Eyes On Your Mission Curates Chicagoland Collaboration Between

Key Stakeholders at the Intersection of Arts, Entrepreneurship and Video

After a year of successful programming in Chicago, The Eyes On Your Mission Project is expanding a collaboration between film industry professionals, youth, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs to get more “eyes on their mission.”

We are reaching out to potential partners who are committed to growing the ecosystem of resources in Chicago for entrepreneurial artists. We believe this project aligns with a trend to create a better future for the city by empowering youth to start their own businesses using artistic media to tell their own story and get ahead.

OUR VISION is to package both a live roadshow and a virtual training accompaniment to target high schoolers, college students, and young professionals. We plan to align with 10 specific sites (schools, community centers, co-working spaces, nonprofit campuses) that could host between 50-100 students for a 90 minute live event, then co-promote a filmmaking contest with $5,000 in cash prizes. To participate in the contest, one needs to attend the live event, then register with $20 to enter a self-produced video promoting themself and their business. Among the prizes will be a job fair to match talented artists with potential business clients who need their freelance skill sets. To teach students how to win the contest, a robust e-learning platform will teach mobile video production, personal branding, and digital media promotion. Once

In the end, our goal is to nurture entrepreneurial talent, prepare them for scalability, and equip them with real life business skills that will allow them to be healthy…intellectually, emotionally and financially.

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This concept builds from a 2017 collaboration between Eyes On Your Mission and Self-Employment in the Arts (SEA), a conference promoting the career success of entrepreneurs in arts related fields. The 5-part series of shorts we produced, called “The Artist/Entrepreneur Conundrum,” featured 5 SEA graduates and used authenticity as a tool to tell the story of their talents, desires and dreams. In doing so, they used those videos to promote their academic/business interests. In short, we taught how to make yourself look like a rockstar.  

The Eyes On Your Mission Project (EOYM) grew out of Two Parrot Productions, a Chicago-born production company. With a focus on youth living in marginalized and underserved communities, the Eyes On Your Mission Project partners with other organizations advocating for the same thing we do: Access to education, professional development, entrepreneurial exposure, arts programs, interdisciplinary experiential learning, and bridging the digital divide.

WHO

After a year of successful programming in Chicago, The Eyes On Your Mission Project is expanding a collaboration in the Chicagoland area between film industry professionals, youth, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurs to get more “eyes on their mission.” We are reaching out to potential partners who are committed to growing the ecosystem of resources for entrepreneurial artists. We believe this project aligns with Free Spirit Media’s values of community empowerment, youth arts and education.

The Eyes On Your Mission Project (EOYM) grew out of Two Parrot Productions, a Chicago-born production company.

With a focus on youth living in marginalized and underserved communities, the Eyes On Your Mission Project partners with funders who prioritize access to education, professional development, entrepreneurial exposure, arts programs, creative industry growth, interdisciplinary experiential learning, teacher training, after school opportunities, community based initiatives, and bridging the digital divide.

  WHAT & WHERE

The Eyes On Your Mission Academy & Apprenticeship programs for which we are requesting your participation will make a difference in the lives of the participants by providing career training by nurturing mentor relationships with working creative professionals.

The EOYM annual Video Grant provides organizations with free video production and we provide opportunities for aspiring filmmakers through our Filmmaking Academy and paid Apprenticeship Program.

HOW

Last year EOYM partnered with the Coleman Foundation and the Self-Employment in the Arts Conference to provide training and a paid apprenticeship program for SEA graduates. The program produced a 5-part series called, “The Artist/Entrepreneur Conundrum.” We plan to use this series, and the success of the 2017 program, to propel us forward during our 2018-2020 strategic planning.

Attached you will find a creative brief, and a graphic we recently produced  to illustrate our 2017 results for programs produced in Chicago and Miami, FL.

