The Entertainment Project... We Educate Kids!

A Special Thanks

2006-12-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

The Entertainment Project would like to thank our friends at the Theater Cafe next to the Buell Theatre for their help with our interviews. Thanks to Brian and his crew!!

29th Starz Denver International Film Festival

2006-12-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our very own Christian interviews Deborah Hiestand, Director of Grandma Goth...

Christian: What is the message for this movie?

Deborah: This is about a woman who is in her sixties and has a goth lifestyle. I think this message from this movie is that people should be what they want to be, no matter how old they are or how young they are, be true to your heart.

Christian: Can you talk about your personal life?

Deborah: I’m a single mom, but my son is 24 now. I live near downtown and I live in Baker neighborhood. I go to film school. I started film school when I was 52. What else would you like to know?

Christian: Where did you used to work?

Deborah: I still work actually… I have two jobs. Besides making films, I am an antique dealer and I’m also a drug and alcohol counselor.

Christian: Where were you born?

Deborah: I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Christian: Do you like Denver?

Deborah: I do like Denver. I’ve lived here most of my life.

Christian: Would you like to visit other places in the world?
Deborah: Yah, I’d like to visit a lot of different places. Last night I saw a movie about Poland and now I really want to go to Poland.

Christian: Where would be a special place where you’d like to go?

Deborah: I’d like to go to Africa.

Christian: Why would you like to go to Africa?

Deborah: ‘Cause it’s a totally different lifestyle than anything I’ve ever been exposed to before. I’d like to understand more about it.

Taylor: How did you find out about Grandma Goth and what is her real name? Her name is Sue Gustafson (?) She owns a store on South Broadway here in Denver called Flossy McGrews. I’ve actually known her for 17 years because I used to have a vintage clothing store and we still do business together, but over the years we kind of started, they say in Hawaii “talk story to each other”, so I’ve gotten to know a lot about her life and that’s sort of what made me want to make a movie about her.

Christian: Has she seen the movie?

Deborah: Yah, she has… she was at the screening of it the other night, she’s going to be at the one tomorrow night, too.

Christian: Does she like the movie?

Deborah: She does like the movie.

Christian: Where did the movie take place?

Deborah: It took place in the church she’s renovating. It’s full of coffins, skeletons, and old funeral things. So, the movie took place there and also we did some filming in her store, which sounds like some of you have already been into. Do you go costume shopping?

Christian: No.

Deborah: Well, she sells Halloween costumes.

Christian: Did you find out why she likes the gothic lifestyle?

Deborah: It’s the romance, she thinks that death is kind of a romantic thing and when she started doing it which was a long time ago, nobody else was interesting in it and they all thought she was crazy. She’s been collecting death things for 40 or 50 years now. Do you know what funeral cards are? In the turn of the century and sometimes earlier, when people had funerals for their loved ones, they made cards with poems and things and printed them on cards. It started out with a funeral card that she found and it went on from there.

Christian: Is the church in Colorado?

Deborah: Yes, it’s right on South Sherman Street. You could drive by it if you wanted.

Christian: When did you do this movie?

Deborah: We started making this movie about a year ago. And it took 9 months for all the shooting, all of the editing, and all of the things we had to do to make it into a film. So, it takes a long time.

Christian: What about the other movie that you made?

Deborah: It took a little bit less than that; it took maybe 5 or 6 months.

Christian: Well, thank you for spending some of your time with us and letting us know about your life.

Deborah: Thank you, I think you did a great job interviewing. I have a question for you, though… What made you interesting in doing this job?

Christian: What interested me in doing this job was to know more people and people that I’ve never even met.

Deborah: Do you like to go to movies?

Christian: Yes.

Deborah: What’s your favorite movie?

Christian: I don’t know I have a lot of favorite movies.

Deborah: What’s the last movie you saw?

Christian: The last movie I saw was… it wasn’t really a movie, it was more like a show… the show is called What Kids Like To Do.

Deborah: What was that about?

Christian: It was about lots of kids and what they mostly like to do when they’re young and it said that kids that when they get older, some kids try to look cool with their friends. And my brother said that sometimes he knew this kid that he tried to look cool and his friends told him to do bad things and he did and they got him into jail.

Deborah: So you learned some things from watching that, huh?

Christian: Yes.

Deborah: Okay… thanks for answering my question!

Christian: Thank you.

Deborah: You did a great job.

29th Starz Denver International Film Festival

2006-11-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Entertainment Project had a workshop on November 18th to give twenty something kids the oppertunity to interview filmmakers and see the movie Opal Dreams. Here are some of their stories...

Taylor Fonseca

Today is November 18, 2006, one of the last days of the 29th Starz Denver Film Festival. Madera, Colleen, Stuie, Ashley, myself, students from Ashley Elementary, and students from Coronado Hills Elementary had a fun filled day at the YMCA and later at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Everyone was prepped for the day ahead of us by preparing for interviews and reviewing the movie they were going to view. After everyone was geared up to go, we ventured over to the Buell Theatre. A few kids walked along the red carpet while some of us went straight to work to get ready for the future interviews. Most of the kids ended up watching the movie Opal Dreams, while a few of us interviewed directors, producers, etc. The interviews went very well and we all seemed to have had a blast. Not many kids get the chance to interview the people behind the scenes of the movies in film festivals… and I definitely think this was a great opportunity for everyone!

