Camp Reel Stories is a non-profit summer program designed to empower 13-18 year old women with the skills to create their own media, to view current media critically and thoughtfully, and to aspire to leadership in their field.
Camp Reel Stories is a non-profit summer program designed to empower 13-18 year old women with the skills to create their own media, to view current media critically and thoughtfully, and to aspire to leadership in their field.
-
Story
About The Project
Camp Reel Stories, a media camp for girls, is positively affecting change for better representation of girls and women in the media!
In 2014,
95% of cinematographers,
89% of screenwriters,
82% of editors,
81% of executive producers and
77% of producers
were MEN.
In both 2013 and 2014, women were only 1.9% of the directors for the 100 top-grossing films. Only 16% of decision makers in the media are women!
WITH YOUR HELP CAMP REEL STORIES WILL CHANGE THESE NUMBERS!
Camp Reel Stories empowers young women to value and nurture their own unique voice, create their own media, view current media critically and thoughtfully, and aspire to leadership in all aspects of their lives.
Camp Reel Stories is a media camp for girls ages 13-18 years old. Unlike ANY OTHER media education programs, Campers learn the entire process of filmmaking directly from top female professionals working in every aspect of the industry. Girls gain first-hand experience that their stories and ideas have value and that their audience is waiting.
Camp Reel Stories is one of the very few summer programs offer financial aid. At Camp Reel Stories we want any girl that wants to attend camp to be able to. We believe that the diversity of our campers is essential to the completion of our mission: to better represent women in the media, both behind the camera and in front of it. That means maintaining a balance of campers from many different backgrounds. The majority of funds raised in this campaign will cover the financial aid costs for any girl that wants to attend.
By contributing to our fundraising campaign, you’ll help us hit our core goals:
- Provide financial aid to all 2016 campers who request it.
- Purchase equipment to match our growing numbers and to stay technologically current.
- Continue expanding our programming in the Bay Area and launch camps in sister cities!
The History of Camp Reel Stories
Summer 2013
- CRS launched our inaugural camp in July, with the backing of 40 professional volunteers from the industry
- Over 30 young women wrote, shot and edited 6 outstanding short films over 5 days, and then presented and screened to 250+ people at the very successful Camp Reel Stories Film Festival
2014
- CRS doubled in size
- Over 60 campers produced 12 short films
2015
- CRS expands again, adding a 2-week Advanced Camp!
- Our female filmmakers produced 15 short films, 10 of which were seen in film festivals all over the country
- 5 films were accepted into film festivals around the country from NY to Portland, OR, to Sante Fe, NM
- Sleepy House, created in our Advanced Program won Best Middle School Film at the All-American High School Film Festival in NYC!
CRS is the ONLY camp of its kind, where young women gain storytelling and production skills to produce stories that reflect their unique point of view. Working in small teams of 4-6, this camp provides girls the opportunity to collaborate, produce, and broadcast their own short films through:
- Production Classes
- Media Literacy Lessons
- Leadership Workshops
But don't take our word it! This what others are saying about Camp Reel Stories
"I know first-hand what a vital effort Camp Reel Stories is for the future of the film and media industry. Last year the phenomenal attendees inspired me and I can’t wait to see how they transform film for the better for our daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and loved ones." - Brenda Chapman Academy Award winning writer and director of Brave
"This is the coolest thing ever for girls. Not only do I want to speak at it, I wish I could've gone to it when I was young!!" – Jill Culton, Feature Film Director
"Camp Reel is the place where I get to go every summer and bond with girls who get me...girls who are also really into films and stories, and more so studying the human spirit through storytelling. It's great to have an audience who gets you. " - Camp Reel Stories Camper
"I had a really great time being at camp and would love it if there were an advanced camp to continue in next year. I would love to participate year-round and help to make the camp even better than it already is." - Camp Reel Stories Camper
And this year we are growing again!
In addition to offering more spaces in both our one week boot-camp and two week Advanced Camp, we are offering a week long media lab for our advanced students to continue working on projects with their production companies and we are adding weekend workshops. There will also be planned specialty production weekend workshops!
AND we have plans to expand beyond the Bay Area. Hint, hint L.A. we are coming for you!
We set ourselves apart through the use of accessible technologies, social media, and professional mentoring. By getting their stories and ideas out into the world, CRS demonstrates to the girls that they have intrinsic value within the cultural conversation, and that the media can be democratized. With a good story and access to a little technology, their voices can easily be heard!
