Youth FX is a hands-on program, based in the City of Albany, designed to empower young people ages 10-24 by teaching them the technical and creative aspects of digital film making and media production. Our primary goal is to work with diverse groups of young people from communities that have been historically under-served and in need of opportunities for training and engagement in emerging media technologies. Youth FX develops leadership, creativity, and critical thinking, through the collaborative process of digital film making and media production giving voice to the stories of young people in the capital region.

Focusing on visual storytelling, artistic expression and performance, Youth FX students create digital video projects in various genres, including documentary, narrative short fiction and public service announcements. Working with experienced media instructors, filmmakers and artists, participants learn the various aspects of digital video production such as cinematography, editing, sound, and lighting.

Youth FX primarily works with young people who reside in the South End, Arbor Hill and West Hill neighborhoods of Albany, NY, areas that have been historically under served and in need of meaningful opportunities for training and engagement in new digital media technology. The skills they are learning not only enables them to be more creative and express their ideas, but they are also valuable skills that are in high demand in today’s technology based world. Youth FX participants engage in their communities by creating documentary and short fiction films that reflect their understanding and vision of the world around them.

For some our program is a fun way to be creative with their peers, and for others it is an introduction and immersion into a potential career path. Films produced by our students have won awards and screened at major film festivals including: Sundance Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, San Francisco Film Festival, Harlem International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival.

JOIN US FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW SPACE!!!

2017 NEXT DOC PROGRAM

NeXt Doc is a five-day intensive presented by The Carey Institute for Global Good and Youth FX that will bring together emerging documentary storytellers from diverse backgrounds across the country with award-winning documentary filmmakers to learn, share, and build their skills. From concept, filming and editing, to marketing and distribution, NeXt Doc provides an intensive look into the world of documentary film from the perspective of professional producer-directors.

Our Aim is to gather a diverse community of youth filmmakers at The Carey Institute's beautiful 100-acre campus in upstate New York and provide an inspiring five days of learning, sharing and creating. Youth FX is committed to amplifying the voices of people of color through digital filmmaking and storytelling. We especially encourage women and filmmakers of color to apply.