Ashley

Lights. Camera. Action! In today's society the film industry is a mass means of communication. People of all ages, children, teenagers and adults are all exposed to the views and ideas that movies portray. Blood, guts and violence among other things are continually seen across the range of cinematography. So, where is one to turn when they want to see a documentary that addresses present issues that critically need to be discussed? To Danny Schechter's newest film "In Debt We Trust." This 84-minute film illustrates the problems between the American society and their obsession with credit cards, money and life-consuming debt. "While many Americans may be 'maxing out' on credit cards, there is a deeper story: power is shifting into fewer hands.....with frightening consequences. "In Debt We Trust" shows how the mall replaced the factory as America's dominant economic engine and how big banks and credit card companies buy our Congress and drive us into what a former m
ajor bank economist calls modern serfdom. Americans and our government owe trillions in consumer debt and the national debt, a large amount of it to big banks and billions to Communist China (www.indebtwetrust.com)." Schechter's film discusses the present action of consuming oneself with debt, how that affects the economy and the possible after-effects. Not only can this movie relate to every member of the audience, but it also portrays a director's emotional concern about his environment. After meeting with Mr. Schechter I became aware that he is clearly passionate about what he does, but even more so about the message he is equally relaying to children, teenagers and adults.

29th Starz Denver International Film Festival!

2006-11-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Two of our talented kids wrote about their experiences interviewing filmmakers...

Autumn Dike
11/11/06
Coronado Hills Elementary
9 years old
4th grade

Right when I got here I shook everyone’s hands, then we went over what my questions should be. After I was finished I wrote how I felt before I came and how I felt then.

I learned what a documentary is. A documentary is a movie that shows real people and it is a true story.

Before I got here, when Mrs. Rogers picked me to go to the film festival, I was so excited. Then I went to my best friend’s cheer rehearsal, I wasn’t excited anymore, I was nervous. So now I’m here, I’m very nervous and hope I do well. 1:30

2:10 now I have met Shaun and David, the directors of the documentary “Purvis of Overtown”. My first question was “Have you ever made a movie before?” They answered, “No.” My interpretation on Shaun and David was that they were very nice; they made me feel like they felt the same as me, which was nervous. David has told me that he become inspired to make his movie by a person named Purvis. Purvis’s artwork inspired David. He said he loved his artwork. David and Shaun have inspired me to stay with the KBS New Program and keep interviewing!

Taylor Fonseca
November 11, 2006
Standley Lake High School
Age 15
Sophmore

Today, November 11, 2006, I attended the press conference at Hotel Monaco for the 29th Annual Denver Film Festival. At first, I was very nervous and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Well, I wasn’t all just nervous… I was also pretty excited. I felt prepared with the help of my teammates, so I wasn’t too worried.

It turns out that during the interview I wasn’t nervous at all. I interviewed Will Nail the maker of the small film called “Runaway Rightie.” His 5-minute film was entered in the Denver Film Festival and he was excited to have one of his pieces of work entered. His film is funny and very creative! He was very nice and fun to talk to.

The day turned out to be very fun! I’m glad I had the chance to experience this opportunity.

This year’s 29th Starz Denver International Film Festival

2006-11-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

Each year my young staff of fifteen to twenty something, second to fifth graders find themselves immersed into prepping for conducting interviews, attending screenings, standing and waiting with adult press on the Red Carpet, shaking hands with known and no so known men and women who make it the fantastic industry of filmmakers. This is how our journey begins...

Thursday, November 9, 2006
1:10 pm
Tonight, is the Red Carpet event opening the 29th Starz Denver International Film Festival. Today, I have just informed a fourth grader from Ashley Elementary School that she will be on the Red Carpet for the 29th Starz Denver International Film Festival. The talk around the school has teachers excited and giving high fives to Claudia, offering words of encouragement.

Before we even leave we have to research celebrities bios. Today, we focus on Tim Robbins. “I was so excited to have this opportunity. “I felt really happy because I was the only one selected from our school. I told my mom and she was excited. I was so nervous. I ate only a little bit.”

4:30 pm
Pick up Claudia at her school and travel to the Buell Theatre. Upon arriving Claudia comments, “I have never seen this place before. It is really big!”
Alante Thalley arrives. His claim to fame is that he was one of the reporters to interview actor, Morgan Freeman when he was at the film festival a year ago. An introduction is made and the two reporters work with volunteers to prep questions and their drafts for the magazine.

Alante Thailley comments “I think initially it will be difficult to communicate with Claudia, in light of the fact that we have never met before. Just before we start to interview people it’ll be a lot easier because working together will have to be a main goal. Right around when the independent film stars start to approach apprehension will follow. “

Saturday: November 11, 2006
10:30 am
Our team arrives to set up computers and tape recorders for our interviews this afternoon.
Present Madera Rogers, CEO/Founder, Colleen Carlson, coach and camera person and last but not least, Taylor Fonseca our 15 year old assistant. As we prep we notice, in one corner there gathers a group of unknown faces, little did we know that they were from the crew of the movie “Sensation of Sight”. Upstairs in the lobby of Hotel Monaco gathers individuals from the press to actors, producers and such, all in attendance for the 29th Starz Denver International Film Festival.

“What we do is very important,” states CEO/Founder of The Entertainment Project, Inc.; Madera E. Rogers. “It’s important because we literally introduce kids to the real world. We place young people into the environment of the industry. The Film Festival for example, allows our organization to provide opportunities to have junior film critics, reporters, and photographers with jobs interviewing local and international filmmakers.”

For Colleen Carlson , this is the first year with our organization at the festival. Colleen serves as women of many hats; camera-person, coach with the kids and typist. “This organization gives wonderful opportunities to kids. Things I could have only dreamed of at their age are actually happening to them! It’s amazing to see how quickly the kids can overcome being nervous and shake a filmmaker’s hand.”

