Film In Action Camp: America Through the Lens
Atlanta Film and TV’s Mandisa Johnson had a chance to sit down with Emmy and Telly Award-Winning Producer, Director, and Executive Director of Signify TV, Alahana Lark to talk about her passion for filmmaking, and why creating opportunities for students to explore the entertainment industry is important. We also talked about the Film in Action Camp:America Through the Lens, and what she hopes students take away from the experience.
Atlanta Film and TV: What is Film in Action Camp, and what can a student expect?
Alahana Lark: Film in Action Camp: America Through the Lens is a two-day, hands-on filmmaking intensive for students ages 16-18, presented by SignifyTV and Georgia Humanities, and hosted by Abundance Content Studios in Atlanta. Over the course of the weekend, students learn the fundamentals of filmmaking and how history can influence and inspire their storytelling. Then, alongside our featured experts, they write, act, learn to operate camera gear, and/or learn lighting and sound, depending on their area of interest. By the end of day two, they will have shot a scene together that they can use for their demo reels. It's not a lecture series. It's real production, with real industry professionals guiding them through their respective departments.
Atlanta Film and TV: What inspired the Film in Action Camp?
Alahna Lark: Film has always been a way to preserve history and give voice to communities that don't always get to tell their own stories. We wanted to hand that tool to the next generation now, while their imaginations are still free and their minds still curious, but while they're also old enough to truly grasp the concepts and technical elements of filmmaking.
Atlanta Film and TV: Why does creating these opportunities matter for the future of the entertainment industry?
Alahna Lark: The industry needs new voices, and those voices need real access. Not just inspiration, but actual bridges between what they see on TV and what they themselves can create. If we wait until students are in college or already trying to break in, we've lost years where they could have been building craft and confidence. Camps like this create a pipeline where young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, get hands-on experience early enough that by the time they're pursuing this professionally, they already know what a set feels like and have begun to find their creative voice to contribute to the world.
Atlanta Film and TV: What will students gain from early exposure to film and TV?
Alahna Lark: They gain knowledge of not just what specific roles on set do, but how all those roles work together to tell one story. That kind of exposure demystifies the industry. It also helps them figure out, quickly, what part of the process actually excites them, whether that's writing, camera work, sound, or being in front of the lens. Each role is essential to the filmmaking process, and we intend to get them engaged in their respective departments and start on building their portfolios.
Atlanta Film and TV: Can you share about a few of the featured camp experts?
Alahna Lark: We're fortunate to have a strong team of working professionals leading this camp. Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado, a historian, opens the weekend by grounding students in how film has documented Georgia and American history for over 250 years. Actress Bianca Bethune works with students through casting and table reads. Nina Villani leads story development, and I'll be spearheading the directing. We also have our Producer, Ty Johnston-Chavis; Director of Photography Darryl Christmas Jr.; Quinton Thomas Ball on gaffing, grip, and electrical; and Arsenio Mobley on sound. Each of them brings real production experience into the room with the students.
Atlanta Film and TV: What's your hope when students get access to professionals and see behind the scenes?
Alahna Lark: My hope is that they see themselves in their camp experts, people who also once began their careers as eager young students with an interest in cinematic storytelling. I want them to walk away thinking, "maybe this is for me." Because the world needs diverse filmmakers interested in making the world better through film, and the earlier we can plant that seed, the better.
Atlanta Film and TV: What can students expect to walk away with?
Alahna Lark: They'll walk away with a finished scene they helped create from the ground up, hands-on experience in the department of their interest, and direct mentorship from working professionals. But just as important, they'll walk away with a clearer sense of their own voice: what stories they want to tell and why those stories matter.
Atlanta Film and TV: What would you tell a student who wants to work in film/TV but doesn't know where to start?
Alahna Lark: Do the thing now with what you have, even if it's imperfect. You don't need permission or perfect equipment. You need to start telling stories with whatever you have access to. Network with the people next to you. Put your friends in the roles they want to grow into and start building your team. This industry runs on relationships. Build them now, and your portfolio will grow as you grow together.
The Film in Action Camp: America Through the Lens takes place in Atlanta this weekend. With a room full of young creatives, industry professionals, and a finished scene it will be exciting to see what this group creates.
Be sure to follow Signify TV on instagram and stay tuned to atlantafilmandtv.com for more!
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