“The Artist/Entrepreneur Conundrum” 5-part series features:

TEAM LEADER:  Carrie Ruckel / Chicago Media Liason

PROGRAM CONTACT:  Jessica Kizorek / 305.912.EYES / academy (@) eyesonyourmission.org

  • BRANDON
    BRANDON
  • CARRIE
    CARRIE
  • CATHERINE
    CATHERINE
  • EMILY
    EMILY
  • ERIC
    ERIC
  • LEANNA
    LEANNA
  • MIKE
    MIKE
  • NICOLE
    NICOLE
  • SHIFRA
    SHIFRA
  • SUNNY
    SUNNY
  • THOMAS
    THOMAS
BRANDON
Name : Brandon Barnes
Email : mixedcapitalmedia@gmail.com
Contact No : 7086395683
Address : 1619 Estate Circle
Naperville, IL.
United States
Portfolio Website : https://www.flickr.com/photos/mixedcapitalmedia/

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing,Voice Over,Storytelling / Copywriting,Research

Training :

Currently, I am completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology as a non traditional transfer student and dual income household at North Central College. Recently, I am working as a student assistant in the campus library’s Archives and Special Collections department where I co-curated an exhibit and produced a video highlighting the academic curriculum, social activism and community organizing principles of African American alumni during the Civil Rights and Black Power movement at North Central. Previously, while volunteering with the DuSable Museum of African American History I made an appearance on the 30th season of Jeopardy!

Professional Goals :

To apply my leadership and technical experience in library information data entry, digital management, archival data research and instructional media technology resource installation. Additionally, as an undergraduate studying public sociology and cultural anthropology buidling a start up business in video production and stock photography I am interested in policy research concerning diversity and inclusion to the visual composition of narrative storytelling and commercial advertising.

CARRIE
Name : Carrie Ruckel
Email : ruckel77@hotmail.com
Contact No : 773-793-1767
Address : 3423 W Palmer St
Chicago IL 60647
Portfolio Website : Carrieruckel.com

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Project / Client Management,Photography,Video Editing,Public Relations / Media Relations,Research

Training :

BFA from The School of the Art Institue of Chicago
MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Chicago Access Network Television (CANTV)
I have a wide variety of experience and have worked in many different genres. I have worked with grassroots and non profit organizations and individuals to help them get their message out to the world.

Professional Goals :

I’ve been working independently and for CANTV for over 10 years. I’d like to learn new skills including technical as well as more experience working collaboratively. I want to work on social justice issues and with artists.

CATHERINE
EMILY
Name : Emily Fesler
Email : thedryfox@gmail.com
Contact No : 6055954513
Address :914 6th Ave NE

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing,Graphic Designer,Motion Graphics,Coding / Programming

Training :

I currently study at Northern State University, in Aberdeen SD. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design/Multimedia Design so I’ve jumped all over the place with my classes. I did very well in my 2D Motion Graphics (animation) class as well as my video edited class. I am getting very into photography and growing a passion for camera work. One of my photography pieces was accepted into this SEA conference exhibition as well. I’m looking for any and all opportunities to learn more.

Professional Goals :

I want to experience something different. I want to be apart of a team, to learn, and get the most out of my experiences as I can. You only get out of something, what you put into it. And I intend to put in a lot of work.

ERIC
Name :Eric Phillips
Email : phillips.ericjames@gmail.com
Contact No : 6308358052
Address :2727 N Pine Grove Ave,
Apartment 305
Chicago, IL 60614
United States of America
Portfolio Website : http://www.ericjphillips.com/

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing

Training :

“College of DuPage, Associate in Applied Science in Photography, 2013.

The Theatre School at DePaul University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design, 2017.

I have had many amazing teachers in my life. One of those teachers was Miles Lowry. Miles was my studio photography professor at College of DuPage. Miles had been a high end studio photographer for many years, and he always pushed us to perform at that level. He taught us how to look at, and perfect, every tiny detail in a photograph, because it was those tiny details that would distinguish the great photos from the good photos. That need for perfection became more than practice for me, it became my whole philosophy for creating work in any medium.

Learning new technology is easy. Making meaningful connections is really important to me. My background in photography, video, and theatre gives me a broad range of skills, an eye for quality production, and an almost sick passion for preparation.”

Professional Goals :

I want to learn how to interview others well, and also learn how to make a video business both sustainable and charitable. I believe you do both brilliantly.

