THE DIRK SWAIN FOUNDATION l Filmmaking Programs For Teens

Follow UsVolunteerDonate"We Give Young People A Camera. They Give Us Their Dreams."Reel Dreams Awards WinnersDEC. 7th JOIN US _ Harlem Film Festival for the " 9 Lives " Screening, 7PM l Harlem, NY l Get Tickets & DirectionsThe Dirk Swain FoundationtheDSF.orgFilmmaking Workshops For Teens

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MRATT's Music Vid Experience feat. Supa and Ashton Kutcher

ur Mission.

MRATT at Paramount Studio's in LA

The Dirk Swain Foundation aims to enhance the lives of young adults, ages 13-18, by educating them through various programs that are based on the principles of Respect, Leadership, Responsibility and Discipline. We believe that these tools are essential in hopes of today's youth becoming successful adults of the future. DSF strives for quality and excellence. We believe that human relationships are the basis for growth and change. In order to implement our growth we maintain and display respect for the individuals we serve.The Dirk Swain Foundation aims to find positive solutions for the youth we serve by providing opportunities to promote healthy social interactions and learn necessary life skills which will enable them to reach their full potential and in turn, uplift the youth of tomorrow. DSF consists of various programs such as media program workshops, mentoring, and scholarship opportunities.

ur Programs.

The "Making Room At The Top" (MRATT) workshop is dedicated to introducing youth to media communication opportunities that could change the way they think, interact with others and enhance their self esteem while stimulating their social, intellectual and spiritual growth.

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ur Supporters.

• Paramount and Sony are some of the major Hollywood Studios & Production Companies helping us give back.

• Our Volunteers include diverse working professionals in the Entertainment Industry.

• Our Teens are some of the most talented and brightest young minds that we know.

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MRATT

FREE FILM WORKSHOPS FOR TEENS

DSF

SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

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The DSF proudly produces several popular community events to raise awareness and funding for DSF programs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2012 Workshops, Programs, Specials

MRATT LOS ANGELESCheck Back For Official Dates2012 WORKSHOPS TBALocation TBA l Hollywood, CA

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DSF

REEL DREAMS AWARDS

The "Reel Dreams" Awards is an annual ceremony launched in 2011 to honor and celebrate the achievemants of MRATT's teen workshop participants.

Jalen Coleman

MRATT SPOTLIGHT

TEEN of the MONTH

Jalen Coleman is a talented 17 year old young screenwriter from Los Angeles. Jalen has participated in over a dozen MRATT filmmaking workshops and recently placed top honors in a writing contest. Jalen's focus, love and passion for writing is evident. We honored Jalen at our 2010 "Reel Dreams" ceremony and look for even greater things to come from the stories he wants to tell the world.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

VOLUNTEER

Come share your background, experience and professional guidance with our teens and help them develop a hands-on multi-media projects that you and they will be proud of.

MRATT Produces Scooter Smiff's "DUNKS" Video - Sneak Peek

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ur Mission.

The Mratt Film - TV Experience in Hollywood

When Young Minds Raise Their Voice....

The World Takes Notice

The Dirk Swain Foundation (DSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the community by educating and empowering young people (ages 13-18) on the stressors that may cause them physical, emotional or mental harm. DSF is committed to the amelioration of young lives through self-esteem building, discipline and guidance. DSF's goal is to offer each participant the opportunity to creatively, academically and socially develop their innate powers, to assist in the maturation of successful and productive citizens.DSF offers teen participants the opportunity to flourish and grow creatively, academically and socially through hands-on filmmaking workshops in: writing, directing, producing, acting, editing and camera.

ur Team.

