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Students Fall 2009

Jacob Jaffke
David J. Kelly
Jenna Lyng
Lauren Wolkstein

Students Spring 2009

John Baldino
Ricardo Korda
Marcus Metsala
Charlene Music
Elif Refig

 
Caucus Presents $20,000 in Grants to Aid Four Student Filmmakers

The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors Foundation has selected four student filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to receive $20,000 collectively in the Foundation’s Fall 2009 Student Grant Program, it was announced by Foundation President Chuck Fries. Students receive assistance to complete their student thesis films. $805,000 has been presented to 88 students since the awards program was established in 2001.

Recipients of this year’s grants are: Jacob Jaffke, Columbia University, for his film, “Off Season”; David J Kelly, UCLA, for his film, “Stay Still”; Jenna Lyng, Emerson College for “As They Fade”; Lauren Wolkstein, Columbia University, for “Cigarette Candy”.

The Caucus Foundation is primarily funded by proceeds of the Caucus Annual Awards Dinner and Entertainment Evening honoring mentors in the educational field and grants from Carole and Robert Daly Foundation, HTV/illuminate, American Video Group, Hollywood Charities Foundation, UltimateTV/Microsoft, and The Caucus. The aim of the Caucus Foundation grants is to help combat the lack of diversity in content and people behind the camera in the entertainment industry. Eligible awardees must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate or fellowship program and working to complete a thesis film, TV or interactive project for their degree. Applicants are required to submit a final script, final budget, rough cut, financing plan, shooting/post schedule, crew list and student status.

“We are proud to offer this awards program designed to help aspiring filmmakers who might not otherwise have the funds available to finish their projects,” said Foundation President Fries. “Each film tackles a serious issue and the slate of films covers a broad spectrum of diversity,” he said. “And, our Caucus members, as professional producers, writers and directors participate in the program by offering hands-on expertise to the grant winners as they complete their films.”