CREATING A GIANT
In this masterclass/keynote, James Bland shares the journey of creating the Emmy Award winning drama series Giants. What started as a low budget web series shot in a modest 2 bedroom apartment in Korea Town, is now one of the most critically acclaimed and award winning web series to make the transition to television.
In the masterclass version, participants learn tips and tools including: the art of transparent storytelling, leveraging brands for financing, finding your audience on and off the web and how to roll out an effective marketing campaign on a shoestring budget.
In the multi-day workshop, James and his team breaks down the mechanics of story, production, post-production, distribution and marketing -- while sharing key lessons and tips leaned during the production of Giants. The workshop's purpose is to inspire the next generation of storytellers and equip them with the tools needed to create impactful and purpose driven content.
HBCU IN LA
In 2019, The Entertainment College Outreach Program launched the inaugural HBCU in LA Student Film Showcase. Students collaborated to produce a 10-minute short film as their final summer project under the supervision of James Bland and his production team. Students received mentorship from industry leaders and professionals during the making of the film.
HBCU in LA is an innovative pipeline development program designed to provide access and opportunity to underrepresented students of color and help meet the industry’s diversity goal of employing a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities it serves.
NATE PARKER FOUNDATION
James is proud to work the Nate Parker Foundation Summer Film Institute as a director mentor. This highly competitive program is an intensive week-long program where young, aspiring artists learn the art of filmmaking from scholars and film industry professionals. The program is open to high school, college and recent graduates and provides full scholarships to those who have financial limitations.
NPF empower young voices of African descent to tell their unique and diverse stories that may otherwise not be heard. We believe using film in this way will advance social justice and help revolutionize culture.
GIANTS X LEADERSUP INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
To help create a more inclusive creative economy and provide onramps to career pathways within the entertainment industry for skilled young adults, LeadersUp and James Bland Productions teamed up to provide production internships to aspiring filmmakers during the filming of the second season of Giants.
LeadersUp bridges the divide between the untapped potential of young people and the business challenge of finding and keeping the best talent.
