Fresh Films partners with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Produce Feature Film By Teens to Benefit BGCA

CHICAGO, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The nation's largest youth film initiative, Fresh Films, and the nation's top youth charity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), are giving teens the opportunity to produce a feature film that will debut nationwide and help to further Boys & Girls Clubs of America's' mission of enabling all young people to fulfill their potential.

Fresh Films and Boys & Girls Clubs of America share a commitment to creating programming and support networks for youth. Both BGCA and Fresh Films recognize that by providing young people with high yield learning opportunities, they can effectively utilize those experiences as adults to create a great future for themselves and their communities.

"We want to support youth to be the best they can be year-round," noted Frank Sanchez, vice president, sports, entertainment and alumni development, BGCA.  "We're proud to be a part of this initiative and think it's the perfect way for teens to have a fun and meaningful experience over their summer break."

Now through June, teens from Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States can apply online at: www.fresh-films.com for their opportunity to work on one of the sixteen all-youth film crews creating The Stream, a coming of age feature film. This opportunity is open to current members of Boys & Girls Clubs and any teen age 13-19. Teens will be selected from those that apply and placed on all-youth film crews. They will work with celebrities and film pros to make movie magic.  Participating celebrity talent will be announced at a later date.

The Stream, will debut nationwide, where millions across America can purchase, download, rent and share the film. A large portion of the revenue generated from the film will support Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

BGCA is working to combat the high school dropout crisis, where more than 7,000 teens dropout of high school every day. This epidemic claims one million kids each year – 25% of all teens. 

Fresh Films and BGCA's top priority is to inspire teens everywhere to graduate from high school, but equally important is to increase public awareness of the dropout crisis and to offer community-based solutions like local Clubs to combat it. 

"We're creating a film to bring attention to a very serious issue that all of America should be supporting. Youth are our future, and this film is an opportunity for youth to gain real-world skills and know they can be successful.  It's also a chance to show that we believe in their potential and their futures by simply renting or watching a movie," added Estlin Feigley, Fresh Films' Executive Film Director.

ABOUT FRESH FILMS

Since 2004 Fresh Films has been giving thousands of youth from cities coast to coast the chance to put their creativity and their confidence to action by creating films and documentaries that premiere nationwide. Fresh Films is more than just movie magic, it's about inspiring youth to realize their potential and see that any dream is within their reach - all through the lens of film, technology and art.  Fresh Films is produced by Dreaming Tree Films & Foundation.  For more information visit: http://www.dreamingtreefoundation.org or http://www.fresh-films.com

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens.  Today, nearly 4,000 Clubs serve 4.1 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country. Children and families of the U.S. Armed Services receive Club programs and support through BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers located on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

ABOUT THE STREAM

The Stream is a coming-of-age kids & family film set in 1982 – a time when the computer was named "Man of the Year" and when kids ran to their friend's house just to catch the newest music video.  Our film follows 11-year old Ernest, the newest of the new kids – as he looks to find his place, avoid bullies, adjust to mom's new full time job and his ultimate quest… to capture the flag. "The Stream" will be produced on the East coast by over 200 teenagers this Summer 2012.  More information on the film is online at http://www.fresh-films.com

SOURCE Fresh Films