Cost to Edit the Film Created During the Program

Due to the generous contributions from our donors, the editing of the final film is well on its way. ACT Today!’s A Film Program for Adolescents with Autism took place from June 17^th thru the 28^th, changing the lives of 50 individuals with autism and their siblings. It is thanks to the generous donations from individuals and corporations that we were able to fund the program including the editing of the footage to create the finished product. While ACT Today! staff has worked hard to reinstate this program for the second year; it would not have been possible without the help of our generous donors like you.

On June 17^th, we had 50 program participants (38 with autism and 12 siblings) come together at the Cox Communications headquarter in San Diego, CA. These 50 individuals were introduced to the staff and crew of Inclusion Films, their teachers for two weeks. They met the volunteers of Cox Communications who donated hundreds of hours to ensure the program ran as smoothly as possible. They met their 49 fellow filmmaking enthusiasts and formed friendships. At the end of the program, the participants created, from start to finish, the content of the documentary which will premiere on Friday, October 4^th at the San Diego Film Festival.

Between June 28^th and October 4^th, Inclusion Films staff works hard to edit and produce the documentary to be ready for the big-screen, red-carpet premiere. Without this effort, our program participants will not be able to experience having walked a red carpet at their own film premiere. We want to ensure this is an opportunity each one of our special 50 filmmakers can experience and have as a memory for the rest of their lives.

In the two weeks of filmmaking, program participants were introduced to animation, set design, script-writing, acting, prop/set building, wardrobe, make-up and budgeting. They were introduced to the marketable skills of filmmaking and now have a film credit and an addition to their resume. For many, this was their first experience of job training. It is very important to all of us at ACT Today! that we were able to continue this program as we saw the benefits immediately. We hope to be able to continue the program for future years and monitor the long-term progress as well.

On behalf of the 50 film participants and their families, thank you for your generous donation!