LEANNA
MIKE
NICOLE
Name : Nicole Garza
Email : garzanl@outlook.com
Contact No : 7737509095
Address : 5350 N. Nordica Chicago,
Illinois 60656
Portfolio Website : http://garzanl.wixsite.com/ngarza

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Video Editing

Training :

A majority of my training I have learned in college at Concordia University Chicago. I have taken several Media Production courses and completed my first documentary on bullying among high school girls. In addition I have completed a documentary with my colleague on the intersection between music and mental health. I am currently the General Manager of my campus tv and radio station and work as an audio producer/student worker in our Media Productions department. I am actively involved in producing, editing and directing our monthly news shoots as well as broadcasting sports games and audio recording all music events on campus. I am currently creating my third documentary about women in media for my senior project, a promo video for a non for profit organization, as well as a recruitment video for my school’s College of Business.

Professional Goals :

I hope to continue my interest in film and learning more techniques in order to advance my skill set. I enjoy creating documentaries and telling people’s stories as well as raising awareness towards various issues.

SHIFRA
SUNNY
THOMAS
Name : Thomas K Johnson
Email : thomaskyjohnson@gmail.com
Contact No : 4026160005
Address : 7400, Augusta Street, River Forest, IL, United States
Box #499
Portfolio Website : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWL1626tug4_-g2cYo27D2g

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Project / Client Management,Photography,On-Camera Talent,Video Editing,Voice Over,Comedian / Humorist,Musician / Music Producer,Storytelling / Copywriting

Training :

“I first began making videos in 2009 in 5th grade. I was fully self taught, save for the occasional YouTube video tutorial. I continued to make videos for years after but it did not get really serious until my junior year. My High School (Concordia High school in Omaha Nebraska) hosted a yearly talent show. In 2015 My friends and I decided to make several videos for the event. We planned it and I edited them all together for the show. In many ways they were the highlight of the event (In fact, our parody video is the first result when you YouTube search Concordia Lutheran High School). We decided, upon the success of that, to created “Concordia Live”, a knock off of a local show called “Omaha Live”, a knock off of the ever famous, “Saturday Night Live”.

The following year we submitted a video to the Nebraska Ethanol Board’s Field to Fuel contest. It was a huge success and we snatched first place! The Board interviewed me about our initial idea and success. I told them about the talent show and our inspiration from Omaha Live. Several days later I was called out of class by my principal. “What did I do this time?” I asked myself. He took me into his office and took a big sigh. “I got this email from someone from…Omaha Live? Do you know anything about this?”

Needless to say, I was stunned. As it turns out, Omaha Live saw the Enthanol Board’s article and wanted to air our sketch on Local TV and even do a co-op video with us! I was thoroughly excited.

Fast forward to a few months later and the sketch was filmed and done airing on Local Television. It was truly an amazing experience. We were able to include anout 30 kids from the school and each of them loved the oppurtunity to be silly and appear on Television. I would definitely call this a highlight of my high school career.

To answer the other questions, I studied at Concordia Junior Senior High School in Omaha Nebraska and am now enrolled in Concordia University Chicago for Communications with an emphasis in Media. I have loved my music teachers all through education and my high school band director was really a huge advocate for the entire idea of Concordia Live. I owe much of the club’s success to him.

I was the founder and head of Concordia Live for two years as well as student body president for my senior year. I was also involved in just about every musical activity in my high school (save for the athletics).

In high school I also graduated with a 4.01 and recieved The Mustang award for being the person who best represented the school for what it stood for. I am also an Eagle Scout and love everything involved with camping and nature. I recently helped direct a short film with my friend for a 48 hour film festival. We received best costume! We then decided to submit it into the Omaha Film Festival. We have yet to hear what place we recieve, but the festival board put it right at the top spot! I also occasionally volunteer with Sophia Wong and her Asian Popup Film festival when I have an open weekend.

Sorry for the ecclectisiscm of the last paragraph, but I didn’t want to leave any questions largely unanswered. In all, I am really excited to continue on this path towards professional filmigraphy and leadership and I hope this project can help me to achieve those goals! Thanks for reading my short novella.”

Professional Goals :

The end goal is to make movies that really make people feel. There is something so human about the arts that really connects people and I want to tap into that. Of course it’ll be many days down the road, but hopefully Eyes on Your Mission can help me to gain some experience and get a foot in the door. I really love the technical aspects of videography like lighting, gear, stands, tripods, slides, drones, etc. and how those relate to story telling. The one really big thing I hope to pick up on is how professionals work through problems and how the general interworking actually work. I always love to see “how the pros do it” and then follow that in my personal projects. I’m really hoping this could help me to achieve my future goals in the field.

