VCU Cinema creates promo video for Girls Rock RVA
VCU Cinema is teaming up with Girls Rock RVA to create a informational video for the nonprofit’s cause with the goal of empowering women and LGBT youth and get them to collaborate in a safe environment.
Spearheaded in 2010, Girls Rock RVA is a nonprofit whose mission is to “facilitate a space in Richmond that empowers girls, gender non-conforming and trans youth to collaborate creatively in an environment of mutual respect and positive self-expression.”
Among other things, their mission statement manifests itself through teaching kids and teens to play instruments and to have confidence in themselves during a free weeklong summer camp.
Filming for the video took place on Dec. 5. The video focuses on what Girls Rock has done for the Richmond community and will feature “a mix of testimonials, B-roll, and performance type of thing,” said Hajr Avant, VCU Cinema student and producer of the video.
Director of the video DeVonte Spurlock said the video is to be uploaded to the Girls Rock website to help the organization promote their activities.
“Girls Rock RVA plans on using this as a stepping stone to garner more funding for the camp since it is still a very small organization,” Spurlock said.
The video will be a visual aid to an online fundraiser for the organization beginning in January.
Last year Girls Rock raised $5,000 and were able to pay their camp counselors a stipend for their week’s work. This year the nonprofit’s goal is to cover the cost of camp which is about $7,500 to $8,000.
The organization would also like to raise funds for more and diverse instruments, outreach and a van to help girls who may not have transportation available to camp.
Outreach is a central part of Girls Rock method.
“We want to make our services known and available to those who could really take advantage of a free summer camp,” representative Patty Conway said.
Girls Rock’s camp participants are given access to instruments of their choice. The camp consists of music and art lessons as well as various performances by local artists. At the end of the week, campers participate in a showcase where they play their chosen instrument.
Every year Girls Rock RVA works in conjunction with the Richmond Public Library to create The Free Richmond Instrument Lending Library (FRILL) where girls ages 8 to 18 can check out instruments for free with their library card. The FRILL is open every other Saturday from now until July 2016.
To see the video and learn more about Girls Rock RVA you can visit their website.
Article by: Taylor Knight, Contributing Writer
