Annual Report 2023

Reel Works combines peerless arts education with workforce development, guiding young people from first film to first job in the media industry.

Our success in 2023 has sparked remarkable growth across all our programs.

1,510 YOUNG PEOPLE SERVED

Demographics
Gender
Low income

“Reel Works is my all-encompassing learning ground for cinematography, providing hands-on experience with cameras, lighting equipment, makeup, set design, and the art of directing and producing.”

- Ciera Stenbar

AFTER SCHOOL

Total Served
Films Created
Mentor/Mentee Matches

WATCH STUDENT FILMS

SUPPORTED SUMMER LAB

This year our Supported Summer Lab funded eight neurodivergent students and two neurodivergent peer mentors thanks to new After School funding from the J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation.

WATCH STUDENT FILMS

REEL WORKS IN SCHOOLS

In 2023, Reel Works served 26 schools citywide including 16 through Cultural After School Adventures (CASA) and 10 Community schools in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens

Total Served
Schools Served
City Council Districts Served

WATCH STUDENT FILMS

MEDIAMKRS means jobs for historically marginalized
communities.

We launched our MediaMKRS Career Pathways Program to provide training opportunities for out-of-school, out-of-work young people.

Together we are creating equitable solutions to combat the crisis of inclusion in media and entertainment! MediaMKRS graduates are talented, trained and ready for work - and employers are responding:

172

interns were placed at companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, Fifth Season, NBCUniversal, and Condé Nast.
213

began working at companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Truly Originals, Paramount and Panavision.
441

students served in 2023.

Since MediaMKRS Launch in July 2019:

Participants
Internships
Industry Trainings
Badges

MEDIAMKRS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Listen to the voices of the next generation of media makers!

THE STUDIO AT REEL WORKS trains young filmmakers while creating original productions for paying clients. In 2023, The Studio employed and trained 20 youth on 10 productions, including two original documentaries and on various projects through the NBCUniversal Creative Impact Lab.

Clients include: