Small & Gutsy: Nonprofit Stories with Heart – Details, episodes & analysis

Rachel Miller, founder of Film2Future, joins Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff to discuss how her nonprofit is revolutionizing access to the entertainment industry for underserved LA youth. Rachel shares her personal journey, from discovering filmmaking at 16, to creating a comprehensive, completely free program that removes barriers to entry for talented teenagers from low-income backgrounds. The episode explores Film2Future's innovative hybrid model, industry partnerships, and the transformative impact on students' careers and lives.

Rachel's Background & Inspiration

• Discovered filmmaking by chance at age 16 during a community service event
• Interned for legendary producer Deborah Hill
• Taught public school in Manhattan and witnessed firsthand the economic divide affecting students' opportunities
• Founded Film2Future in 2016 to address systemic barriers to entry in Hollywood

The Problem Film2Future Solves

• Film school costs $80,000+ annually, with additional expenses for equipment, portfolios, and tutoring
• Industry leaders struggle to find "qualified, diverse candidates" ready to work
• The real issue: lack of accessible pathways for underserved youth, not lack of talent
• Solution: Start in high school so students are career-ready by 18

The Film2Future Model

• Completely free program providing computers, Wi-Fi, headphones, backpacks, supplies, food, and transportation
• Hybrid approach: remote learning + in-person days at partner companies (Disney, Sony, etc.)
• 25-30 student cohorts recruited from across LA County's most underserved schools
• No portfolio required for application; focus on creativity and point of view

Four Core Programs

• Animation
• Live Action Filmmaking
• Emerging Technologies (VR, podcasting, gaming)
• Advertising

Life Skills Integration

• Financial literacy
• Resume writing and LinkedIn development
• Professional communication and email etiquette
• Networking and pitching skills
• Interview preparation

Success & Impact

• 140+ paid internships and production assistant roles
• 225+ students served since 2016
• $2+ million in college scholarships earned
• Alumni hiring other alumni, creating sustainable career pipeline
• Notable success: Student with physical disabilities received a full-ride to NYU Tisch after creating the award-winning short

COVID-19 Innovation

• First production up and running during the pandemic
• Created proprietary tech pods and safety protocols
• Shot five shorts with zero infections
• Demonstrated organizational resilience and adaptability

• Diversity in entertainment isn't just about goodness—it's better for business and creativity
• Removing barriers at the pipeline level (high school) is more effective than trying to hire diversity later
• Life skills training is as important as technical skills in the entertainment industry
• Building community among students creates sustainable mentorship networks
• Multiple ways to get involved with nonprofits beyond monetary donations

Website: Film2Future.org

YouTube: Film2Future Channel (to view student shorts)

Instagram: @Film2Future

Contact: Available through website

Rachel Miller is the founder of Film2Future and, founding partner of Haven Entertainment, a production and management company. She's also an executive producer on Netflix's "Devil in Ohio" and has sold 28+ manuscripts to publishers. She speaks regularly at UCLA, NYU, AFI, and international film festivals about diversity in entertainment.

For more great Small & Gutsy Episodes: www.smallandgutsy.org/episodes

Join host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff as she explores the vital role of arts education with Gavin Cho, discussing how the Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is working to ensure every student has access to quality education and enrichment programs.

Key Takeaways:

• The merger of two long-standing educational foundations in Burbank created a stronger, unified approach to supporting students
• Twice-yearly grant programs provide crucial funding for innovative educational projects
• Student advocacy plays a central role in the foundation's success
• The foundation is expanding to offer college essay workshops and summer enrichment programs
• Community partnerships, from major studios to local businesses, help sustain educational initiatives

Notable Quotes:
"Everything that we do as a foundation at the end of the day needs to answer the question, what does this do for students?" - Gavin Cho

Impact Highlights:

• Awarded over $1.4 million in grants
• Supporting arts integration across all grade levels
• Creating equitable access to educational enrichment
• Building community partnerships for sustainable support

Vision for the Future:
The foundation aims to make Burbank schools synonymous with educational excellence in California, focusing on accessibility, equity, and comprehensive student development.

Get Involved:
Visit the Burbank Arts and Education Foundation website (https://burbankartsanded.org/) to learn about volunteer opportunities, donation options, and ways to support their mission of enriching education in Burbank.

About the Guest:
Gavin Cho brings his experience in public policy, strategic planning, and development to his role as Director of Development, combining his passion for education with practical solutions for community engagement.

For more podcast episodes, please visit: www.smallandgutsy.org

What happens when you mix the love of Jiu-Jitsu and the love for community? Guardian happens! This podcast recording offers insight into how learning to manage our emotions through martial arts, and specifically through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own magical ingredients with real and lasting impact. Guardian was founded by Ben Kovacs and Joel Lunenfeld in 2015, initially starting as a single academy in Oakland, California. The original gym supported over 1,000 youth across the Bay Area by providing mentorship, free training, and a welcoming community. From the outset, they envisioned Guardian as more than just a physical space; they aimed for it to have a global impact. In 2020, they introduced the Guardian Scholarship. This initiative was designed to broaden their reach, offering support to children worldwide to engage in training. Leveraging their extensive network of friends and academy partners, they started integrating scholarships within their schools, ensuring that financial barriers would not prevent children from accessing their programs. Their goal is to enable more youth to experience the transformative benefits of Jiu-Jitsu.  Ben is one of the founders of Guardian, where he has played a strong role in shaping the organization's branding and long-term strategy. His involvement in Jiu-Jitsu began in 2006 at Yamasaki Academy, and he earned a black belt in 2019. This experience inspired him to create a non-profit focused on making Jiu-Jitsu training accessible to all. Ben has a background in tech, having worked at Twitter, where he met Joel Lunenfeld, his co-founder. Both have been deeply committed to the sustainability  & mission of Guardian.

For more information: www.guardiangym.org

For more Small & Gutsy episodes and information to refer an organization or to be on the podcast:

www.smallandgutsy.org

Rocket Rules, the adorable red Dalmatian, offers children the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness along with other safety precautions to develop good instincts and build skills that ultimately can save their own and others' lives!

You can listen to the episode at the bottom of the page or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Adaptivities has created a new way to play by adapting some of the best classic games for those with special needs; Adaptivities is a platform of adaptive resources to stimulate dialogue and to increase opportunities for fun, engaging and reciprocal interaction for anyone with special needs. Adaptivities offers Game Day promoting hours of stress- free play and entertainment by doing all the planning. You just get to show up, have fun and engage with others!

Social workers are the best kept secret, because no one seems to know how valuable they are in every industry, not just as therapists. Although, they are certainly talented there. Learn about this amazing network that brings together social workers to engage in business discussions, share resources and advance their skill sets across various organizational sectors, all to benefit industry!

Girls Are Loud is a powerhouse of female musicians and producers ready to support any artist interested in recording; Girls Are Loud is changing the face of the music industry!

What makes camp wonderful and magical? Community, safety and fun! Learn why Harbor Camps is so incredibly special to so many youth who might not otherwise experience the pure joy of camp! Come to the sing-along with me!

Listen to Dr. Jennifer Kaplan's journey through her own loss to healing and guiding others to heal as well. A beautiful tribute to life through loss. www.jeffsplace.org

Learn about the amazing work of DCRC! DCRC works towards achieving a world where everyone's voice and value is recognized, and there are no barriers to living a full life. DCRC is dedicated to: connecting people with disabilities to resources, training and advocacy tools; promoting disability pride; and building self-determined lives.