by Anne Donofrio-Holter
4/7/11
Two summers ago, several South El Monte High School TADA (Theatre Arts and Design Academy) students, two alumni of the program and instructor Jennifer Nelson were given an opportunity by NelsonMadisonFilms.com to participate in the filming of "Delivered," a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Ultra Low Budget movie. “Delivered” is an action film about a returning Iraq war veteran who gets caught up in an art theft ring.
"Well, the movie is out of post and on the festival circuit," said Nelson. "It's been picked up by one of the oldest international film festivals, Worldfest in Houston, and Alana Stewart won best supporting actress and Delivered won the Special Jury Award!"
Although considered a low budget film, "Delivered" is larger than a student production giving students an opportunity to witness first-hand the making of a movie.
"These students, through NelsonMadisonFilms and the TADA program were given an opportunity to enter an extremely challenging industry and learn from a few industry veterans," said Nelson.
Much more than just an opportunity to witness the making of a movie, each student had an assignment which they carried out under the watchful eye of Nelson, who served as set director. Students handled grip and lighting and other assignments such as first assistant camera, script supervisor and production assistant with a few featured in brief appearances on screen.
“Teaching is really important to us and young people are the future of the industry," said Linda Nelson, NelsonMadisonFilms co-founder and producer. "Everyone knew everything about what was going on. They brought all these fresh ideas to the table. My daughter Jennifer and I both feel very attached to giving back.”
The goal of TADA is to increase entry into college and enable students to establish careers in the entertainment industry. For their efforts, the students received valuable experience, course credit, a reference and much coveted film credit.
"Having a feature film on a resume and on IMDB.com, the Internet Movie Database, is a huge benefit to these kids," said Nelson. "I'm proud to say that one of the young men who worked on this film is now in International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union Local 33, and all the others are in college, studying technical production and entertainment design."
For additional information on the South El Monte High School TADA program, contact Jennifer Nelson at jennnelson3@gmail.com.