Funds to Benefit Film & Media Program

San Diego CA— Las Patronas has awarded $19,595 to Options For All to benefit the nonprofit’s Film & Media Studio. The grant was used to purchase equipment including 4 Apple iMacs, 1 Canon Cinema Camcorder Body, and 1 Freefly MoVI Pro Handheld Bundle. The Canon Cinema camera and the Freefly MoVI ProHandheld Bundle are considered entry level high-end equipment in the film and media industry, as well as a standard for operating in medium to high-end video production. The newly purchased equipment will allow Options For All to train students on equipment that is more comparable to what they would be using in the professional realm, allow students to book higher paying work opportunities, and also increase the production quality of the students’ projects for Inclusion Networks.

Options For All’s Film & Media Studio is an innovative creative arts and vocational training program implemented in January 2017. In this program, students spend four, 20-week semesters, at 25 hours per week learning all aspects of the film and media industry from trained film & media instructors. Each session develops and builds upon the creative and practical skills of interested filmmakers who have a developmental disability, with the ultimate goal for them to be employed, independent and well-rounded individuals. The program design integrates theoretical and practical curriculum by combining classroom style teaching with hands-on experience. Program curriculum includes story concepts, script writing, set design, acting, directing, and sound and film editing. Once a student completes the program, an employment specialist helps students find employment in the film & media industry. The Film & Media Studio currently serves 45 students who possess the desire to work in the industry, of which 70% are on the autism spectrum. As the skills and social development of program participants increase, they become more independent and self-sufficient, more able to access community resources and integrate more successfully within their community, especially in the workforce. This program is in partnership with Inclusion Films & Joey Travolta who designed the program.
Las Patronas President, Michelle Wiseman and Member, Melanie Aalbers presented the check to Nancy Batterman and students on December 21st. Ms. Wiseman said, “Visiting our beneficiary partners is truly a highlight of being a Las Patronas member. Options For All is making a meaningful difference in our community through the Film & Media Studio and we are honored to support this organization with a grant.”
Founded in 1985, Options For All serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping empower them to become fully participating members of their communities. The organization serves as many as 1,300 individuals who face the challenges of autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, hearing and vision impairments, learning and intellectual disabilities, and severe behavioral disorders. Options For All offers a wide range of programs and services throughout the state of California, including San Diego, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Riverside counties.
Options For All CEO, Nancy Batterman said, “It’s because of the generous support of philanthropic organizations like Las Patronas that Options For All is able to provide innovative programs like our Film & Media Studio. We are truly grateful for the generous grant from Las Patronas.”