About Split Pillow's Youth Outreach
Split Pillow is one of Chicago's leading proponents of media literacy for youth. In an age where we obtain as much, if not more, of our information through media sources like the television, films and the internet, as we do from reading books, magazines and newspapers, it's vital that youth understand how these messages are created and distributed to them. There is no better way to educate our youth on this concept of media literacy than to provide them with hands on opportunities to create their own motion pictures. Split Pillow partners with schools, museums, libraries and other community centers to bring this very important experience to Chicago's youth. Through Split Pillow's efforts, youth are learning how to make their own movies and tell their own stories through modern technology.
PAST PROGRAMS
Media Literacy and Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: Salazar Chicago Public School
Spring 2008
CLICK HERE to watch a behind-the-scenes documentary of the program.
In May of 2008, 33 eighth grade students at Ruben Salazar Elementary embarked on a project to create their own documentary. The week long program began with Split Pillow’s Media Literacy session taught by Columbia College Faculty and Independent Filmmaker, Mary Filice. Split Pillow counselors included Corece Smith, Brendan Reynolds, and Antuan Johnson. The counselors facilitated the documentary process by accompanying the students on their field trip and allowing the students to script, film, provide voice-over, and begin editing. In the end, the students produced an exciting and educational documentary on the importance of nature conservation. English teacher Ms. Contrares and science teacher Mr. Kovach were very proud of their students.
Media Literacy and Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: Marillac House
Fall 2007
Lead Instructor: Mary Filice and Jared Holloway
Volunteer Counselors: Alaric Rocha, Adri Siriwatt, Sharon Dugan, Sarah Warner, Marc Corece Smith, Radia Hassan, Lyndsey Greer, Heather Heslup, Brandon Will25 middle-schoolers got a crash course in media literacy and spent a day making their own short films.
Media Literacy and Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: Marillac House
Fall 2007
Lead Instructor: Mary Filice and Jacky Lewkovich
Volunteer Counselors: Tom Herman, Jared Holloway, Kelly Johnson, Jeremy Lacocque, Jeff Maccubbin, Jeffrey McHale, Gary Overstreet, Eliot Popko, Adri Siriwatt, Jim Vendiola, Brandon Will Special Thanks To: Melissa Marten and Fig Media
25 middle-schoolers got a crash course in media literacy and spent a day making their own short films.
Viewpoint Film Apprenticeship
Co-Sponsored by: Center on Halsted and After School Matters
Summer 2006
Lead Instructors: Joe Steiff and Jeffrey McHale
In this multi-week program, a dozen teenagers learned how to shoot their own short films. The program included local and national guest-speakers talking about media literacy and the impact of media ranging from our personal lives to society at large. 10 new short films were created, and more importantly, participants made new friends who shared their passion for filmmaking.
Insight Out: Documentary Filmmaking
Co-Sponsored by: Center on Halsted and After School Matters
Spring 2006
Lead Instructors: Joe Steiff and Jeffrey McHale
Ten teenagers learned the basics of creating a documentary during this multi-week program in which they prepared a video honoring recipients of the Center on Halsted's community awards.
Media Literacy and Filmmaking 101
Co-Sponsored by: Center for Community Arts Partnerships and and Academy of Communications & Technology
Winter 2006
Lead Instructors: Mary Filice, Erik Gernand, Nicole Cardano, Adri Siriwatt
Fifteen middle-schoolers learned to make their own films including a personal documentary and a music video during this multi-week after-school course.
Media Literacy & Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: Handson! Children's Art Museum
Spring 2005
Lead Instructor: Mary Filice and Jacky Lewkovich
Volunteer Counselors: Maria Gigante, Crystal Holt, Natalie Lubke, Jeffrey McHale, Anu Rana, B. Rich, Krystelle Ridenour, Mercedes YolandaFifteen middle-schoolers got a crash course in media literacy and spent a day making their own short films.
Media Literacy & Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: The Peace Museum
Fall 2004
Lead Instructor: Mary Filice and Jacky Lewkovich
Volunteer Counselors: Sean Jourdan, Andi Mortensen, Amber Mohammad, Gary Overstree, Tony PeroneTen middle-schoolers got a crash course in media literacy and spent a day making their own short films.
Media Literacy & Filmmaking Workshop
Co-Sponsored by: The Skokie School
Spring 2004
Lead Instructor: Mary Filice and Jacky Lewkovich
Volunteer Counselors: Michael Abraham, Jill Bzibziak, CJ Dugan, Jayson Flores, Thomas Lisa, Stanley Majka, Adam Meredith, Amber Mohammad, Emily Michael, Gary Overstreet, Tony Perone, Krystelle Ridenour, Amy Simons, Stella Yoon Fifty middle-schoolers got a crash course in media literacy and spent a day making their own short films.