The camp culminates in The Camp Reel Stories Film Festival where the campers present their work to an audience of family, friends, and local supporters, including you! We believe that the finale of their camp experience is the spark of a new generation of girls and women affecting positive change within the media.This year our film festivals will be held at the California Theater in Berkeley on June 25th and July 16th so SAVE THE DATE!
Check out our young women’s films: http://campreelstories.com/films/
Camp Reel Stories is 501(c)3 which means your donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE. We even have a super cool TAX ID. #, which is Tax ID #46-1982296
Please support Camp Reel Stories and the future of female filmmaking today!
Incentives
$25
One Raffle Ticket
Each week will be raffling off some amazing things. What you ask? We have a $500 gift to AirBnB, Signed art work, and many other incredible things. We will announce on Monday what we are raffling off that Friday. How cool is that? Your donation of $25 will get you one ticket... and if you want more chances to win, you can get 5 tickets for $100.
$25
Thank You!
Thank you for supporting gender equity in the media! You can proudly sport your Camp Reel Stories sticker and button to show that you are helping mentor the next generation of female filmmakers.
$30
Thank You Coffee Set!
No film can be made with out caffeine! Get a Camp Reel Stories set of a Travel Coffee Mug and a Camp Reel Stories patch to sport wherever you choose! So you can always be caffinated and ready to create films where girls are the center of the story!
$75
Week Pass to the Factory
Your donation will get you one whole week to work in the newest and coolest co-working spot in the Bay Area. How do we know it's the coolest, because it's where our offices are too! The Factory 510 is located in San Leandro. Work in a creative space designed for the work you do, with great amenities. Enjoy superspeed internet, as well as free coffee and snacks.
Claimed: 2 of 5
$100
Think Tote!
A limited edition Camp Reel Stories Tote Bag to haul your film gear, media literacy books, or whatever you want around. Show the world you are doing your part to close the gender gap in the media!
Sold Out!
$100
5 Raffle Tickets
Enjoy 5 raffle tickets to our weekly raffle filled with great prizes!
$100
Digital Download or DVD from Camp Reel Stories
Every film at Camp Reel Stories is 100% written, shot, edited and produced by young women! For just $100, you can get your own digital download or DVD of one of these films that you can screen for your friends and family who want to support the next generation of female filmmakers. Your donation will get you a film of your choice freshly pressed onto a digital download or a DVD! Have your own copy of your favorite Camp Reel stories film all yours to keep and share.
Claimed: 3 of 20
$150
Media Literacy
We are rolling out programs for adults and you can be one of the first to participate in our Media Literacy Workshop. This will happen in the fall of 2016.
$150
'Brave' Signed Program from the Academy Awards
This limited gift will get you a 'Brave' booklet signed by Academy Award winning Brenda Chapman. This unforgettable movie catapulted her as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. You can have this awesome piece of female filmmaking history.
Claimed: 0 of 6
$200
Be a Star!
Your donation will get you some camera time in a walk-on role in one of our Camp Reel Stories films!
Claimed: 2 of 5
$500
Send a Girl to Camp!
Your generous donation sends a girl to our one week bootcamp. For your generosity you will receive a Producer credit in the Camp Reel Stories films, Two tickets to our Camp Reel Stories Film Festival plus a limited edition Camp Reel Stories flash drive loaded with all 2016 films ready to view.
Claimed: 9 of 30
$750
Editing Workshop
Join one of our awesome CRS board members and professional editors for 6 hours of editing help on a project or for a one on one workshop to help sharpen your own skills.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$1,000
Executive Producer
A $1000 donation gets you a CRS Gift pack (tote bag, t-shirt, thumb drive with the films), PLUS an Executive Producer Credit in the Camp Reel Stories films a special Thank You in our Film Festival credits, PLUS Four Tickets to our Camp Reel Stories Film Festival complete with VIP seating and free popcorn! See you there!
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$25
One Raffle Ticket
Each week will be raffling off some amazing things. What you ask? We have a $500 gift to AirBnB, Signed art work, and many other incredible things. We will announce on Monday what we are raffling off that Friday. How cool is that? Your donation of $25 will get you one ticket... and if you want more chances to win, you can get 5 tickets for $100.
$25
Thank You!
Thank you for supporting gender equity in the media! You can proudly sport your Camp Reel Stories sticker and button to show that you are helping mentor the next generation of female filmmakers.
$30
Thank You Coffee Set!
No film can be made with out caffeine! Get a Camp Reel Stories set of a Travel Coffee Mug and a Camp Reel Stories patch to sport wherever you choose! So you can always be caffinated and ready to create films where girls are the center of the story!