“This is a great experience for me, and also for my teammates. I’m glad to be here! I’ve never been to a film festival, let alone interviewed anyone in the movie business. I am very excited at the fact that I have this opportunity. Bringing children to real world experiences is very awesome. This prepares them for many things in the future. The fact that kids are interviewing famous actors/actresses, directors, producers, etc. gives them practice and knowledge of being part of a press. ” Explains Taylor Fonseca, assistant editor/office support.
As the day progresses on we have numerous children who arrive to volunteer. There are three youth reporters ranging from 4th to tenth graders, to an 11 year who serves as assistant camerawomen and photographer. The young staff who participated are: Autumn Dyke, a fourth grader at Coronado Hills Elementary School, Aspen Silverberg; a tenth grader from Thornton High School, Taylor Fonseca, a tenth grader, and Saber. .

Interview Update with Roberto Forns-Broggi
Film House of Wisdom

“The House of Wisdom” is an inspirational short movie about the town of Saravejo, which had over 2million of its books and literature destroyed in the war of 1992. The maker, Roberto Forns-Broggi, wanted his film to express his feelings of remorse about the decrease in the power of books. Roberto expressed his thoughts on how it is possible to defeat terror and opression only through creative expression and writing. Ever since he was a young boy growing up in Peru, Roberto felt that books opened up windows of imagination to him like nothing else could, and knew of no other mind expanding projects until he saw the movie “2001” A Space Odyssey”. The film blew his mind and helped him realize that books are very powerful and could be used to really expand people’s horizons. After 1999, Roberto left Peru and moved to the U.S. Four years later, he went to the Starz Film Festival and viewed a film by John Lock-Goldar, “Notre Musique”, in which Saravejo was featured. The movie intrigued him, and a year later, he was in Saracejo with a digital camcorder, recording all he saw. By chance, Roberto stumbled upon the library of the town, which held no books. He was inspired, and later, after much more exploration, came back to the states and started to make his first iMovie. A year later, Roberto was surprised to find that the movie he had submitted to the committee of acceptance at the Star Film Festival, was actually going to be screened. He feels that this movie is his way to tell the world that books are true weapons of mass creativity, and are the only way to overcome danger and terror. Look for Roberto to make more influential movies in upcoming years.

CSI:WRMS

2006-10-14T12:23:00.000-06:00

Crackin' cases like nobody's business...

On Tuesday Sept. 12, 2006 it was reported that Ms. Pell's stuffed bird was stolen from her office between 2:20 and 2:30 PM. Ms. Pell stated that her bird was stolen from a cabinet in her office. She believes that Mr. Self is the perpetrator. Evidence at the crime scene shows that someone came in the office, went to the
cabinet and took the bird. Before the perpetrator left, they left a ransome note and a couple of fingerprints. The perpetrator exited though the window and tracked pink fibers on the floor. The pink fibers were identified by Ms. Pell as belonging to the bird. The suspects are Mr.Self, Mrs.Wilson, Ms,Rosetti, and Ms.Pell. We have made reports and quetioned the suspects.

10/12/06

Today we solved the case! The perpetrator is Ms.Pell. We received a written confession from her, she wrote:
Good job you guys! I was angry at Mr.Self for putting on a couple of Daily Shows that I did not like so I decided to set him up for the theft of my bird.
-MS.PELL

A Really Brilliant Kid From Africa: Part II

2006-10-04T15:21:00.000-06:00

We responded to Patrick's email in the previous blog. This is what he wrote back...

Patrick,
Take a look at the blog on the web page. Your letter is there. I will begin to have kids and others directly give you feedback. Currently, I am working with establishing a contact with you from the organization. Question. Do you have access to a microphone that can be connected on your computer?

Let me know when you can. Things are progressing.
Madera E. Rogers

Hi Ms Rogers,

I was very excited to receive your mail. May God bless you and your group mightily.
I appreciate your effort in making me one of your contacts here in Africa. I stay in The Gambia West Africa. This contry is a very popular tourist destination, and life here is ok for now. But I am from Liberia.
I have contacted a few friends who have expressed interest in the whole project. However, I went to enquire from sources on how to set up a media house in Gambia and I was told that it was going to be tough, especially for me, a foreigner. The fees are very high and the tax involved is also an inportant issue. One journalist told me to start first with a youth organization then register the magazine under the name of the group. That is what I'm trying to do right now. Many young people are expressing interest in being members. For sponsorship, I am trying to meet organizations and business to apppeal for sponsorship from you. I am not too sure of the outcome.
Well, unfortunately I don't have a computer of my own yet. The price is very high for me. So I do most of my work at inetenet cafes. A friend of mine has a computer wihch he uses in his studio I might use it when necessary. The church I affiliate with is the Bethel World Outreach Ministries International, The gambia chapter. You can send me any mail or anything through that address. I am trying to send you a copy of the letterhead I designed for the organization
sorry I could not reply on friday. It was the day of the national election here, and most offices were closed.

Hope to hear from you again.

Patrick

A Really Brilliant Kid Form Africa

2006-09-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

Recently the founder and CEO of The Entertainment Project received a letter from Patrick J. Tucker, a child with great hopes...

Dear Ms. Madera E. Rogers,

I first of all want to thank you for your concern and interest in my project, may the Almighty God bless you and your organization richly.
I would enjoy it if my magazine were to be your Africa branch or contact and to have the concern of the brethren on that side of the world.

My mother, whom I stay with presently, is aware of my proposal and in her little way she is trying to push me forward. But as you know, such a project involves a whole lot of work and financing, which is why I am trying to get support from anywhere God leads me.

Right now I don't have access to a digital cameral, but I can scan and email you a few photos of mine as soon as possible and to tell you a little of my self. I spend my early growing years in Liberia where I was born and did my primary education there until grade 10 when I came to the Gambia because of the civil war in my country. I completed high school here as head of my class (something I have been since grade nine) at the Ebenezer SDA senior secondary school.
My interests are reading and writing (my first choice of hobbies). I love watching movies especially comedies, hanging out with friends and most of all bringing young people together. Right now I'm the youth president in my church a position which was given to me by the grace of God base on my dedication to the youths in the church.