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BoD
AD
Staff
Employment

J. Swain

Co-Founder l Executive Director

Jason J. Swain's pursuit of a film career took root in 1994, when he left the Bronx, New York and headed to Atlanta, Georgia.While attending Clark Atlanta University (CAU), he was elected President of 4 Reel Productions, the first film and television company chartered by the University. Hereceived a Kodak Film Stock Grant after being named 1997 CAU Film Festival Overall Winner for his first film "Down 4 Whatever".In 1998, he formed his own film company, Smilee Productions, Inc. The company name is in homage to his late brother Dirk who was often called Smi-Lee. Swain graduated from CAU in 1999, with a Bachelor ofArts degree in Mass Media.Two years later, he moved to Los Angeles, California to advance his film career. He then wrote and directed a stage play, "I Choose 2 Be Me" and soon after, wrote, directed, produced and starred in his Docu-drama, "City Jewelz"- based on the last days before his brother's untimely death.This filmmaker also has a passion for helping his community. In 2009, he founded The Dirk Swain Foundation (DSF). One of the programs in this non-profit organization is "Makin' Room at the Top", a Film and TV after school and summer intensive program that aims to help students learn about the Film and TV industry. On Swain's most recent project "The Dating Game", teens will be able to intern on set and shadow current industry professionals.Barbara SwainCo-Founder/Treasurerb.swain_TheDSF.orgBarbara Swain, Owner, CEO and CFO of Smilee Productions is also a Co-Founder of The Dirk Swain Foundation. Barbara has a wealth of experience and knowledge having recently retired from Citigroup after twenty-five years of experience in marketing, financialbudgeting, project management, program management, direct marketing and productionmanagement.

BoD

Board of Directors

Helping Bring The DSF Vision To Life

CFO/Treasurer/Co-Founder l Barbara SwainChair of the Board l Stefanie LeaVice Chair l Rasheen HewlettSecretary l Aliya ColvardBoard Member l Tracy Hicks

Advisory Board

Expertise Gives Voice To New Ideas

Assistant Director l Parrish Rainge Actor l K.C. Collins

Staff

Workshop Volunteer Instructors

Sharing Experience & Knowledge With Young Minds

The Dirk Swain Foundation has a talented staff with a wealth of knowledge and skills. Jamar HawkinsWorkshop InstructorParrish Rainge Production Workshop InstructorParrish began his career as a Production Assistant working on Music Videos in Atlanta. This DSF Advisory Board Member quickly moved into film and joined the Teamsters Union after working on Studio films like "Remember the Titans", "Universal Soldiers" and "The Gift." Parrish worked as a 1st Assistant Director for most of J. Swain's films until landing a long term position at Turner Broadcast Television's "NBA-TV".Lee HouseScreenwriting Workshop InstructorStory Editor/writer for the TV sitcom "One on One". Currently in talks with martin Lawrence for his new film "Man-Christmas".Alex FeldmanActing Workshop InstructorAs an actor, Alex has made Guest Starring appearances in such hit Television shows as "Law & Order", "CSI: Miami", "Cold Case", and "Without A Trace". Alex directs Film and TV as well and has been teaching Acting at John Casablancas Beverly Hills for four years.T.C. GunterScreenwriting Workshop InstructorT.C. Gunter's career in entertainment includes working in Development and Program Acquisitions for Carsey Werner and Oxygen Media and serving as a Story Analyst for Harpo Films and Duke Media. T.C. served as Associate Producer on TV One's "Vanessa Bell Calloway: In the Company of Friends" and has also written two produced short films while studying film at The American Film Institute. She is an alumni of "The Bill Cosby Screenwriting Program" at USC, and The Producers Guild of America's Inaugural "Diversity Training Program"-- where her pilot was selected by mentor Marta Kaufman (ep/creator, "Friends") as 1 of 3 projects to be developed and pitched to Network Executives. In 2008, T.C. placed first in the "Hang 10" screenwriting competition and her work has captured the attention of Fox, Showtime, and Tyler Perry Studios.Richard SamuelCamera Workshop InstructorRichard, a Director of Photography, directs, photographs and edits a monthly web series entitled, "Stage 5" at Sunset Gower Studios for New Filmmakers LA.His last film was at selected at The Sundance Film Festival.

