TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy
Empowering Our Next Generation of StorytellersDigital CreatorsArtistsCinematographersEditorsJournalists
ABOUT TAKE ONE
TAKE ONE Media Arts Academy was launched in 2016 to inspire and cultivate the next generation of storytellers and media creators through documentary films focused on our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.
TAKE ONE is an annual, vocational, hands-on media training and internship program provided free to high school and transitional youth participants.
Although our emphasis is on AANHPIs ages 16-25 residing in Southern California, this program is inclusive to anyone from other underserved communities, regardless of age, gender, race, or abilities, who wish to learn about the AANHPI culture and/or pursue careers in the competitive television and film media industry.
One of ACMA’s core objectives is to provide educational opportunities and mentorship programs that inspire future generations of storytellers, producers, writers, directors, and media technicians. To offer such resources, ACMA founded TAKE ONE in 2016, where over 333 participants have graduated.
By providing creators from underserved communities with an opportunity to learn hands-on television and film production vocational skills, leadership, teamwork, and self-development skills, we believe TAKE ONE can also foster a better sense of pride and self-identity within the communities they serve.
We also encourage our participants to create original ideas and projects based on their perspectives and experiences. These ideas can help inspire and shape the perspectives of others, affecting the futures of their communities. You can view previous TAKE ONE Projects and short films on our YouTube Channel.
TAKE ONE 2024 Participants
TAKE ONE is a 12-week, in-depth curriculum divided into 3 stages or knowledge blocks focused on i) Story Development & Screen Writing, ii) Production Tools & Principles, and iii) Producing & Directing.
Each stage is four weeks long, providing students the opportunity to develop and apply their knowledge and newfound skills to ACMA’s media projects, such as Asian Pacific Voices TV and Asian Pacific Voices Radio, as well as short films. With exploratory assignments, the TAKE ONE Program allows students to build and strengthen their portfolios and prepare to break into the industry—no matter their level of skill.
After completing Stages 1-3, up to 2 TAKE ONE Graduates may be selected for ACMA’s 3-month Media Fellowship program, where they will have the opportunity to write and produce their short films, funded and supported by ACMA, as well as have exclusive access to mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Curriculum Snapshot
Stage 1 – Story Development & Scriptwriting
- Narrative, documentary, and creative styles of film & media
- Developing ideas and storylines for television & film
Stage 2 – Production Tools & Principles
- Pre-production
- Lighting, Grip, Cameras, Shooting
- Post-production
- Video Editing
Stage 3 – Producing & Directing
- Producer Responsibilities
- Pitch Decks
- Budgeting & Capitol
- Script Breakdown
- Director Responsibilities
- Storyboarding
- Shot Lists
- Blocking Scenes
- Directing Talent
ACMA Media Fellowship and Internship
- Learn and experience
- Stipend and Resources Provided to Produce Short Film (TBD)
- Distribution Determination
- Marketing Model for the Project
- Talent Casting, Location Scouting/Permitting
- Exhibition / Screening
TAKE ONE Pathway Breakdown
We highly encourage any aspiring filmmakers, regardless of their skill and experience level, to apply for the Take One Program. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified about ACMA’s TAKE ONE Program and other Internship Opportunities: CLICK HERE to sign up for our newsletter.
Take One Instructors and Mentors
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Cathlyn Choi (She/Her/Asian) Supervisor / Instructor Dubbed "Korean Food Ambassador" by the media, Cathlyn is a multi award winning TV show host and producer of the first Korean cooking show in English on PBS called “Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen". She hosted, directed, and produced five seasons of the Asian Pacific Voices cultural documentary and four seasons of the Asian Pacific Voices Radio podcast series. Most recently, she created a health and wellness documentary series, Food for Life, scheduled to broadcast on cable TV networks in the fall. Cathlyn owns CNA Digital Media Marketing Services, specializing in digital media marketing and TV/film production. In addition to being the founder and board chair of the Asian Culture and Media Alliance, Cathlyn currently serves on the USS Midway DEI Committee. She also served on the board of 11 nonprofits in Southern California, including Taylion High Desert Academy four terms as the President of the Korean Women’s International Network, San Diego Chapter. In addition to 20 years of international business development and new media marketing background, Cathlyn has over 18 years of experience as a reporter, TV show host, and MC in Korea, Brunei, and the US. Eric Michelson (He/Him/White) Lead Instructor With over 20 years of TV/film and video production experience, including producing, directing, writing, and editing, Eric Michelson‘s experience includes corporate training programs, commercial spots, music videos, live fashion and music events, short films, and documentaries. Eric owns Carma Media Productions and has co-produced four seasons of Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, including Top Chef Korean Food Challenge and Hansik Stories for TVK24, ArirangTV, and PBS. Since 2014, Eric has co-produced and edited five seasons of the Asian Pacific Voices documentary television series and most recently co-produced the Food for Life documentary. Since 2016, he has mentored and provided hands-on vocational media workshops to API youths through the Take One Media Arts Academy.
Advik Sharma (He/Him/Asian) Assistant Instructor (Production) A TV, Film, and Media Studies degree at CalState LA, Advik was born in India and has lived in six different countries, spending over a decade in Dubai. This diverse international experience has given him a unique perspective on storytelling and inspired his journey to Los Angeles, where he is committed to realizing his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Driven by a passion for creating films that can inspire and bring about change, Advik has taken active steps toward honing his craft. In 2023, he enrolled in the TAKE ONE program to further develop his filmmaking skills and gain valuable industry connections. He has also been a production intern for nine months, assisting in producing the Asian Pacific Voices Radio podcast, Season 4. Advik continues to build his experience and looks forward to impacting the film industry through his original works. Jalal Al-Marashi Jaffer (He/Him/Arab) Assistant Instructor (Screenwriting) Jalal is an Arab-American filmmaker with a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to empowering diverse voices in the media. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts – Media from the University of California, San Diego, where he honed his skills in film production and developed a strong foundation in visual storytelling. At UC San Diego, Jalal was an administrator of the student-run film studio Triton Television for three years. In this role, he led numerous film projects, taught interns about the intricacies of film production, and played a pivotal role in uplifting student voices within the filmmaking community. Jalal is also a proud graduate of ACMA's TAKE ONE program, which further developed his expertise in media arts. The program provided him with hands-on experience and valuable industry connections that have helped shape his career. With a focus on creating impactful, culturally relevant content, Jalal’s work reflects his desire to highlight underrepresented stories and bring them to the forefront of the filmmaking industry. As he continues to evolve as a filmmaker, Jalal is dedicated to making meaningful contributions to the film world while mentoring aspiring creatives. Ryan Stanly (He/Him/Mixed) Assistant Instructor (Grip) Ryan Stanly is an emerging filmmaker and musician with a passion for storytelling that began at 13. Since 2014, Ryan has been involved in various aspects of filmmaking, including writing, producing, and editing, showcasing his versatility and creativity across multiple projects. His keen interest in visual media and commitment to refining his craft led him to establish his own production company, Ryan Stanly Productions, which offers various clients comprehensive production and post-production services. Through his business, Ryan has gained valuable experience managing filmmaking's technical and creative elements, helping him build a reputation as a dedicated content creator. A graduate of ACMA's TAKE ONE program in 2019, Ryan continues to give back to the community by assisting with the production of Asian Voices TV. His contributions have extended beyond production, as he has also taken on the role of assistant instructor for the TAKE ONE program, mentoring and guiding the next generation of aspiring filmmakers. Ryan’s blend of technical skills, creativity, and commitment to empowering others reflects his dedication to his craft and community as he continues to grow in the media arts industry. |
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Industry Guest Speakers & Instructors
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Eddie Lain (He/Him) Photographer, Filmmaker A filmmaker and entrepreneur, Eddie developed and produced several music television shows (RockNSan Diego, California Nights, SoCal Showcase), fashion shows, concerts, and charity balls for over 20 years. He owns several businesses: VisionPulse Creative, LainScapes Fine Art Photography, and BucketList Adventure Club. Eddie is a co-producer, writer, and actor in a pilot TV show, "Shooters, " which spotlights the behind-the-scenes antics of filmmakers and photographers. With a passion for supporting the music and filmmaking community, Eddie produces red-carpet events and fundraising parties and conducts photo and film tours worldwide. He developed a program that combines filmmaking with his wholesale adventure company to create short films shot in exotic locations worldwide. Thus, it is incredibly affordable for filmmakers and wanna-bes to travel to these fantastic destinations while also offering a monetization vehicle for the filmmakers themselves. Arnold Chun (He/Him) Actor, Film Director Born in Boston, MA, and raised in Los Angeles, Arnold is an established actor and film director. Over the years, Arnold has quickly risen to be a top player in the entertainment industry, having worked with Hollywood directors like Clint Eastwood and Michael Bay. Arnold has appeared in hit TV shows like, "Kidding, The Big Bang Theory, Hawaii 5-0, the Last Ship, and the Emmy-winning Amazon series "The Man in The High Castle". He stepped into his directorial debut with a short film about life in Koreatown called Eli's Liquor Store in 2007. He is currently in the process of raising funds to produce a short film called Children of War, drawing inspiration from his father’s tumultuous childhood experiences amid the backdrop of the Korean War, where he found himself orphaned. Izzy Traub(He/Him) VFX Supervisor Izzy Traub is a VFX Supervisor and the CEO of Inspira (Inspira.ai), an AI software development company specializing in autonomous agents for workforce management. Born and raised in Whistler, BC, Canada, Izzy developed a passion for visual effects at 14. His dedication to the craft led him to begin his professional career in 2013 as a VFX artist, and his talent quickly propelled him to the role of VFX Supervisor. Izzy has directed over ninety commercials and contributed his motion graphics expertise to major Hollywood productions, including the feature film Ender’s Game, starring Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley. Most recently, he served as the VFX Supervisor for The Bear Season 1 on Hulu, earning acclaim for his work in the fast-paced, visually captivating series. In addition to his work in visual effects, Izzy’s role as the CEO of Inspira reflects his commitment to innovation. Kirk Hensler (He/Him) Entrepreneur, Content Creator Kirk Hensler is an entrepreneur and writer who moved to San Diego in 2008. Soon after, he opened a yoga + kickboxing studio downtown and began shooting all his own marketing content (because yoga studios make no money). That spawned his career in production. He owns (Hale Productions), which he founded in 2016. They specialize in commercial photo and video content for significant product and lifestyle brands across the US. Most recently, he founded Influence Studios - the first-ever turn-key production rental space for content creators, influencers, and production agencies. They have locations in San Diego and Los Angeles. Rene Fernandez (He/Him) Actor Rene Fernandez has been part of the entertainment industry since his early years. His musical talent led him to travel competitively throughout the U.S., including performing at the prestigious Portland Rose Parade. However, his passion for film and television eventually took center stage. One of Rene’s earliest film experiences was in the iconic original Top Gun movie, where he had the opportunity to be a part of a landmark film in American cinema. After college, Rene shifted his focus to acting, landing roles in television shows such as General Hospital, Santa Barbara, Vanishing Son, and several CBS Movies of the Week. His television career flourished with co-starring roles, including a standout performance in Terriers, filmed locally in San Diego. Beyond his work on screen, Rene is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of actors. He is passionate about sharing his experiences and insights with aspiring talent, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the entertainment industry. Rene aims to help young actors navigate their journeys and succeed in a competitive field through mentorship and community involvement. Shaina Ghuraya (She/Her) Filmmaker/Producer Shaina jokes that she is a triple threat - She’s female, South Asian, and a wheelchair user. A 2020 graduate of USC’s MFA Program in Film and TV Production, her style is bold, quirky, and unapologetic. Her films have been screened at Slamdance, ReelAbilities, and Hollyshorts. At USC, she also made it her mission to embrace diversity and explore intersectionality within her work, putting actors with disabilities at the forefront of her pieces. Most recently, Shaina graduated from Academy Gold and wrote about the upcoming Netflix animated series BOONS AND CURSES. She was also a 2021 fellow of the Sundance Institute’s Accessible Futures Initiative for her feature film script AGG. Currently, she is an Inevitable Foundation Fellow. Originally from Elk Grove, near Sacramento in Northern California, Shaina has been featured in Forbes and KVIE Arts Showcase. |
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