Big Picture Alliance’s mission is to empower Philadelphia youth to define their own narrative through filmmaking & digital media arts. We provide transformative learning experiences and a supportive pathway for youth to have their voices heard, develop as young professionals and reach their full potential. We aim to uplift & amplify marginalized voices and cultivate a new generation of storytellers who contribute towards a more inclusive, equitable and just society.
GroundFloor Studios is a community-centered production studio that cultivates creative content and careers from the ground up. This 2000 sq ft production studio, digital media lab and screening space is home to a pathway youth media programs, paid apprenticeships, workshops, and events. Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, this accessible creative hub gives young media makers a “seat-at-the-table” with civic leaders, industry professionals, and cultural institutions. GroundFloor Studios is a unique social enterprise partnership combining the community-based youth media work of Big Picture Alliance and the industry expertise of ChatterBlast Media.
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Big Picture Alliance was founded in 1994 by Jared Martin (Actor/Director) & Jeffrey Seder (Entrepreneur) as a filmmaking apprenticeship program for underserved youth. In 2013, BPA partnered with the School District of Philadelphia to develop & implement a digital storytelling curriculum – resulting in ‘improved academic achievement and exemplary skill development’ (Rand Corp 2014). BPA then brought this programming to thousands of youth across Philadelphia through hundreds of school and community partnerships. Since 2016, BPA has developed a pathway of school, summer and workforce programs – supporting Philly youth from script-to-screen and from curiosity to careers. In 2020, BPA launched Big Picture Productions – an emmy-winning production company that creates content for clients and community partners staffed by BPA alumni. In 2023, BPA co-launched GroundFloor Studios in partnership with Chatterblast Media – community-centered production studio and workforce incubator that cultivates creative content and careers from the ground up. Since 1994, BPA has served over 10,000 youth and cultivated new generations of artists, leaders & media professionals.
TV PERSONALITY | MUSICIAN | BPA ALUMNI
Executive Producer and Founder, Maestro Filmworks
Artist | Filmmaker | Educator
BPA’s Industry Partnerships with media companies, broadcast stations, film fests, and universities provide an invaluable opportunity for our youth to explore career paths through field trips and paid apprenticeships. They offer youth a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the field, hands-on work experience, and the opportunity to share their work with industry professionals who offer feedback, inspiration, and mentorship.
BPA’s Program Partnerships with schools, city agencies, industry leaders, and cultural institutions enable us to reach youth across 10 Philadelphia zip codes. These partnerships allow us to craft digital media programs addressing the needs and aspirations of youth and communities, while providing access to a wide-range of cultural experiences across the city.
Big Picture Alliance
1315 Walnut St. Suite 133