Employment

Employment Opportunities

Internships l Staff Positions

The Dirk Swain Foundation currently has no openings. Please check back for future postings of available positions.If you are interested in interning, mentoring or volunteer positions, please contact: info_thedsf.org.

ur History

Dirk Swain, Brother, Son...HeroThe Dirk Swain Foundation was created in 2009, in remembrance of Dirk Swain, one of the nine victims of the crowd disaster at a New York City celebrity basketball event in 1991. Turning their devastating loss into a positive experience, Dirk's brother, DSF Founder Jason Swain, along with his parents and Co-Founders Barbara and James Swain, created The Dirk Swain Foundation. The Foundation established a platform to honor Dirk Swain by providing youth with an opportunity to learn the life skills and self-determination that Dirk exemplified.

Our Vision

The Dirk Swain Foundation recognizes the most successful tool in obtaining this goal is through modeling of desired behavior and is therefore committed to mentoring each participant in hopes of assisting them in meeting their own individual goals.The DSF will utilize various mediums to reach our youths. DSF's goal is to find positive solutions for the youth we serve by providing opportunities to promote healthy social interactions and learn necessary life skills which will enable them to reach their full potential and in turn, uplift the youth of tomorrow. Each One Teach One.
No Frame

Our Programs

our teens tell stories that capture who they are today.

ur Programs

About MRATT

The MRATT workshop is dedicated to introducing youth to media communication opportunities that could change the way they think, interact with others and enhance their self esteem while stimulating their social, intellectual and spiritual growth.

MRATT Los Angeles

MRATT Los Angeles offers teens in under-served communities the opportunity to meet and learn from working professionals in the entertainment community. Opportunities include: on-set visits, film workshops and studio tours.

MRATT New York

MRATT New York provides teens (13-18) with the opportunity to learn and develop their talents in the creative arts area of filmmaking. Teens receive instruction and mentoring from professionals in the Entertainment Industry.

MRATT Script Development

Story is one of the driving forces of MRATT productions. Our teen participants are encouraged to create concepts for Music Videos, PSAs, and Short Films.To futher challenge and enhance creative writing and critical thinking skills, we are now providing our talented young participants with one-on-one Script Development coaching sessions. The sessions include development notes, re-write assistance and discussions on concept, character and plot execution.

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Teen Videos

ur Screening Room

"...And Action!"

Join Us Each Month As We Spotlight Teen Filmmakers Making A Cinematic Difference.
Teen filmmaker envisions career behind cameraEvan Staley, a ninth-grader at Miami Valley School, is working on his fourth project.By Drew Simon, Contributing Writer2:30 PM Thursday, February 17, 2011BELLBROOK After winning Best Documentary at the Sundog Film Festival in Yellow Springs last spring, a local teen has his eyes on repeating that success this year.Evan Staley, 15, is a freshman at The Miami Valley School in Washington Twp., and he hopes he can use the techniques he is learning to pursue a career in film."I know I want to go into film, but I'm not sure yet if I want to do like documentaries on TV like the History Channel or if I want to go into feature films in Hollywood," Staley said.Staley's award-winning documentary, Gonzo Homecoming, which he produced with classmate Stuart Lane, did not come without controversy during its production. At a breakfast with their dads, the then eighth-graders had the idea to crash the high school Homecoming dance and film it."We didn't actually think we'd do it until the night of Homecoming," Staley said.After filming the festivities, Staley and Lane almost got away without getting caught."When I had just got off the phone with my dad for him to come pick us up, we got caught," said Staley, who along with Lane was found and punished by the upper school principal.The two were banned from school dances for a term and had to serve a detention, where they cleaned the commons area at The Miami Valley School.Although "Gonzo Homecoming" was Staley's first film to win an award, he has produced two other films. "War of the Medieval" and "War of the Medieval II: Secret of the Ancients" were written, directed and edited by Staley. It takes about a year to write the script, film the shots and edit the final product, Staley said.The freshman uses Adobe After Effects to piece together all of the clips.In 2010, Staley began working on his fourth project, called "Death Creates"."I read "The Road" over the summer and that had a post-apocalyptic theme to it," Staley said.The new film, which he hopes to complete soon, will take a look at a post-apocalyptic world through the eyes of a freshman student. After its completion, Staley plans to enter the film in Sundog this spring.Established in 2003, the Sundog Film Festival is funded by several Yellow Springs businesses, organizations and individuals.Last years event brought 82 entries from 14 schools in the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus areas, according to the festivals website. The festival features numerous categories for films including; student-produced narrative, music video, animation and documentaries.Staley already is looking into potential colleges; on his list of possibilities are UCLA, USC and NYU, each with widely respected film departments.

