Big Picture Alliance’s pathway of after school, summer and workforce programs mentor Philly youth (ages 12-24) from script-to-screen and from curiosity-to-careers. We bring professionals into classrooms and communities to teach digital storytelling through hands-on project-based programs in partnership with schools, industry leaders, and cultural institutions. Youth develop digital literacy, self-expression, social-emotional empowerment, civic engagement and 21st-Century skills through producing original films that explore their perspectives, amplify their voices and uplift their communities. They present their films through industry field trips, community screenings, and our annual film fest. We place our alumni at paid apprenticeships with media companies across the region, including our own employment social enterprise – Big Picture Productions.
Film Futures is a 9-month paid fellowship where youth (ages 18-24) produce an original narrative film from script-to-screen under the mentorship of professionals. Through 200 hours of weekly hands-on workshops youth learn screenwriting, cinematography, audio, acting, directing, and editing. In the fall, each participant develops a screenplay and pitches their film to a panel of industry professionals. One film is selected for production in the Spring where participants delegate roles and collaboratively bring the film to life. The film premieres at the annual Big Picture Film Fest in June.
Schedule: Tuesdays 10am-3pm | Sept 15, 2026 – May 25, 2027
Location: Big Picture Alliance (1315 Walnut Street, Suite 133 Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Eligibility: Ages 18-24 (Philadelphia residents)
Stipends: Program is FREE and offers a stipend for full participation
Application Due: Friday July 31st 2026
BPA’s “Via Lux” Youth Media Collective is a 9-month paid fellowship that provides youth (ages 14-18) with the creative community and professional mentorship to develop their artistic practice, produce collaborative films, and explore career paths. In the fall, youth develop fundamentals through producing their own short film from script-to-screen. In the spring, the collective produces a collaborative group film which premieres at the annual Big Picture Film Fest. Youth also have access to weekly open labs, mentorship sessions, and monthly workshops to support their artistic and professional development.
Schedule: Tuesdays 4pm-6pm | Sept 15, 2026 – May 25, 2027
Location: Big Picture Alliance (1315 Walnut Street, Suite 133 Philadelphia, PA 19107)
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 (Philadelphia residents)
Stipends: Program is FREE and offers a stipend for full participation
Application Due: Friday July 31st 2026
Big Picture Alliance
1315 Walnut St. Suite 133