BRANDON
Name : Brandon Barnes
Email : mixedcapitalmedia@gmail.com
Contact No : 7086395683
Address : 1619 Estate Circle
Naperville, IL.
United States
Portfolio Website : https://www.flickr.com/photos/mixedcapitalmedia/

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing,Voice Over,Storytelling / Copywriting,Research

Training :

Currently, I am completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology as a non traditional transfer student and dual income household at North Central College. Recently, I am working as a student assistant in the campus library’s Archives and Special Collections department where I co-curated an exhibit and produced a video highlighting the academic curriculum, social activism and community organizing principles of African American alumni during the Civil Rights and Black Power movement at North Central. Previously, while volunteering with the DuSable Museum of African American History I made an appearance on the 30th season of Jeopardy!

Professional Goals :

To apply my leadership and technical experience in library information data entry, digital management, archival data research and instructional media technology resource installation. Additionally, as an undergraduate studying public sociology and cultural anthropology buidling a start up business in video production and stock photography I am interested in policy research concerning diversity and inclusion to the visual composition of narrative storytelling and commercial advertising.

CARRIE
Name : Carrie Ruckel
Email : ruckel77@hotmail.com
Contact No : 773-793-1767
Address : 3423 W Palmer St
Chicago IL 60647
Portfolio Website : Carrieruckel.com

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Project / Client Management,Photography,Video Editing,Public Relations / Media Relations,Research

Training :

BFA from The School of the Art Institue of Chicago
MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts
Chicago Access Network Television (CANTV)
I have a wide variety of experience and have worked in many different genres. I have worked with grassroots and non profit organizations and individuals to help them get their message out to the world.

Professional Goals :

I’ve been working independently and for CANTV for over 10 years. I’d like to learn new skills including technical as well as more experience working collaboratively. I want to work on social justice issues and with artists.

CATHERINE
EMILY
Name : Emily Fesler
Email : thedryfox@gmail.com
Contact No : 6055954513
Address :914 6th Ave NE

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing,Graphic Designer,Motion Graphics,Coding / Programming

Training :

I currently study at Northern State University, in Aberdeen SD. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Graphic Design/Multimedia Design so I’ve jumped all over the place with my classes. I did very well in my 2D Motion Graphics (animation) class as well as my video edited class. I am getting very into photography and growing a passion for camera work. One of my photography pieces was accepted into this SEA conference exhibition as well. I’m looking for any and all opportunities to learn more.

Professional Goals :

I want to experience something different. I want to be apart of a team, to learn, and get the most out of my experiences as I can. You only get out of something, what you put into it. And I intend to put in a lot of work.

ERIC
Name :Eric Phillips
Email : phillips.ericjames@gmail.com
Contact No : 6308358052
Address :2727 N Pine Grove Ave,
Apartment 305
Chicago, IL 60614
United States of America
Portfolio Website : http://www.ericjphillips.com/

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Photography,Video Editing

Training :

“College of DuPage, Associate in Applied Science in Photography, 2013.

The Theatre School at DePaul University, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Lighting Design, 2017.

I have had many amazing teachers in my life. One of those teachers was Miles Lowry. Miles was my studio photography professor at College of DuPage. Miles had been a high end studio photographer for many years, and he always pushed us to perform at that level. He taught us how to look at, and perfect, every tiny detail in a photograph, because it was those tiny details that would distinguish the great photos from the good photos. That need for perfection became more than practice for me, it became my whole philosophy for creating work in any medium.

Learning new technology is easy. Making meaningful connections is really important to me. My background in photography, video, and theatre gives me a broad range of skills, an eye for quality production, and an almost sick passion for preparation.”

Professional Goals :

I want to learn how to interview others well, and also learn how to make a video business both sustainable and charitable. I believe you do both brilliantly.

LEANNA
MIKE
NICOLE
Name : Nicole Garza
Email : garzanl@outlook.com
Contact No : 7737509095
Address : 5350 N. Nordica Chicago,
Illinois 60656
Portfolio Website : http://garzanl.wixsite.com/ngarza

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Video Editing

Training :

A majority of my training I have learned in college at Concordia University Chicago. I have taken several Media Production courses and completed my first documentary on bullying among high school girls. In addition I have completed a documentary with my colleague on the intersection between music and mental health. I am currently the General Manager of my campus tv and radio station and work as an audio producer/student worker in our Media Productions department. I am actively involved in producing, editing and directing our monthly news shoots as well as broadcasting sports games and audio recording all music events on campus. I am currently creating my third documentary about women in media for my senior project, a promo video for a non for profit organization, as well as a recruitment video for my school’s College of Business.

