Big Picture Alliance’s pathway of after school, summer and workforce programs mentor marginalized 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.
Youth Media Collective is a 9-month paid fellowship that provides youth (ages 14-18) with the creative community and professional mentorship to create original 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 creative 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 Window: July 15-31
The Summer Teen Media Program is a 6-week intensive where high school students from across Philadelphia collaborate on original films from script-to-screen. Students learn screenwriting, acting, directing, cinematography, audio and editing under the mentorship of professional filmmakers. The program offers students professional development opportunities through field trips, including an opportunity to “pitch” their films to industry professionals. Students create both personal and collaborative group films and present them at a culminating community screening.
Schedule: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm | June-July
Location: Big Picture Alliance
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 (Philadelphia residents)
Stipends: Program is FREE and offers a stipend for full participation and travel
Application Window: April 1-15
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 250 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: July 15 – 31
Intro to Media Futures is a 6-week paid summer intensive where youth (ages 18-24) learn digital media production skills (screenwriting, camera, audio, lighting, editing) through producing an original documentary with a community partner under the mentorship of professionals. Upon completion, youth can then apply to Media Futures, a 9-month paid digital media workforce program that supports youth (ages 18-24) towards pursuing careers in film & media.
Schedule: Tuesday & Thursdays 9am-3pm | June-July
Location: Big Picture Alliance
Eligibility: Ages 18-24 (Philadelphia residents)
Stipends: Program is FREE and offers a stipend for full participation and travel
Application Window: April 1-15
Media Futures is a 9-month paid digital media workforce program that supports youth (ages 18-24) towards pursuing careers in film & media. Youth gain 250+ hours of hands-on training, develop portfolio websites, learn business skills, attain industry certifications (Adobe Premiere), and produce a community-based documentary film under the mentorship of professionals. Graduates are placed at paid apprenticeships with local media companies, including our own Big Picture Productions.
Schedule: Thursdays 9am-3pm | Sept – May
Location: Big Picture Alliance
Eligibility: Ages 14-18 (Philadelphia residents)
Stipends: Program is FREE and offers a stipend for full participation and travel
Application Window: July 15-31
Cinemaniacs is a film studies program where youth (ages 18-24) explore cinema’s role in their lives and society by watching and analyzing a diverse selection of historical and contemporary films, alongside reading and writing film criticism. Youth develop a deeper understanding of filmmaking’s evolution and craft through screenings, activities, and discussions with guest filmmakers. Participants then create their own zine featuring their original writings on popular cinema and Big Picture Alliance films in anticipation for their premiere at the annual Big Picture Film Fest.
Schedule: Wednesdays 4pm-6pm | Sept – May 25
Location: Big Picture Alliance
Eligibility: Ages 18-24 (Philadelphia residents)
Application Window: July 15-31
Big Picture Alliance
1315 Walnut St. Suite 133