$75
Week Pass to the Factory
Your donation will get you one whole week to work in the newest and coolest co-working spot in the Bay Area. How do we know it's the coolest, because it's where our offices are too! The Factory 510 is located in San Leandro. Work in a creative space designed for the work you do, with great amenities. Enjoy superspeed internet, as well as free coffee and snacks.
Claimed: 2 of 5
$100
Think Tote!
A limited edition Camp Reel Stories Tote Bag to haul your film gear, media literacy books, or whatever you want around. Show the world you are doing your part to close the gender gap in the media!
Sold Out!
$100
5 Raffle Tickets
Enjoy 5 raffle tickets to our weekly raffle filled with great prizes!
$100
Digital Download or DVD from Camp Reel Stories
Every film at Camp Reel Stories is 100% written, shot, edited and produced by young women! For just $100, you can get your own digital download or DVD of one of these films that you can screen for your friends and family who want to support the next generation of female filmmakers. Your donation will get you a film of your choice freshly pressed onto a digital download or a DVD! Have your own copy of your favorite Camp Reel stories film all yours to keep and share.
Claimed: 3 of 20
$150
Media Literacy
We are rolling out programs for adults and you can be one of the first to participate in our Media Literacy Workshop. This will happen in the fall of 2016.
$150
'Brave' Signed Program from the Academy Awards
This limited gift will get you a 'Brave' booklet signed by Academy Award winning Brenda Chapman. This unforgettable movie catapulted her as the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. You can have this awesome piece of female filmmaking history.
Claimed: 0 of 6
$200
Be a Star!
Your donation will get you some camera time in a walk-on role in one of our Camp Reel Stories films!
Claimed: 2 of 5
$500
Send a Girl to Camp!
Your generous donation sends a girl to our one week bootcamp. For your generosity you will receive a Producer credit in the Camp Reel Stories films, Two tickets to our Camp Reel Stories Film Festival plus a limited edition Camp Reel Stories flash drive loaded with all 2016 films ready to view.
Claimed: 9 of 30
$750
Editing Workshop
Join one of our awesome CRS board members and professional editors for 6 hours of editing help on a project or for a one on one workshop to help sharpen your own skills.
Claimed: 0 of 2
$1,000
Executive Producer
A $1000 donation gets you a CRS Gift pack (tote bag, t-shirt, thumb drive with the films), PLUS an Executive Producer Credit in the Camp Reel Stories films a special Thank You in our Film Festival credits, PLUS Four Tickets to our Camp Reel Stories Film Festival complete with VIP seating and free popcorn! See you there!
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
Esther Pearl - Founder/ Executive Director
Esther Pearl is the founder and Executive Director of Camp Reel Stories. She received her Bachelor’s in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego and her M.B.A. in Sustainable Management from The Presidio Graduate School. She spent 15 years working in Production Management in the entertainment Industry. The majority of Esther’s film career was spent at Pixar Animation Studios where her feature film credits include Academy Award winning films The Incredibles, Wall-e and Monsters, Inc. Her other credits include Titanic, Starship Troopers, Armageddon and What Dreams May Come. Esther has been honored for her contributions to Bay Area Women in Film, Television, and Media by the San Francisco Women’s Film Institute. She was also a semi-finalist for the Echoing Green Fellowship awarded to a social entrepreneur addressing urgent issues in society today. Esther is on the Advisory Board for Go Girls!, A member of the Alliance for Girls and she was a founding board member and the former President of Bay Area Girls Rock Camp.
Esther believes in the power of great storytelling to create social change.
Heidi Cregge Cabra – President of the Board
Heidi Cregge Cabra is the founder and director of the School of Digital Media at Oakland School for the Arts, and former co-chair of OSA's School of Visual Art. She has B.F.A in Film from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.F.A. in Visual Effects Programming from Savannah College of Art and Design. She is passionate about her teaching in critical media studies and production, and devotes her extra time to supporting Camp Reel Stories, a media literacy and production camp for girls that works to inspire young women to follow careers in filmmaking.
Penny Krueger – Co-President of the Board
Penny Krueger is a film and video editor. She is the senior editor at Eleven Inc. in San Francisco. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in film and in recreation administration. Penny has been editing for the past 12 years prior to editing, she worked for several youth programs including summer camps and year round science camp.