I am right now studying Business and i have a diploma in Business Management and Administration and i'm doing my diploma in Bsiness Communication.

I got to know your organization when I went to find sponsors for the magazine project online. I saw the name that attracted my attention.

My problem now is how to get the magazine registered since there is a lot procedure to follow and lot of cash to spend to start a media house in this country.

I will end my mail at this end and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely Yours
Patrick J. Tucker

York Photography!

2006-09-19T11:38:00.000-06:00

Students in the York Photography class tell us what they've learned...

What did I learn about the computer? I learned how to pass the camara. A card reader is the thing that reads the memory chip.

Today in Photography I learned the various parts of a camera. On the front of a camera there is the shutter and the lens. I also learned that all pictures are saved on a memory card/chip. This chip is then inserted in a card reader to upbring pictures that have been taken. To view pictures you click on the My Computer Icon on the main screen and then it will bring up a file.In this file pressing on XD(:F) will bring up all your pictures as icons. Double clicking on an icon will bring up the actual picture in a medium size. If you double click an icon twice the picture will be created in a large form.

What I learned in photography is that you have to pay attention so you don't mess up. I also learned how to download, and were to put the memory card.

In phortography I learned how to put the memory card in the computer. I also learned how to look at pictures from the commputer.

CSI: WRMS Forenzic Science Team

2006-08-29T19:46:00.000-06:00

The girls at Wheat Ridge Middle School talk about their expectations for the eight week program...

What I noticed about our team is that we all have different types of personalities. We can help each other with the things we lack. Also we can help each other get the job done and make sure it is done right. I also noticed that we have some things in common; like why we wanted to sign up for this class, what we liked about it and how it interests us.
The words I think have different meanings are quiet and appearance. Quiet, to me, means to be an observer. Appearance means you stand out.
This is what I think about my team.

I noticed that our team will be successful, because we have so many different aspects to our team. We should be able to do anything we set our minds to. If we can communicate we will go even farther. Elizabeth is quiet and observant. Cheyenne is outgoing and notices detail. Jennifer is quiet and important. Tiffany is on time and responsible. Observe, remember, clarify, and describe are all very important words and all have different meanings.

I found that part of my team can observe things very well, and some can get very distracted by small things as well. There are two girls that will be to the crime scene right on time, I will be the one to motivate everyone and distract them too. The other two girls will be the ones to notice every little detail. I personally think that we will all get along.

The observation I saw from my CSI team is that not everyone is the same. Everyone has different personalities. Katie is the hyper one, Elizabeth doesn’t like to read at all, Katherine likes horses, Jennifer likes listening to music, Cheyenne is the girl who is always late to her classes and me I'm friends with everyone.

Well I think the team is going to be good because we all like this program and some of us like to solve mysteries. I noticed that we all are here because we like this kind of thing and where not here to just be here.

York!

2006-07-29T22:21:00.000-06:00

The Jr. Forensic Scientist Program gets to the bottom of a crime scene...

Martin L.

July 20, 2006

On day one of the Jr. Forensic Scientist Program, I thought the crime scene was not a crime scene because nothing appeared to be wrong.

So far, this program has taught me how to take fingerprints, how to tell what kind of prints they are, how fingerprints tell who a person is and the background that person came from.

Now, I think there can always be more to a scene than what you see when you are standing in it.

I like this class because you get to learn about crime scenes. I also like this class because it is fun to participate in.

Jose D.

July 20, 2006

On day one of the Jr. Forensic Scientist Class, I thought that the crime scene was not an actual crime scene. The place looked like it was a big mess. However, at the crime scene I learned how to take fingerprints and to test them to see who they belong to. Fingerprints are important because they can help determine who did the crime.

My idea about the identity of the criminal changed because at first, I thought Madera was the criminal. However, now I think Josh did the crime.

I like this program because of the crime scene and the fingerprints. However, I dislike using the computers. This class is a lot of fun but I don’t like to write.

Noah L.

July 20, 2006

When I walked into the crime scene of the Jr. Forensic Scientist Class, I did not think that the crime scene was a crime scene. However, due to this, I learned that you have to take your time to discover an answer. It is important to take your time because if you rush you would get the wrong answer. That’s how I found out that my first idea was wrong. My idea changed when I heard it was a crime scene.

I like the science because it is really fun to work with stuff.

Kimberly M.

July 28, 2006

In the Photography Program at York Middle School, we have been taking pictures concerning summer. Summer means flowers blooming in fields, trees get bigger and bigger, and there is water everyday. During the summer, people go to lakes and oceans and wear shorts and tank tops. That’s what summer means to me. Summer is also a fun time because you get to hang out with friends.

Photography at York Middle School!

2006-07-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

By Josh
Today was our first day of photography. I taught the kids about the different kinds of cameras and their parts. Jack and Andrea helped me teach the kids new techniques and all the rules we all needed to follow. The kidws took some pictures of each other and had a good time.

By Andrea
Today at York Middle School, Jack and I taught a small group of kids how to use cameras. Josh showed the kids different kinds of photography and told them about several careers that are photography based. The kids then took pictures of each other using their newfound knowledge. I thought it was great to teach younger kids how to use new equipment that they weren’t familiar with. Overall, our experience at York was interesting.

By Zana, Stephany, Karen, Alyssa

Over the past day, we learned how to use digital cameras and how to make pictures bigger by using the zoom function. Before, we did not know that cameras had memory cards. We learned about different photography forms and different cameras. We also learned how to handle the cameras and take different pictures. It was a very fun experience.

