COOL in the News

The COOL's Cohort Leader, Sam Rohr and Board Chair, Marcus Brown joined WBOK's Front Porch to discuss the Cohort and share the impact our programs have made on students in New Orleans.

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"On the last day of the festival, it was time to give back to the community by engaging and educating 300 students from underserved communities around New Orleans and the River Parishes.

The nonprofit COOL cooperative ("Creating Outstanding Opportunities Locally") is dedicated to creating opportunities in the film community for middle and high school students."

"This week on Locally Louisiana: we'll learn how local kids are getting some cool, hands-on film-making experience via the COOL Cooperative." Watch the full Video for more on the COOL starting at 11 minutes in!

“Technical training on cutting-edge equipment, together with mentorship from master storytellers, provides Louisiana’s young people a meaningful pathway into the entertainment industry, where production skills and artistry are valued and needed,” said Josh Fleig, Chief Innovation Officer at LED. “LED is extremely excited to continue our partnership with The COOL Cooperative to educate and train the next generation of film industry professionals in Louisiana.”

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"...the camp offers students the opportunity to make a short film alongside professional mentors in a department of their choosing. Departments include set decoration and props, hair, makeup, and costume, grip and electric, sound, camera, assistant director, and post-production. The camp culminates in a screening of student work. "

" You're giving kids a path to actually take part in the film industry and really create their own films..."

“We are thrilled to showcase the next generation of New Orleans filmmakers,” said Beth Burvant, executive director of the Cool Cooperative, in a press release. “It’s a huge accomplishment to complete a film for the first time, and some of these shorts are truly wonderful, showcasing a wide array of unique creative voices.”