JOEY TRAVOLTA'S INCLUSION FILMS AND FUTURES EXPLORED INC.'S PRACTICAL FILM & MEDIA WORKSHOP TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN LIVERMORE

Livermore-based Workshop Offers Real-World Film Production Experience to Adults with Developmental Disabilities

            LAFAYETTE, Calif. (February 25, 2013) – Joey Travolta's Inclusion Films and Futures Explored, Inc., a non-profit corporation that provides life skills and work-related training to adults with developmental disabilities, announced that its Practical Film and Media Workshop will open its doors on Monday, February 25 in Livermore, CA. Expanding on Travolta’s Inclusion Films Workshop in Burbank and Bakersfield, the introductory spring session will be divided into two 10-week semesters focused on providing adults with developmental disabilities a working knowledge of film production and media. The ultimate goal is to assist students in finding employment and other opportunities in filmmaking or related industries.

“The workshop in Northern California gives us an opportunity to reach more individuals and make a real difference in their lives,” said Joey Travolta, Founder, Inclusion Films. “Our program isn't just about filmmaking, it's about building confidence and uncovering talents that will open new doors and opportunities for our students.”

The workshop curriculum moves beyond classroom instruction and offers practical, hands-on experience to help students develop valuable social and professional skills. Each workshop can accommodate up to 20-30 students over the age of 18, and participants will work as a team with film industry professionals and educators to create and produce short films. In addition to teaching script writing, acting, directing, editing and lighting, the program will also incorporate film marketing, instruction in graphic design, advertising and sales.

“We've been working with Inclusion Films for several years on our summer film camps and have seen a tremendous impact on participants year after year,” said Will Sanford, Executive Director, Futures Explored, Inc. “Establishing this vocational training program is the natural next step in building on that success, and we look forward to offering a unique learning experience that will benefit students both personally and professionally.”

The Practical Film and Media Workshop is open to individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. The Livermore location boasts 5,500 square feet of space for filming, set design, editing and classroom instruction. Regular 20-week workshops will begin in the fall, and the cost for students is $8,500. Funding may be sourced privately or through the Regional Center of the East Bay.

Community members and aspiring filmmakers are invited to tour the workshop facilities and meet Joey Travolta and team at anOpen House on Wednesday, March 20 from 10am to noon.

Spring Workshop Schedule & Location: 
Session 1A:      February 25 - May 3, 2013 
Session 1B:      May 6 - July 12, 2013 
Days/Hours:     Monday-Friday, 10am - 3pm   

Address:          2021 Las Positas Ct., #147, Livermore, CA   

For information about how to register for the Practical Film and Media Workshop, contact 925-456-0255.

Inclusion Films and Futures Explored, Inc. will continue to offer its Summer Full Inclusion Camp at St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA. The 10-day film camp will begin on July 1, 2013. For information about the Summer Full Inclusion Camp, go to: www.futures-explored.org/film_camp_home.htm.

About Inclusion Films Workshop

Founded by actor and director, Joey Travolta, Inclusion Films Workshop provides adults with developmental disabilities an introduction to film production. The curriculum moves beyond classroom instruction and offers students real-world experience. Throughout each semester, students work as a team to create and produce a short thesis film. Locations include Burbank and Bakersfield, CA. For more information, please visit: www.inclusionfilms.com.

About Futures Explored, Inc.

The mission of Futures Explored, Inc. is to provide life skills and work-related training to adults with developmental disabilities. Futures Explored, Inc. supports its consumers in reaching their optimum level of individual potential by delivering a broad range of resources and ongoing guidance.

To learn more about Futures Explored Inc.'s programs and services, including Advocacy, ALIVE, E-Waste, GARDEN, Huckleberry Café-to-Go, Inclusion Film Camp, Lafayette's Day Program, Nifty Thrift Stores, Supported Employment, and Vocational Training & Employment (VTE), please visit: www.futures-explored.org.

Futures Explored, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation. Its tax exemption status is 501(C)(3). Futures Explored, Inc. is a member of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the California Disability Services Association (CDSA), and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Press Contact:

Jennie Dobies

jenniedobies@futures-explored.org

415.577.1805