FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is media literacy so important for women and girls?

We believe that if women and girls are to achieve equality and advancement in today's world they must be taught to be media literate. Most girls in the United States will have watched 5,000 hours of television before entering kindergarten (Kaplan). As a result, girls are exposed to over 20,000 TV commercials a year (Stoneman & Brody). By the time a girl is 16 years old, she will have spent more time watching television than going to school (Basow). And furthermore: Only 3% of all of the cinematographers in Hollywood are women. A woman has never won an Academy Award for Film Directing.

Why grrls and not girls?

We embrace all ways of being a grrl. Whatever kind of grrl you are, you are welcome here.

Is the Media Lab Wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but please contact us with specific questions about accessibility.

What are the requirements to become a Reel Grrl?

Most of our programs are for 13-19 year old grrls in Seattle and nearby, and advance registration is required. Visit our program page for the specific requirements of the programs you are interested in.

What is the time commitment for taking a workshop? Do you have homework?

Some workshops meet once or twice a week for as long as six months; others are just one or two days. There is not usually any homework assigned, though you may want to plan on scheduling a little extra time outside of Reel Grrls to complete your film.

What happens at a typical Reel Grrls workshop?

Our workshops include classroom discussions and lessons, and lots of hands-on filming, storyboarding, and editing. To learn about the different types of classes we offer, check out our program page.

I want to participate but can't afford the fee. Can I still be a part of Reel Grrls?

Absolutely! We offer programming on a sliding scale fee, and no one is turned away due to lack of funds. Just turn in a scholarship request with your program application, or give us a call if you have questions or concerns.

What age do I have to be to participate?

Most of our programs are designed for grrls ages 13-19, but some of our workshops are open to grrls as young as 9. Visit our program page for details on upcoming programs.

Do I have to have video production experience?

No! At our beginner workshops, we'll teach you everything from creating and shaping your story, to using our pro-grade cameras, audio and lighting equipment, to bringing your completed film together on industry-grade editing software. Many of our workshops are appropriate for beginners and experienced filmmakers alike.

What if I already know how to make movies?

That's great too! Our advanced sessions, such as the Thesis and Apprenticeship programs do require video experience and are geared toward grrls with video skills.

Do I have to have my own equipment?

No! We provide all the gear you will need. Just bring your passion and creativity.

Can I rent equipment from Reel Grrls?

At this time we do not rent equipment out to the general public. Active Reel Grrls participants may check out equipment for personal projects as long as the gear is not in use by our current programming.

I have an event I want filmed, or a video project I want created. Can Reel Grrls do it for me?

Reel Grrls Productions offers professional video production services to nonprofit organizations on a sliding scale. Please complete this inquiry form to request a bid for your project.

How can my organization host a Reel Grrls program?

We love to partner with fellow nonprofit organizations to bring video camps into their programming, or to develop curriculum, train teachers, or send instructors. Visit our partnership page for more info.

How can I get Reel Grrls films to screen at my film festival or public event? How can I get a copy of one of your films to use in my presentation or classroom?

Contact our Technical Director, Lila Kitaeff at lila@reelgrrls.org

Where do you get your money?

We receive funding from foundation and government grants, individual donors, corporate sponsors, and program fees. Check out our sponsor page and our latest Annual Report for details.

What topics do the videos produced in your workshops cover?

The topics are limited only by the grrls’ life stories and creativity. We encourage each grrl to treasure her own voice and her unique experience. That makes every workshop full of surprises for instructors, mentors, and students alike! Visit our video gallery to see some of the films our grrls have produced.

Do you hate boys?

No way! Let's be clear: Being for the empowerment of women does NOT mean that we hate men. There are plenty of guys out there who are supportive of women's rights, and we love working with that kind of person too! But most of our programs are just for grrls.

I live in Seattle and want to learn about filmmaking but I'm a boy! Where can I go?

Here are some great Seattle-based programs that we highly recommend you investigate:

What if I don't live in Seattle?

Here are some of our favorite youth media programs across the country:

Teen Voices (Boston, MA)
Light House (Charlottesville, VA)
Beyond Media Education (Chicago, IL)
Street Level Youth Media (Chicago, IL)
Community Television Network (Chicago, IL)
TVbyGirls (Minneapolis, MN)
Youth Channel (New York, NY)
Wide Angle Youth Media (New York, NY)
Global Action Project (New York, NY)
Reel Works (New York, NY)
Media Bridges Youth Channel (Cincinatti, OH)
Northwest Film Center (Portland, OR)
SPNN Youth (Saint Paul, MN)
SpyHop Productions (Salt Lake City, UT)
Bay Area Video Coalition (San Francisco, CA)
Appalshop (Whitesburg, KY)

Still can’t find a program near you? Try these websites for longer lists: