Juanita Richburg Seon, CC, CL Founder and Director of Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc
1) What does Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc. do?
Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc. brings together young people ages 8 -11, 12-15, 16-18 who enjoy watching movies and have something to say about what they watch. The young media critics become aware of the media in and around their world and not only learn how to analyze, evaluate but also how to create in a variety of forms. The young media critics participate in viewing, analyzing movies, music, books and magazines and develop skills in creating and writing critiques and filmmaking.
2) Why does Media Literacy and Media Education Matter?
The ability to read and write for many years has been the concern and major focus of education in the United States. With the rapid movement of technology and the use of visual images has changed what it means to be literate. Literacy now has other components; Media Literacy. A media literate person can access, analyze, evaluate and produce both print and electronic media (Aspen Media Literacy Conference Proceedings 1992).
According to the Alliance for a Media Literate America says "media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of an increasingly wide range of messages using image, language and sound."
Media education produces students who have an understanding of media in all forms. It is a life skill. Our lives are so immersed and influenced by media that often goes unnoticed or unquestioned. It is important and it matters that educators, school administrators, teachers, parents and the community agencies help young people "develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression so they can be critical thinkers, creative producers, effective communicators and active citizens in the world." When a person asks questions and understands the reason behind the construction of a media message they come free. They are free to make decisions and they know they know the differences between "reel versus real."
3) How did Curtain Call Unlimited start?
Curtain Call Unlimited was created from the idea of a friend of mind when I lived in Columbia, SC. She had a great office space and installed 12 theater seats and created a mini-theater and suggested that we have Movie Saturday. Parents could bring their children to a safe and fun environment on Saturdays for a few hours, giving them time without their kids. I thought that it would be better to have something more than just watching movies -- let's talk about the movies and learn how and why movies are made. After a bit of research, I was introduced to Frank Baker, who is the well-known expert in the area of media education. He consented to come and share a few Saturdays with the youngsters and talk about how movies are made and shared with them the language of film and other eye opening information about media. In addition to the introduction to Mr. Baker, I also discovered the Coalition for Quality Children's Media (CQCM) KIDS FIRST organization and their Jury Component. CQCM trains adults to become adult jurors and facilitators to review and critique various forms of media submitted by producers to determine their value to young people and appropriate ages. The adult jurors train youngsters to become junior ju rors and review the media. The results are sent to CQCM and shared with parents, families, communities and any other interested parties. The Coalition for Quality Children's Media also assist in producing youth film festivals around the country which showcase productions made by and for young people. I became an adult juror and facilitator and when I relocated to Virginia formed the Curtain Call Movie Lovers and Junior Film Critics Club. The name has been changed slightly to Curtain Call Movie Lover and Youth Film Critics Club.
4) How important are parents, teachers, school administrators and community to Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc.? Parents, teachers, school administrators and community members play a very important part in the success of Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc. As a newly created non-profit organization it needs public and private support through not only financial contributions but also from the time and support of volunteers. A part of the mission of Curtain Call Unlimited, Inc. is to make adults aware of the importance of teaching critical viewing skills to children. Parents, teachers, school administrators and community members serve as a guide to assist on the journey to awakening our young people to become critical thinkers. The adults combined with their life experiences and willingness to learn about new technology can share with young people the value of the inquiry process, analyzing what is seen and heard. Adults also can challenge and encourage young people to create and produce quality media.
http://curtaincallunlimited.com
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