MRATT's Affects of Peer Pressure

MRATT's Friends dont let friends PSA

Bullying PSA - By Jalen Coleman

Friends PSA - By MRATT Teens

MRATT interviews The backstreet Boys for CHTV - short version

Kevin Hart gets interviewed by MRATT for CHTV

Celeb Interview - By MRATT Teens

Celeb Interview - By MRATT Teens

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Events

ur 2011 Workshops & Events

Check back for to see announcements on our latest workshops, events & more!

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1st Annual "Reel Dreams" Awards Show l Sept. 24, 2010 Hollywood, CA

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ur Participants.

Talented Teens (13 - 18 yrs old)
Teens involved in The DSF's "Making Room At The Top" filmmaking program represent a cross-culture of life. Often from under-served communities in the arts and socio-economically, these teens are passionate young voices in search and need of positive outlets to express their unique voices. The enthusiam, dedication and tenancity of these young talents is simply contagious!

Register Your Teens.

Join Our Next FREE Workshop
If you live in the Los Angeles area and know a teen between the ages of 13-18, interested in exploring their creative talents in filmmaking, consider having them join us for our free Weekend Filmmaking Workshops. Not only will they collaborate with other talented teams, they'll be instructed by professional mentors and learn the craft of story telling, acting, writing, producing, directing, production design and much, much more!

Volunteer Today.

Entertainment Professionals
Volunteering is a great way to give back. Come share your experience and professional guidance with our teens and help them develop hands-on multi-media projects that you and they will be proud of.Screenwriting InstructorsDirecting InstructorsProducing InstructorsActing InstructorsEditing InstructorsCamera InstructorsOne on One MentorsTo begin the Volunteer Process, please contact us at info_thedsf.org. In your email be sure to indicate: your area of interest, along with a phone number and the best time(s) to reach you.

Become A Sponsor.

Start Giving Back Today.
We are welcome to sponsorship and partnership opportunities with private donors and organizations seeking ways to become involved in a visible and highly active arts non-profit organization.Our Sponsorship opportunities include special community events that attract both teens and adults in a fun, safe, creative environment.

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Join Us _ MRATT

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Register/Volunteer

Teen Participants be sure to have your parent or Legal Guardian complete and return the Contact form and the Registration form below. Volunteers contact us for more information and current opportunities.

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Email

Particpant or Volunteer?

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Contact

Contact Us.

GENERAL INQUIRIES

info_TheDSF.org

DSF STAFF

Jason Swain: Founder & President

j.swain_TheDSF.org

Barbara Swain: Co-Founder

b.swain_TheDSF.org

Stefanie Lea: Chair of Board

s.lea_TheDSF.org

MRATT Young Oscar Awards on Sept 24th!

