The Community Artists’ Guild is a education based agency, whose primary mission is to provide inter and multi- disciplinary comprehensive vocational training in the Industry trades of Film, Television, and Recording to at-risk youth

Since 1999, The Community Artists’ Guild has provided industry training to over 300 youth in ten years of program service and has seen some of them move into the trades in a variety of positions. In the “First Takes: Kids in the City” program 20 high-risk youth a year are given close supervision and mentoring in a comprehensive 48-week residency (includes summers) at their middle school. “First Takes” includes a basic introduction to in-front of the camera and behind the scenes trades, to produce a 20 minute basic class film short, Music video, 30 minute sit-com production. California Visual And Performing Arts Content Standards and State Educational Standards based curriculum in theatre are incorporated into “First Takes’” inter-and multi-disciplinary format, which includes: on-camera acting, general business overview, movement exercises, basic acting technique, voice and diction, camera presence, behind the scenes support, camera equipment operation, linear and non-linear editing, digital photography, story development and script writing, production planning, scheduling and stagecraft. All mobile equipment is brought to the campus by CAG who provides a versatile remote four-camera switching mock television studio for on location shooting transformable into a small film sound stage. Also non-linear editing capability (Adobe Premier Pro) for post-production and digital photography training making it the only organization in South L.A. to offer state of the art hands-on comprehensive professional training to disadvantaged youth.

One and two hour classes are taught by working industry professionals with a 1:5 teacher/student ratio for measurable outcomes. These professionals double as mentors who create a friendly, caring atmosphere for the youth, which is a primary component in impacting behavior and addressing student’s feelings of disenfranchisement.

Community Artists’ Guild provides the remote location switching station equipment that can serve up to 20 students in front of and behind the camera, allowing them hands on operation of each piece. A versatile remote four camera switching mock TV studio for on location shooting transformable into a small film sound stage; non-linear editing capability (Adobe Premier Pro) for post-production and training and digital photography training.

First Takes, relies on its partnership with lead agency AADAP (Asian American Drug Abuse Program), and LA Center Studios for support services. CAG makes students aware of the services of Streetlights Inc., a nonprofit workforce development program for adults to learn entry-level industry jobs, and other industry resources to further their aspirations.

Because of the specialized nature of the Industry Trades and our target population of high risk youth (10 – 17), CAG requires all staff to be working artists, to have a minimum of 5 years experience in their craft, to come from or have experience working with inner city youth and have some experience with the CA. State Visual and Performing Arts Standards (VAPA) and state education standards. They are also trained in Gang Prevention by the highly acclaimed B.U.I.L.D. program.

CAG is able to work with any timetable or budget and we are willing to collaborate on applying for funding from public agencies as well. If you are interested in our program coming to your school or institution, please call us or e-mail us for a promotional packet.