Pamela Darrow - Vice President of the Board
Pamela Darrow is a 14 year Pixar veteran, Pam has been a project manager of production teams for seven feature-length films and two shorts, including Academy Award Winning films Brave, Up, Ratatouille, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo. What she most enjoys is building teams that fire on all cylinders to produce astounding artistry, while staying within budgetary and schedule parameters. She finds incredible satisfaction in supporting teams of technical and creative artists, fostering collaboration from the early storyboards and conceptual designs to attaining the visual goals of a film, worthy of the big screen. Superpowers that Pam has gained along the way include brainstorming strategic solutions, herding artists, and the ability to work cohesively with any personality type to get the job done.
In reflecting back on the mentors she has had along the way, Pam aims to pay it forward by sharing organizational, strategic, and film-making skills with younger generations, who are ready to show the world their visionary and leadership capabilities. When practicing work-life balance, Pam enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, day-dreaming about traveling, making a mess in the kitchen, hosting dinner parties, watching movies, hiking, reading, binge-watching long-format shows, and honing her amateur instagram skills.Paula Smith Arrigoni - Treasurer
Paula Smith Arrigoni is Youth Speaks’ Chief Operating Officer, directing finance, HR and operations, and the BNV Network Initiative, Youth Speaks’ multi-year organizational development and field-building program. Paula also plays an active role in managing strategic partnerships and supporting the execution of high priority programs.
Paula first began working with Youth Speaks a decade ago as a loan officer at Nonprofit Finance Fund, becoming an enthusiastic supporter. She went on to serve in the roles of lead consultant and Associate Director for NFF’s Northern California Program, directing large initiatives funded by The California Wellness Foundation, Bank of America and Blue Shield of California Foundation, which provided strategic financial management services to community clinics, women-focused organizations, domestic violence service providers, and many other types of nonprofit organizations. In addition to her positions with NFF, Paula has served as an independent consultant to small and mid-size nonprofits in finance and strategic planning, Grants Manager for Women’s Community Clinic, and Financial and Programs Analyst/Presidential Management Fellow for the US Department of the Treasury, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. Paula holds a B.A. in sociology and an M.A. in urban planning, with an emphasis in community development, from UCLA. She is a Zen warrior with a balance sheet and enjoys coaching nonprofit professionals about business planning and management issues. She currently serves on the Board of Camp Reel Stories and is the proud mamma of four kids.
Kelli Lundy - Secretary
Kelli Lundy received her Bachelor's of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a major in Film and Digital Media. She has been working in the entertainment industry for 6 years and loves working as an art or set decoration department coordinator for film and television productions. Her most favorite projects include Chasing Mavericks, Fruitvale Station, and Blue Jasmine.
Anne Smith
Anne Smith has a B.A. in English from Northwestern University. She teaches film, animation, photography, and English in the Piedmont Unified School District. Anne has been a producer during the 2013, 2014, and 2015 summer sessions of Camp Reel Stories.
Joy Breed
Joy Breed is a senior IT leader with more than 20 years experience improving processes, building and managing teams in both matrixed and non-matrixed environments, delivering strategic projects, IT support and enterprise technology implementation. As a woman in leadership roles in a profession largely dominated by men and also someone with a passion for the arts and media - Joy is extremely excited to be a member of the Camp Reel Stories Board to help promote its mission of training young girls to be knowledgeable, confident leaders who will shape the future of gender equality through the power of media.
Niema Jordan
Niema Jordan is a journalist and filmmaker from from Oakland, Calif. Inspired by her love of storytelling and magazines, she attended Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. In 2008, Jordan graduated with a bachelor’s in Magazine Journalism and African-American Studies. Her work has appeared in various publications including ESSENCE, Ebony, KQEDArts and Oakland Local.
Niema Jordan will receive a Master of Journalism (Documentary Film) and Master of Public Health (Health and Social Behavior) from the University of California, Berkeley in 2016. Recently, her documentary thesis "Oasis" won the Spike Lee Student Filmmaker Award at the 38th Denver Film Festival.
Jan Miller Corran
Jan Miller Corran produced her first film in 1995. She ha gone on to produce over 20 documentaries, shorts and feature films. She is currently in pre-production for a film she has written and is producing. Jan grew up in Iowa and moved to California nearly 30 years ago. She was a nearo-psychologist and gerontologist by trade but her passion lies in filmmaking. In addition, she owns More Than Friends Film Funding, Inc, a not for profit crowdfunding business dedicated to assisting in raising donations for women driven films. Jan lives in Oakland.
-
Media
Videos
Images
-
Community
Supporters
Followers