Arts Street!

2006-07-06T13:08:00.000-06:00

This week started off much quicker than all of the other weeks. The team had prepared in their minds what our environment should start to look like. On Monday morning we immediately sat down and discussed the week’s plans. We first discussed our parent presentation for Thursday and decided what would be fitting for our expectative persona as a team.

Tuesday we had a vacation for the 4th of July.

Wednesday we came in and did preparation for our scripts. Our presentations were very near complete and we were making quick progress. We even had time to research weather and weather patterns. Collectively we had 10 minutes of entertainment prepared for the presentation for our parents

On Thursday we set up for parent day and prepared for a beautiful feast. Everyone came up and introduced their team and what their program is about. The team focused specifically on our radio segments and acting skills to best represent what we work on on a day to day basis. The team cleaned most of the building and all of the presentation area before the presentation. This was elaborate and well thought out, considering the fact that we are the team focusing on environmental awareness

Friday we came in and met with YET kids and prepared more scripts for radio Disney broadcast. We even went over possibly adding the YET kids into our five minute segments for Radio Disney. We investigated new ideas for script writing skills and speaking skills. We went over what days will be like next week and what we would do to represent our program to better our environment.

Ashley draws the Radio Project kids in their "environment"...

York Middle School News Team!

2006-07-05T15:48:00.000-06:00

The kids at York Middle School get a taste of what it feels like to be a real news anchor...

Jazmin
My experience in KYMS was a lot of fun. We had a really nice teacher who pushed us enough so we could get our work done. Also, it was fun because we worked as if we were a real work news team and our teacher was just there for our help. We put a lot of time and effort into it but in the end I think it was worth it.

Roger
I had to learn to be quiet on the set. I had to not start to laugh when other people are doing their parts. I also know I have to pay attention. I had to learn respect for others.

Martin
What I learned is how to be someone who is getting taped and how to be quiet on the set. Also, how much pressure the anchors and the camera person has to go through to film a simple five minute tape.

Izzy
Over the past three weeks in KYMS, Mr. Josh has helped with writing stories. We only had five days to do it so it was kind of hard. For the first couple of classes, we brainstormed and wrote our scripts. After that, we made cards and we had to practice a lot.

Arts Street!

2006-06-25T14:15:00.000-06:00

The Arts Street students take a field trip to Radio Disney....

Leonard
Today I had fun. I've never been to the Radio Disney Station, when we got there I thought Mickey Mouse was going to be there. I got to record my voice on the microphone. So today I had a great time.

Chris
I thought it was a good day the tour was cool.

E.J.
I think our material is better than good and some of us including me need to get more familiar with the recording equipment and we're down to perfection. Also, it was cool to see how a radio station functions today at Radio Disney.

Ashley
Today we visited Radio Disney in Lakewood with Greg and Yadira. I expected a small studio, but it was miniscule! The experience was valuable, though. It was fun to be in the recording studio and walk around the offices. After lunch, we learned how to operate the mini-disk. It was a disaster!

Nobody was paying attention, people dropping equipment, being disrespectful. It made me so frustrated. I am not here to work with irresponsible children who don't want to be here. This is a job and I intend to show up every day ready and prepared to give 110%. It is an obvious expectation to do work!

Get out, leave if you can't do that.

Andrea
Today our group visited the Radio Disney office. I thought it was great to get to see where the show is put together. I was happy to see sound boards. I'm also starting to get along better with my teammates. We're starting to finally start grouping together, which I think is great. My team put together our DH for recycling. I think it turned out great. I'm starting to feel much more at ease with making a complete fool of myself. I think this program is an amazing opportunity. Things are already progressing so I'm anxious to see how things will go in the few weeks.

Issac
Today was a crazy and fun. I mean, I got to go to A Radio Broadcasting Studio. It's awesome. Really, I never knew that we could broadcast in Denver and be placed on the Radio in Taxes. How cool?, really great. It's like a 15 year old's dream come true. I loved it. The best part is, it wasn't a tour, but an experiment. I'm working with them, not the studio, but Arts Street. What made me happy was that Madera put us on stage, in front of the room. She told us to be live in our script. She loved it, so we were all happy.

Ally
Wow! This was a lot more fun than I thought it was going to be. I felt kind of silly trying to act out a character, but I think it turned out better the more I worked with it. It was kind of fun too. It was petty cool visiting a Radio Station too.

David
Today we cruised down to the Radio Disney office in Lakewood. It became slightly confusing to log the photos we took. I think our pictures got mixed up and are not as the log, but I believe this will change soon and we will become more organized. We recreated our script aswell.

Tyrell
Today we worked on our scripts and also took a trip to Radio Disney, which I was excited about, but when we got there it was a little boring, except the recording booth. But other than that we got to look at how to work the mini disk.

Jack
Today we visited Radio Disney to see what their office space was like and who we will be presenting our material to. I felt good about the visit and learned the reality of local Disney versus all local radio stations and the simplicity of their headquarters. Disney's local station is a very simple database.

It seemed to be well organized and I will be glad to produce segments to satisfy said station.

Baron
Today we visited Radio Disney and it was a great experience. We got to record and mess with the studio. We went back to PS1 and reaplied our scripts to our boss and made an employee contract.

Arts Street!

2006-06-18T14:42:00.000-06:00

The students of the radio show tell about their enviornment and what they hope to learn through Arts Street

Jack
The environment is a place that is sacred to life and houses the billons of life forms on the planet. If the environment is necessary for life, and we thrive for life, then there is one simple answer and that is to give environmental awareness to youth.
I hope to accomplish that thorough research and well thought out radio segments.
I hope to gain knowledge in broadcasting, editing, and the environment.

