FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Contact: Debby Goedeke/dgoedeke@albany.org/518-434-1217


Award-Winning Shorts Program Highlights Youth FX at New York State Museum
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Film Albany and Governor's Film Office 
Celebrate Capital Region's Next Generation of Homegrown Talent

 


Film Albany, the New York State Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development and the New York State Museum are closing the "Celebrate Film in New York" Program on Sunday, May 1st with an afternoon of award-winning shorts from Albany-based film workshop Youth FX. Immediately following there will be a panel discussion focusing on the future of filmmaking in Upstate New York.

Youth FX is an intensive hands-on program designed to introduce teens aged 14-19 to the artistic and technical process of digital filmmaking by offering a thorough overview of the production process from script to screen. Participants work with experienced media instructors, filmmakers, and artists to learn the various aspects of digital video production such as cinematography, editing, sound, and lighting.
In addition to the shorts, behind-the-scenes footage will be screened from the 2016 Sundance award-winner feature film, As You Are. Directed by Albany based Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, and filmed entirely in the Capital Region, As You Are participated in the New York State Film Production Credit. Mr. Joris-Peyrafitte will skype in from New York City to hold a brief Q & A with the audience.

"Youth FX shows what can be achieved when young people are challenged to be creative by talented professionals in the film business," said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. "They've helped grow a generation of young Albany filmmakers who will be able to take their confidence and their media talents wherever they go. We thank Governor Cuomo, his Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, and the New York State Museum for providing a forum for their talents."

"Filmmaking is an important part of both the rich cultural legacy and vibrant economy of New York State," said Gigi Semone, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development. "In addition to the beautiful locations and world-class talent found in the Empire State, Governor Cuomo's continued commitment to support the film tax credit program has resulted in an unprecedented boom in production. As a result, the growing population of talented young filmmakers in Upstate New York is able to build successful careers in their home State."

"Youth FX is playing a major role in putting Albany on the map nationally," said Deborah Goedeke, Albany Film Commissioner and Convention Services Manager at Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Filmmaking is an important part of our Albany economy, and Film Albany, a division of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau, was created to foster and develop the film industry in Albany. Successes like As You Are aren't just a source of local pride, they prove that Albany is a very cost-effective filming location. We are able to nurture all filmmakers and their projects, and help take them to the top."

"Youth FX is excited to be included in the "Celebrate Film in New York" series at the New York State Museum," said Bhawin Suchak, Youth FX Program Director. "This has been a big year for our program and I'm especially excited to see our students grow into professional filmmakers at a time when film production in upstate New York is on the rise."

Over the past year Youth FX has emerged as one of the most accomplished film programs for young people in the country. Films from the program were selected to screen in over 28 film festivals across the country, winning best narrative film at LA Film Festival, being selected as a finalist in Tribeca Film Festival's The America I Am program. In addition, a Youth FX crew worked as production assistants, filmed behind the scenes footage and acted as extras on As You Are, that went on to win Special Jury Prize at 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
"The State Museum is proud to partner with the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, the Albany Film Commission, and Youth FX to offer this special Cinema Sunday's series for visitors," said State Museum Director Mark Schaming. "We're also proud to welcome local Youth FX teens as they showcase their award-winning film shorts produced in upstate New York."

The Youth FX event will take place on Sunday, May 1 at 2pm in the Clark Auditorium in the New York State Museum on Madison Ave., Albany, NY. It is free and open to the public.

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