Professional Goals :

I hope to continue my interest in film and learning more techniques in order to advance my skill set. I enjoy creating documentaries and telling people’s stories as well as raising awareness towards various issues.

SHIFRA
SUNNY
THOMAS
Name : Thomas K Johnson
Email : thomaskyjohnson@gmail.com
Contact No : 4026160005
Address : 7400, Augusta Street, River Forest, IL, United States
Box #499
Portfolio Website : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWL1626tug4_-g2cYo27D2g

Social Links :

Skills Sets :

Videography (Camera Operator),Project / Client Management,Photography,On-Camera Talent,Video Editing,Voice Over,Comedian / Humorist,Musician / Music Producer,Storytelling / Copywriting

Training :

“I first began making videos in 2009 in 5th grade. I was fully self taught, save for the occasional YouTube video tutorial. I continued to make videos for years after but it did not get really serious until my junior year. My High School (Concordia High school in Omaha Nebraska) hosted a yearly talent show. In 2015 My friends and I decided to make several videos for the event. We planned it and I edited them all together for the show. In many ways they were the highlight of the event (In fact, our parody video is the first result when you YouTube search Concordia Lutheran High School). We decided, upon the success of that, to created “Concordia Live”, a knock off of a local show called “Omaha Live”, a knock off of the ever famous, “Saturday Night Live”.

The following year we submitted a video to the Nebraska Ethanol Board’s Field to Fuel contest. It was a huge success and we snatched first place! The Board interviewed me about our initial idea and success. I told them about the talent show and our inspiration from Omaha Live. Several days later I was called out of class by my principal. “What did I do this time?” I asked myself. He took me into his office and took a big sigh. “I got this email from someone from…Omaha Live? Do you know anything about this?”

Needless to say, I was stunned. As it turns out, Omaha Live saw the Enthanol Board’s article and wanted to air our sketch on Local TV and even do a co-op video with us! I was thoroughly excited.

Fast forward to a few months later and the sketch was filmed and done airing on Local Television. It was truly an amazing experience. We were able to include anout 30 kids from the school and each of them loved the oppurtunity to be silly and appear on Television. I would definitely call this a highlight of my high school career.

To answer the other questions, I studied at Concordia Junior Senior High School in Omaha Nebraska and am now enrolled in Concordia University Chicago for Communications with an emphasis in Media. I have loved my music teachers all through education and my high school band director was really a huge advocate for the entire idea of Concordia Live. I owe much of the club’s success to him.

I was the founder and head of Concordia Live for two years as well as student body president for my senior year. I was also involved in just about every musical activity in my high school (save for the athletics).

In high school I also graduated with a 4.01 and recieved The Mustang award for being the person who best represented the school for what it stood for. I am also an Eagle Scout and love everything involved with camping and nature. I recently helped direct a short film with my friend for a 48 hour film festival. We received best costume! We then decided to submit it into the Omaha Film Festival. We have yet to hear what place we recieve, but the festival board put it right at the top spot! I also occasionally volunteer with Sophia Wong and her Asian Popup Film festival when I have an open weekend.

Sorry for the ecclectisiscm of the last paragraph, but I didn’t want to leave any questions largely unanswered. In all, I am really excited to continue on this path towards professional filmigraphy and leadership and I hope this project can help me to achieve those goals! Thanks for reading my short novella.”

Professional Goals :

The end goal is to make movies that really make people feel. There is something so human about the arts that really connects people and I want to tap into that. Of course it’ll be many days down the road, but hopefully Eyes on Your Mission can help me to gain some experience and get a foot in the door. I really love the technical aspects of videography like lighting, gear, stands, tripods, slides, drones, etc. and how those relate to story telling. The one really big thing I hope to pick up on is how professionals work through problems and how the general interworking actually work. I always love to see “how the pros do it” and then follow that in my personal projects. I’m really hoping this could help me to achieve my future goals in the field.

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