Ashley
From this program, I expect to receive information about operating radio materials, recording for the radio, and the “behind-the-scenes” work that is also required. This is a totally new adventure for me – I have no background knowledge in this area, so I intend to take in all the things I can in order to perform at my full potential.
Learning how to use radio materials would be a skill I want to possess after this program. Within that, radio techniques, software, and even “tricks” about the radio would be beneficial.
When recording on the radio, especially live, a lot is involved. From speech details to cold reads; I’d like to gain knowledge on radio performance! I also want experience on dialects or character voices.
“Behind-the-scenes” work is a significant aspect to radio. I don’t know the fine details, but whatever secrets or tricks that can be taught, I’m willing to listen and learn from.
I’m so extremely excited to participate in this opportunity and I hope to be taught everything that I am seeking.

Taylor
I expect to learn more about the environment because I know nothing about it, honestly. I would like to find more ways to help solve some of the environmental issues. Also, I expect to learn more about radio broadcasting.
Some things I would like to accomplish are to help younger kids understand the many environmental issues and to make them aware of what is going on in our environment.
I hope that we will all work together to come up with a great, entertaining, and informational radio show.

Talor
I am expecting to get lots of experience in radio and make new friends. I also want to build a job out of radio.

Andrea
Through this program, I’d like to learn more about how radio shows are put together and what goes into making a show something approachable and enjoyable. I’d like to see how everyone’s skills can come together to create a quality radio program. I know my strengths are in writing and I’m good at seeing things from other people’s perspectives, so I believe I can be an asset to the team. I don’t know how a show is actually compiled, so I’d like to learn how to do that. I’m passionate about music and sound, which will be a major component in our project.

Tyrell
I want to get better at drawing and also make a comic if possible but I also want to have some experience for future jobs and get paid money to shop and buy clothes and shoes. Also, meeting new people would be good.

Alicia
I’m not really sure what I want to get out of this project. I think that mainly, I want to try out different mediums of art and try something new just to break away from using pencils, ink, and paint. Still, I’m not quite sure what I want to get out of this or what my expectations are.
I think that I’ll just let everything play out and just see what happens along the next seven weeks here. I think I’ll just let everything flow along, go with the flow of things and see how everything works out.

Leonard
What I want to gain from this program is more experience in the studio. Also, I want to be able to know how to work the computer so that when I get older I can design my own stuff.

EJ
What I expect to get out of this job is a nice paycheck every two weeks. Not only that but I want to get more familiar with the studio and learn how to record and clarify different projects. Also, I want to have good work done and a nice, finished, project. I am eager to start.

Baron
What I am hoping to accomplish by doing this a sense of responsibility and to learn about radio broadcasting and how to work the proper machinery for it. Also, I hope to gain better people skills. I would also like to meet new people and make friends but I mostly wanted to do this because I didn’t want to sit around this summer and do nothing. What I would like to accomplish is better electronic skills.

Leoueize
What I want to learn from this program, Arts Street, is to get more experience in the studio and I want to be able to know how to work with a computer well so that when I get older I can design my own Microsoft.

David
I hope to get some recording experience but not only that, I would like to produce a product from this that will tie into my senior project for school. I would also like to meet new people in the process and I hope to become more familiar with the recording process and editing programs.

Arts Street!

2006-06-18T14:36:00.000-06:00

Founded in 1999, Arts Street provides job training and mentoring for Denver youth through arts-related jobs. To accommodate the range of creative tendencies among youth, Arts Street uses a balance of art media. The program incorporates multi-media, visual, and performing arts curricula in paid and unpaid work situations to engage adolescents and to enhance their education. In 2004, Arts Street was the recipient of the national “Coming Up Taller Award” granted by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Coming Up Taller is an account of the men and women who share their skills as they help to shape the talents of children and youth and tap their hidden potentials.

This summer, Arts Street will be collaborating with the Entertainment Project in a Radio Broadcast curriculum. Youth ages 14-21 will gain skills in developing and producing content material on environmental concerns to be broadcasted on Radio Disney, Denver and Houston.

Turn Around

2006-06-05T13:24:00.000-06:00

These are REAL stories. Names, places and pictures have been changed for the participants' protection.

This week we hear fom a girl who had problems at school but was turned around by The Entertainment Project.

The first year I came to this school I was in trouble most of the time. Like one day last year a girl named Tina got me in trouble. I was in class and the teacher told the girls to line up. So, we all got up and I was almost to the front of the line but, Tina pushed me out of the way and got in front of me. I asked her very nicely to move but she did not move. I pushed her back and got in front of her. Then, she told the teacher what I did and I had to go to the principle’s office. I was in trouble. I had to stay in the office for a few days.

Another day, I was in my classroom, playing loud and talking loud. The teacher told me to stop but I didn’t. Then, she yelled and said, “Stop!” After that, I became mad and started being mouthy. So, my teacher sent me down to the office. I was getting in trouble almost everyday.

On another day, I was swinging at the swings when Tina came up to my friends and I. She was trying to talk to us but I told her to leave. Tina didn’t leave, so I screamed at her and ran to the other swings. I was standing up when she stood in front of me and put her chest on my chest. I pushed her on the ground and then she got up, picked up some rocks, and started to throw them at me and my friend, Jessica. I jumped off the swings to go to the office and tell on her but she pushed me. So, I pushed her on the ground. Then, she ran in the office and told Dr. Hulslander that I pushed her. She also said that she did not even do anything to me and that I pushed her for no reason. Jessica, Tina, and I all talked to Dr. Hulslander. Dr. H said that if we did not pull it together we would have detention.

