AT&T launches diversity mentor programme for young filmmakers
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Michelle Clancy
| 06 July 2017

AT&T Hello Lab has launched its Mentorship Programme, an initiative that brings together entertainment industry leaders with aspiring filmmakers from diverse backgrounds as they create their signature work.

The five filmmakers will debut their short films on DIRECTV NOW in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The 2017 AT&T Hello Lab mentors include Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer (Best Supporting Actress, The Help, 2012); Academy Award Winner Common (Best Original Song,Selma, 2014); Rick Famuyiwa (director, Dope, Confirmation); Desiree Akhavan (director/actress, Appropriate Behaviour); Nina Yang Bongiovi (producer, Fruitvale Station).

In addition, each filmmaker will be supported by a community of industry advisors, including studio and production company executives, agents and attorneys.

"There are a lot of film programmes out there designed to empower young filmmakers,” said Spencer. “But the word 'empower' is a sort of a catch-all, isn't it? What I love about this programme is that it's tactical. It's enabling young filmmakers to make actual, physical work. It's giving them the first crucial part of their reel.”

AT&T Hello Lab will help each filmmaker create a high-production quality signature film and provide support as they break into the entertainment industry. Advisers and mentors will counsel the filmmakers on pitching their work, managing budgets and directing character-driven narratives. The shorts will all celebrate young adults and all tell a unique coming-of-age tale.

“Nurturing the next generation of creative minds is crucial for the entertainment industry,” added Valerie Vargas, SVP for advertising and Creator Lab, AT&T. “The AT&T Hello Lab Mentorship Program gives voice to filmmakers that may otherwise be silenced, and we can’t wait to see the ideas this unique group of creators develop.”