250 youth (ages 12-24) across 10 zip codes.

cinéSPEAK: Do the students produce their own films? 

BPA: Every year youth produce hundreds of films that amplify their voices and uplift their communities, exploring personal themes and partnering with community organizations to address social issues impacting their lives.

cinéSPEAK: Are there any details of any upcoming Big Picture Alliance events? 

BPA: The 2023 Big Picture Film Festival will take place on Thursday, June 22, 6-10 PM at One Art Community Space in West Philadelphia. The festival will premiere films produced by youth from across Philadelphia through Big Picture Alliance. This year’s screening will feature over 12 films exploring the theme “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” including the premiere of an environmental justice docuseries produced in partnership with the Philadelphia Orchard Project.

The Big Picture Film Fest is free to attend. Tickets can be found here. 

cinéSPEAK: What inspired Big Picture Alliance to run its own film festival? 

BPA: This annual screening event is created by and for Philly youth as a platform to uplift marginalized voices and build community including: filmmaking workshops, musical guests, and discussions between young filmmakers, civic leaders, and industry professionals.

cinéSPEAK: What is one thing the general public might not know about Big Picture Alliance? 

BPA: Big Picture Alliance’s Media Futures is a 12-month paid workforce program that prepares youth (ages 18-24) for careers in the film & media industry while producing films that amplify their voices and uplift their communities. Alumni are placed at 4-6 month paid apprenticeships with some of the top film & media companies in Philadelphia including: Maestro Filmworks, ChatterBlast, Loaded Pixel, All Ages Productions, Jtwo Films, and Penn Medicine.

cinéSPEAK: What impact do you hope your organization has in the Philadelphia community? 

BPA: We believe storytelling can transform lives and communities through building confidence, developing social connections, teaching professional skills, amplifying voices, and even launching careers.

cinéSPEAK: What are Big Picture Alliance’s goals? 

BPA: Our short-term goals are for 100% of youth to pass digital literacy assessments, complete and present their films, graduate, and enter the workforce or college. 

cinéSPEAK: What are Big Picture Alliance’s long-term goals? 

BPA: We aim to transform perceptions of Philly youth and the policies impacting their lives, and contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry where BIPOC voices hold power from script to screen.

cinéSPEAK: Is there anything exciting that is upcoming for Big Picture Alliance?  

BPA: In partnership with ChatterBlast Media, Big Picture Alliance will co-launch GroundFloor Studios in June 2023. GroundFloor Studios is a community-centered production studio in the heart of Philadelphia, made for creatives by creatives as an accessible space where makers of all ages and backgrounds can access the tools, mentorship, and community to amplify their voices and pursue careers in the creative economy.

cinéSPEAK: Where will GroundFloor Studios be housed? 

BPA: GroundFloor will serve as a creative workforce incubator, cultivating community-driven content and careers from the “ground up.” Located on the first floor of the Philadelphia Building, its proximity to city hall, cultural institutions, and production companies will give youth and community members a “seat at the table,” accessing professional networks and the opportunity to present their work to civic and industry leaders.

cinéSPEAK: Is there anything else you would like us to know about the Big Picture Alliance?

BPA: We believe young Philadelphians can become an asset to their communities and society as storytellers, using their skills to uplift and amplify the voices of community-based groups, organizations, and movements. 

cinéSPEAK: What is the best way for people to stay up-to-date on your organization’s work? 

BPA: Follow us on social media and Join our newsletter. 

*Featured Image: Image of youth from Big Picture Alliance’s Media Futures workforce program on set. Image credit: Aleks Martray.

Would you like your organization to be featured in a future spotlight? Please fill out the  Philadelphia Organization Spotlight form. The cinéSPEAK Journal maintains sole discretion over  the publishing of any information provided via the form. Questions: journal@cinespeak.org.

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Andre Cherry’s love of storytelling compels him to create art. He is a cinéSPEAK Fellow, background actor, and writer. His screenplays have placed within the Austin Film Festival and Stowe Story Labs. Andre, who originally hails from the Chicagoland area, quickly grew to love Philadelphia after moving to the area in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Illinois State University.