I also got into trouble when I was walking down the stairs with my class and my teacher. My teacher had a box in her hand. I asked her if I could see what was in the box. She said, “No,” And put her arm around it. My teacher thought I was in the back of the line, in front of my friend, Shyanne. Ms. Taylor thought I had two pencils in my hand held up behind her head. However, I did not ever have pencils in my hand. Then, we went to help the Kindergarteners. When we went back to our classroom Ms. Hunter came in and Ms. Taylor told Ms. Hunter what Ms. Taylor thought I had done. Ms. Hunter told the principal and they made me sit in the office from 11:00am to 12:45pm. Then, Ms. Taylor cam in the office and told Dr. Hulslander to let me go and that she forgave me. After that, I got up and went to my specials.

Another time I got in trouble I was in class. It was a Friday and I was talking to my friend. The teacher was passing out tests and she told us to be quiet, but we were not quiet. So, the teacher sent me to the office. The principal told me to sit down on the bench in the office so that he could call my mom and tell her to pick me up. Ms. Rogers came in the office and saw me crying. She told me to come and talk with her and tell her what was going on. So, I told her. Then, Ms. Rogers told me to ask Dr. Hulslander what it would take for me not to go home. So, I asked him and he said, “Well, it would take your goodness and kindness,” and I had to start helping the little Kindergarteners. Ever since then, I have been good.

Three's a Crowd- Part III

2006-05-24T20:59:00.000-06:00

These are REAL stories. Names, places and pictures have been changed for the participants' protection.

And now Part III of Three's a Crowd...

Hi, my name Stephanie and I’m here to tell you about the problems in my friendship. The girls involved in this are: Josephine, Nicole, and me.

I think that my attitude is very complicated. I also think that I express myself too much whether it’s good or bad. I really want to change my attitude because it’s caused me a lot of problems. Josephine’s attitude is also very strange and hard to understand. Sometimes she’s mean, strong, and very angry for no reason at all. Other times she’s like an angel, harmless and peaceful. Nicloe’s almost always mad for something small or she just wants to hurt someone.

I think the main problem is that we all act bossy because we’re the youngest of our families. So, we all feel like we’re the little princesses at school as well as at home but it’s not really that way. We’re always arguing over small and tiny things. One of the hundreds of problems we have Is that we never easily admit that we did something wrong.

Something you should know about me is that it’s hard to convince me that I did something wrong. If one week we have a problem and fix it, the next week we have another fight. Something that goes on in our friendship is that whenever we have a problem, my friends usually blame it on me. We almost never agree on the ideas we have.

A fact about us is that Josephine and Nicole have known each other since they started school. Then in second grade, I moved to that school just when Josephine was mad at Nicole. Since Nicole didn’t really like new girls, Josephine was my first friend ever. I know these fights aren’t just because of Nicole but, Nicole is always lying to us and playing really mean tricks on us. Sure, Josephine and I play tricks too, but not mean ones. Sometimes, Josephine and I find it difficult to admit that someone did something better than us. We don’t know why, but we just do. We all really want to fix all of our problems. Sometimes we wonder if we were ever meant to be friends or if we were ever meant to meet. That was my story about my friendship problems.

Three's a Crowd- Part II

2006-05-15T14:15:00.000-06:00

These are REAL stories. Names, places and pictures have been changed for the participants' protection.

Last week we heard from an Assistant Principal about the issues that can happen in a friendship. This week we hear from one of the girls who instigated a friendship quarrel...

Hi, my name is Josephine and I have two best friends named Stephanie and Nicole but, something happened to our friendship. One day when Stephanie and I were talking about the past, we talked about what Nicole did to us. When Stephanie and I were done talking we agreed not to be Nicole's friend any more! When it was time for lunch Nicole was sitting by us and talking to us but Stephanie and I ignored her. When she knew that we were not her friends any more she got mad, she stood up, went to her brother and maybe told him something about Stephanie and I. I had no clue what I had just done. Stephanie and I ruined our friendship with Nicole.

The next morning, while I was at school, Stephanie and I were thinking if we should do what Nicole did to us. For a second I thought, "Nah," But the word came out and I said, "Sure, why not?"
Stephanie said, "Why don'’t we tell the Assistant Princepal?" I forgot what I said to Stephanie.

The next day we went to The Entertainment Project program. Nicole was in it too so Stephanie said to Nicole, "Nicole, Ms. Rogers said that since you missed today you can't come back."
I said, "Yeah!" I was so stupid to say that. Now, the Assistant Princepal and Ms. Rogers talked to the both of us, Stephanie and I.
They said, "If you don'’t fix this, both of you will get suspended, even you Josephine. I am very disappointed in you!"

After that talk I called Nicole and said I am so so so so sorry, and Stephanie said sorry too!

AND THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR FRIENDSHIP!

Visit us next week for Part III of "Three's a Crowd".

Three's a Crowd- Part I

2006-05-07T10:32:00.000-06:00

These are REAL stories. Names, places and pictures have been changed for the participants' protection.

In this week's blog we hear from an Assistant Principal at an Elementary School. She talks about the tribulations of a friendship between three girls...

The partnership between The Entertainment Project and schools in the Denver metro area has been invaluable. As an Assistant Principal, I have the opportunity to speak with students not only about their academic growth but also about the real situations that make life enjoyable or a struggle. Working with students has been a learning experience for me. I find it amazing how intuitive and aware students are about their emotions. Daily, I am challenged with helping students express these emotions in a positive manner so that we can create a welcoming and safe environment.

The Entertainment Project has not only given our students the opportunity to apply literacy to “real-world situations but it has also given students the tools they need to problem-solve. In this blog you are invited to learn about specific problems that students face at school. Our lives are connected and through this valuable partnership, students are able to think introspectively about how they can become better students; better citizens; better people. We introduce you how we educate kids!

