ABOUT TAKE ONE

TAKE ONE is a Media Arts Program that was created to inspire and cultivate the next generation of storytellers and media creators through documentary films focused on our community.

TAKE ONE is an annual, vocational hands-on media training and internship program provided free of charge for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) high school and transitional youth participants.

Although our emphasis is on AANHPIs ages 16-25 residing in Southern California, this program is inclusive to anyone from other under-served communities regardless of age, gender, race and abilities, who wish to learn about the AANHPI culture and/or pursue careers in the competitive television and film media industry.

​One of ACMA’s core objectives is to provide educational opportunities and mentorship programs that inspire our future generations of storytellers, producers, writers, directors and media technicians. To provide such resources, ACMA founded TAKE ONE in 2016, where over 298 participants have graduated. You can meet all of our TAKE ONE Alumni here.

By providing creators from under-served communities an opportunity to learn hands-on television and film production vocational skills as well as leadership, teamwork and self-development skills, we believe TAKE ONE can also foster a better sense of pride and self-identity within the communities they serve.

We also encourage our participants to create original ideas and projects based on their own perspectives and experiences that can even possibly help to inspire and shape the perspectives of others that can also affect the futures of their communities. You can view previous TAKE ONE Projects and short films on our YouTube Channel.

Schedule

Orientation: June 10 @10am – 11AM

Stage 1: Screenwriters Workshop (June 10 – July 1)

Saturdays @10am – 1pm via Zoom

Stage 2: Production Workshop (July 8 – July 29)

Saturdays @10am – 3pm | In-person, San Diego

Stage 3: Short Film Project (August)

TAKE ONE is a 12-week, in-depth curriculum divided into 3 stages or knowledge blocks focused on i) Story Development & Screen Writing ii) Production Tools & Principles and iii) Producing & Directing.

Each stage is 4 weeks long, providing students the opportunity to develop and apply their knowledge and newfound skills onto ACMA’s media projects such as Asian Pacific Voices TV and Asian Pacific Voices Radio as well as short films. With exploratory assignments, the TAKE ONE Program allows students to build and strengthen their portfolios and prepare to break into the industry – no matter their level of skill.

After completing Stages 1-3, up to 2 TAKE ONE Graduates may be selected for ACMA’s 3-month Media Fellowship program, where they will have the opportunity to write and produce their own short films, funded and supported by ACMA, as well as have exclusive access to mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Stage 1 – Story Development & Scriptwriting

• Narrative, documentary, and creative styles of film & media
• Developing ideas and storylines for television & film

Stage 2 – Production Tools & Principles

• Pre-production
• Lighting, Grip, Cameras, Shooting
• Post-production
• Video Editing

Stage 3 – Producing & Directing

• Producer Responsibilities
  • Pitch Decks
  • Budgeting & Capitol
  • Script Breakdown
• Director Responsibilities
  • Storyboarding
  • Shot Lists
  • Blocking Scenes
  • Directing Talent

ACMA Media Fellowship and Internship

• Learn and experience
  • Stipend and Resources Provided to Produce Short Film (TBD)
  • Distribution Determination
  • Marketing Model for the Project
  • Talent Casting, Location Scouting/Permitting
  • Exhibition / Screening

We highly encourage any aspiring filmmakers, regardless of their skill and experience level, to apply for the Take One Program. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about ACMA’s TAKE ONE Program and other Internship Opportunities: CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter.