​The Take One Vocational Media Training & Internship Program was created to inspire and foster the next generation of filmmakers and media creators in the underserved community.

​Take One is a bi-annual, hands-on vocational media training and internship  program provided free of charge for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth participants ages 18-25 residing in Southern California.  This program is also inclusive to non-Asian youths from other under-served communities who wish to learn about the AAPI culture and/or pursue careers in the media industry.

​One of ACMA’s core objectives is to provide educational opportunities and mentorship programs that inspire our future generations of filmmakers, producers, writers, directors and media technicians. To provide such resources, ACMA founded Take One in 2016, where over 150 participants have graduated. You can meet all of our Take One Alumni here.

By providing youth 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 youth 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.

Applications for the Fall 2021 Program are now open. Please review all TAKE ONE information on this page before proceeding with your application.

Have a question about your eligibility, our program offerings, or just want to know more about Take One?

​Our films and programs are only made possible by donors like you. Support the next generation of film, TV, and media creators by donating today.

​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 Voices TV and Radio as well as their own films. With exploratory assignments, the Take One Program allows its 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, four Take One Graduates will be selected for the 6-month ACMA’s 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.

Aspiring Screenwriters will be mentored over the remaining 8 weeks to complete writing their scripts. At the end of the 12-week period, they will also have the opportunity to pitch their story for the chance to be produced during the ACMA’s Media Fellowship program.

Stage 1 – Story Development & Scriptwriting (Mandatory for Aspiring Screenwriters, Producers & Directors)

• Narrative, documentary, and creative styles of film & media
• Developing ideas and storylines for television & film
• If the student wants to focuse on screenwriting ONLY, they will continue developing their scripts through 1-1 mentorship over the course of 8 weeks (skip Stages 2 and 3)

Stage 2 – Production Tools & Principles (Mandatory for Aspiring Producers & Directors)

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

Stage 3 – Producing & Directing (Mandatory for Aspiring Producers & Directors)

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

ACMA Media Fellowship & Short Film Production (Offered to Four Selected Take One Program Graduates)

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

We highly encourage any aspiring filmmakers, regardless of their skill and experience level, to apply for the Take One Program. Applications are now open for the Fall 2021 Program, CLICK HERE to view the application. 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.