We will begin this blog with introducing you to two stories. One story shows a problem between three friends who care about each other but have struggled with issues of power, expression, and friendship. These issues may sound too dramatic to describe a problem 10 year-olds may have. You will find, however, that these are formative issues that most school-aged children experience. These issues are real.

Another story introduces you to a young girl who constantly gets in trouble. Her strong personality had everyone in the school wondering,…until one day she was challenged by Madera Rogers, the Founder /CEO of The Entertainment Project to change! To change how people perceived her. And what happened is the story in itself.

Between the school and The Entertainment Project, these students have been given the opportunity to reflect on their actions and decisions. By doing so, they have been able to pinpoint where they could change the dynamics of the situation. Why did they act the way they did? How did it feel? What will they do different next time?

Each student had to write a letter to not only describe the situation but also to answer “Why?” Interestingly, these three friends explained their actions by posing their family dynamics as a possible reason. For example, one student mentioned that because they are all the youngest of their families, maybe they were just used to “getting their way.” I thought she was very reflective and did not justify her actions but instead found a reason for them. Now that she knows, she can change. It has been a couple of weeks since this incident. I haven’t heard of any more and I am encouraged that their friendship is now stronger. Hopefully, the communication created by writing these letters has laid a foundation from which they can solve future problems in a respectful and mature manner.

Here are their stories...…

Visit us next week for Part II of "Three's a Crowd".

Welcome to The Entertainment Project! We Educate Kids...

2006-05-04T11:41:00.000-06:00

ORGANIZATION & PROGRAM HISTORY

Madera Rogers founded The Entertainment Project, Inc. in 1998 as a participant in the national volunteer program AmeriCorps. In her role as an adjunct educator at Kearney Middle School in Commerce City, Colorado, Rogers developed Whose Magazine and KBS News (Kids Broadcasting Station) from her original “Critics Circle,” a club designed to develop students’ writing and critical thinking skills. While Kearny students were writing stories and reviews for community newspapers, Rogers noted marked improvement in their ability to research, analyze and write essays on topics deemed kid-worthy. As she began to introduce her students to real-world experiences, they exhibited strong leadership qualities and increased self-confidence. Rogers felt the logical next step was a youth-created, youth-run newspaper.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

• In every program and activity, we create fun, engaging learning environments;
• Creativity is a tool we use to help children challenge themselves;
• We reach out to children and their families to provide a caring, accountable support system;
• Through dedicated energy and action, we redefine “No Child Left Behind”;
• We empower children to grow as independent thinkers and learners;
• Our community gives children the confidence to speak their minds;
• All children are gifted, and all children are valuable gifts;
• Children are encouraged to respect and to be accountable for themselves and for each other; and
• We provide real-world experience that connects to classroom expectations.

The Entertainment Project created this Blog to educate kids, parents and administrators world wide. In the following months we will post real testimonials of the experiences that may face some of us as we grow and learn.

Be sure to visit our Blog on May 8th for the debut of "Three's a Crowd", a look into the struggles of friendship.

For more information on The Entertainment Project, visit us at:

www.weeducatekids.org

www.writingbykids.org

www.whosemagazine.org

PROGRAM PRODUCTS

The Incorporation Program

Incorporating Our Programs into Schools and School Districts

To meet the needs of schools, we can incorporate our programs into any format required: as a daily literacy block, as an elective course, or as an after-school or summer enrichment program. Our 36-month goal is to serve 20 North American schools.

Photography

The Entertainment Project has two concurrent, black and white photography exhibits at the Cowell Elementary School (April 21, 2006) and in the halls of Ashley Elementary School. The exhibits include photographs from our collection of more than 10,000 images spanning an eight-year period. A percentage of sales from these photographs is escrowed and later awarded to the photographer upon his/her entrance into college or technical school.
New show at the YMCA – end May to June

Greeting Cards

The Entertainment Project introduced a greeting card program in 2004 with 20 new images added in 2005. More than 500 cards have been sold, netting $1,000 for their creators. Cards can be purchased at A Quiet Corner in North Denver (3480 West 32nd Avenue). One dollar of every card sold is placed into an escrow account to be awarded to its creator upon his/her entrance into college or technical school. Please see a selection of our greeting cards at www.whosemagazine.org. Also, greeting cards will be available on ebay.
Ask about the date!

The Encore College Fund

Created in 2004, The Encore College Fund provides money to college-bound program participants to defray the costs of books, school supplies, and perhaps a portion of college tuition. In just 24 months, we have raised $2,000.

Product Sales: Funds Distribution

For every greeting card sold, one dollar (of the $2.50 price) is escrowed for its creator. For large-format photographs that range in prices from $25 - $400, 60% – 80% is placed into an escrow account.

‘Whose Magazine?’ A Youth Publication

Whose Magazine is the cumulative, annually-published product representing every program we offer. Through our many programs, students take on roles as movie or restaurant reviewers, chefs, fashion photographers, sports editors, poets, cartoonists, and more. They conduct research, develop inquiries, interview subjects, and then write articles about their experiences. Through basic photography instruction, they understand how to compose photographs that express ideas and opinions. The resulting magazine is a showcase of cultural literacy - - a literal roadmap of where and how participants have collected cultural wisdom along with renewed self-confidence. Our staff joins forces with a large group of talented adult volunteers who provide support and access to interesting, educational/cultural experiences. The resulting publication offers an authentic voice that relates the joy and concerns of today’s youth. (Cost: $1.00 per issue for students) (See Appendix A for Whose Magazine distribution points)

WARNING
THIS BLOG IS VIEWED BY PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, ALL INAPROPRIATE COMMENTS OR ACTIONS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT.