July 30 — Atlanta-based nonprofit re:imagine/ATL hosted their third annual Purple Sparkle Carpet Bash at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown to celebrate the conclusion of The Green Room music video camp. The event premiered eight music videos produced by crews of 5th-12th graders from around the city.

Campers had just five days to learn and incorporate different film techniques for their “clients”: local bands Kick the Robot, Jennifer Chung, Jimi Cravity, Hero the Band, Jayla Darden, Dot.s, Secondhand Swagger, and Aww Phooey with Kim and Kooi, who gave campers industry experience by discussing concept ideas and performing in their video under the campers’ direction. Songs inspired the campers’ creativity for “underwater” scenes, projection mapping, green screen masks, animation, original costumes, shadow puppetry and even virtual reality technology thanks to local experts from ATLvr (Futurus).

“We’re overwhelmed by the support from Georgia’s film, music, and arts community,” said Susanna Spiccia, Founder & Executive Director of re:imagine/ATL. “Mentorship for our kids from industry professionals really prepares them for a career on-set and helps them see their ideas come to life.”

Local businesses large and small came together to provide financial and in-kind support for the campers, while industry folks donated their time to teach specific skills. Spitfire Studios hosted the first week of camp, giving campers access to top notch facilities and film equipment. During week two, campers took over Castleberry Hill with base camp at MASS Collective, an Atlanta artcentric makerspace and educational facility, and editing spaces at Snake Nation and Atlanta Movie Tours.

re:imagine/ATL exists to bring kids from different backgrounds together through creative technologies in media production. Their Green Room summer camp unites kids from Buckhead and Bankhead neighborhoods, private, public, and homeschooling, kids from the LGBTQ community, Syrian refugees, and more, all working together to produce professional quality videos. Authentic friendships were formed across cultural and racial borders.

The final screening event and wrap party featured performances from special musical guests including WERC Crew, Jimi Cravity, We the People, Myra Sky, and Oryx and Crake. Campers and volunteers sported 80s attire, danced the night away, and celebrated seeing their hard work on the big screen.