Rasheen Hewlett: Vice Chair

r.hewlett_TheDSF.org

Aliya Colvard: Secretary

a.colvard_TheDSF.org

Tracey Hicks: Board of Trustee

t.hicks_TheDSF.org

Reel Dreams Awards

ur Reel Dreams Awards

2010 Winners

CHTV Host Award l Otsanya Pinky DAndrade

CHTV Host Award l David Alan

Best Actress l Otsanya Pinky DAndrade

Best Supporting Actress l Kinady Lamb

Best Supporting Actor l Ethan DeCohen

Most Improved l Jonesha Willis

Most Courageous l Kinady Lamb

Most Likely To Make You Laugh l Trent Jones

Best MRATT Actor l Trent Jones

Smilee Award l Caylah Norwood

MRATT Award l Mark Anthony Garcia

Tina Allen Award l Otsanya Pinky DAndrade

Dirk Swain Foundation Award l Jalen Coleman

Best Writer/Director l Jalen Coleman

Honorable Mention l Tequiles Celestin

Honorable Mention l Caylah Norwood

Honorable Mention l Melvin Jackson III

MRATT's 1st Annual "REEL DREAMS" Young Oscar Awards Is A Success!

Teens from The DSF's "Makin' Room At The Top" premiere film program, were brought together in Hollywood on September 24, 2010 for our first Annual "Reel Dreams" Young Oscar Awards!

Hosted by Actor, Kel Mitchel ("One on One", "All That"), "Reel Dreams" is a showcase designed to highlight, celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions these talented young filmmakers earned during their participation in several

weekend-long MRATT filmmaking workshops, taking place in Los Angeles and New York.

The evening had the feeling of a star-studded, red-carpet event and was full of celebration, laughter and fun. Also in attendance was DSF Executive Director J. Swain, MRATT Volunteer Instructors and Staff, MRATTer's parents, celebrity guests and friends of The DSF. Young Hollywood is definitely on the rise!

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1st Annual "Reel Dreams" Awards Show l Sept. 24, 2010 Hollywood, CA

Message To Our Contributors

Many of you have contributed not only monetarily but your personal time, equipment and resources. Without your unselfish attitude and professionalism, the Dirk Swain Foundation would just be a dream instead of a reality. The MRATT Program has given these talented youth an opportunity to showcase today and the future. MRATT has provided the tools and the youth are running with them. Our sincere thanks and gratitude to you and your continued support.

Special Thanks

To the parents, Celebrity High Magazine, Ashton Kutcher, Time Warner, David Schiller, Nick Canon, T.C. Gunter, Kel Mitchell, BIRDS, Ethnic Expressions Home Gallery, Lionsgate, Queenstar Promotions, Prizzis Piazza, Scooter Smitt, Scratch Pad, Universal Community Development Corp/UCDVNY, Torrid, CEOTV, KMB, Motimedia.

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FRANCHIKA's "WOUNDED" [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] produced by MRATT

MRATT Young Oscar Awards on Sept 24th!

Music Video - By MRATT Teens

MRATT Promo - By MRATT

The Dirk Swain Foundation l copyright 2011 - 2014 l contact us at: info_theDSF.org

Site by DABEKA INK

MRATT's TWITTER LOVE video by Supa Creative feat. Ashton Kutcher

MRATT Young Oscar Awards on Sept 24th!

MRATT's Affects of Peer Pressure

MRATT at Paramount Studio's in LA

MRATT's TWITTER LOVE video by Supa Creative feat. Ashton Kutcher

MRATT talks about Ashton Kutcher, Audio Push, Tequan Richmond YG & others..

mratt promo_pepsi.mov

"Makin' Room At The Top" (MRATT) teaches film & TV production

Livvey Interview with Kyle Smithson

Supa Creative - Twitter Love (Feat. Ashton Kutcher)

The DSF proudly produces several popular community events to raise awareness and funding for DSF programs. These events include "Celebrity Basketball Games" and Live Music and Arts Events. If you are interested in partnering or sponsoring a DSF Community event be sure to connect with us through our contact page or on facebook or twitter.

Executive Director
Advisory Board
Board of Directors
DSF Staff

In 2 years we've held 16 workshops,
produced 23 films,
and opened dozens of minds to the infinite possibilities of creativity and imagination."

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MRATT interviews Colette Carr for CHTV

MRATT interviews School Gyrls for CHTV

Celeb Interview - By MRATT Teen

Music Video - By MRATT Teens