The logo of the nonprofit organization Reel Dreams And You

Our Mission: Empowering aspiring filmmakers of all ages through education, creativity, and equal opportunity.

Approaching Film with Realism and Optimism

Reel Dreams And You is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping aspiring filmmakers turn their passion into practical careers. Organized by And You Films, the Reel Dreams initiative seeks to provide student and novice filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds with skills and resources valuable to pursuing meaningful careers in the film industry. We are community-based and love collaboration - we welcome partnerships with small businesses in West Volusia and beyond. Above all, we aim to foster a welcoming and encouraging industry built on creativity, positivity, and equal opportunity.

Join Us for Movie Magic Video Camp!

We’re hosting two comedy short film camps this July! Over the course of a week, campers will learn audition skills, equipment operation, technical terminology, acting basics, and more from professional industry filmmakers - AND make their own comedy short film!

Open to Rising 4th - 9th Grade

Donate Today

Your donation helps student and novice filmmakers from all walks of life receive educational opportunities and experiences that will help them navigate their future careers. As we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations made to Reel Dreams And You are tax-deductible.

We use Zeffy as our primary donations collection system. If you would like to use a different payment option for your donation (PayPal, Venmo, or otherwise), please email Aléa at alea@andyoufilms.com.

A man stares intently at a camera.
A man wearing a hat sits in a dark film set while people talk around a table behind him.
An individual works at a table in a spooky film set..

Your Donation Funds:

Four people sit on a stage, one talking into a microphone.

(Pictured: The Blair Witch Project cast and director)

  • We believe in fostering a film community that uses lived experiences and knowledge to help newcomers build on what has come before. Reel Dreams And You aims to host quarterly workshops taught by industry veterans in our Central Florida area, on topics such as YouTube for Businesses, Horror Makeup Application, Improv, and more. Our Emmy-winning And You Films team will offer mentorship programs that allow for one-on-one education. And through the Spooky Empire Film Festival, we provide unique opportunities to attend panels and learn from high-profile Hollywood filmmakers at the Spooky Empire convention. Previous guests have included The Blair Witch Project cast and co-director, Saw special effects artist Thomas “Brooklyn” Bellissimo, and “The Movie Crypt” podcast host Joe Lynch.

A large group of people stand in front of a film festival backdrop.

(Pictured: Spooky Empire Film Festival Group Photo)

  • Film Festivals are the lifeblood of the independent filmmaking circuit. As organizers of the Spooky Empire International Horror Film Festival, our team is committed to creating an environment that celebrates and educates student and local filmmakers. At Spooky Empire Film Fest, students can network with other filmmakers and industry professionals, attend informative Q&A’s, gain insights from independent short and feature length films produced from all over the world, and witness their own projects screen for a passionate audience of horror fans. With your help, we can raise enough funds to grant monetary scholarships and awards to attending student filmmakers, encouraging their craft and making future projects possible.

A man with a tree behind him holds a large camera steady.

(Pictured: A film student on an And You Films set)

  • Experience is the greatest teacher, in filmmaking or otherwise. Through on-the-job training on short film and commercial sets, students can learn to use equipment, work cooperatively with filmmakers from different backgrounds, and function in an active production environment. Our Emmy-winning team has provided many opportunities for up-and-coming filmmakers to serve as production assistants, grips, art directors, and more. This valuable experience instills confidence, expands resumes, and develops filmmaking expertise. We hope to raise funds to make family-friendly, community-centered film projects featuring local cast and crew that offer learning and career-growth opportunities for all involved.

Thank You To Our Donors

A pair of scissors surrounded by the letters C,L, P, and R, which is circled by text that reads "Cutting Line Production Room."
A feathered mask over the words "The Krewe of Amalee, Inc."
A spark inside a circle, next to the words "Dickinson & McDonald, PA. Certified Public Accountants."
A golden Rotary cog next to the words "The Rotary Club of DeLand."
A golden Rotary cog next to the words "DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club."
A golden Rotary cog next to the words "Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand.""
A blue roof over the words "Beery Roofing & Design LLC"
A shadowy man with a carnival tent behind him and text below
A purple circle around a white circle that has the letters "R. A. I." in the center. Around the purple circle are the words "Random Acts of Insanity."
A ball of yarn with a needle, all under the words "Little Luvin Stitches."
A woman in a bath with leaves behind her. A circle around the graphic reads "Karma Bath & Body Co."
The logo of Wonderworks.
A colorful logo with a marker, crayon, and paintbrush that reads "Crayola Experience Orlando, Florida."
A logo that reads "Ripley's Believe It Or Not"
A bat hanging off a pole with text under it
The Koontz Photography logo with a red flower and white lace above it.
The logo of Epic Axe Throwing, with crossed axes instead of an "x" in "axe."
The head of a man with a top hat, facial hair, and cog-shaped glasses over the words "Lockbusters Escape Game."

Special Thanks:
Katherine Russell
Sean & Brenda Beery
Keith Thomas
Ric Figueroa

A multi-colored umbrella over the words "The Umbrella Brigade."

Board of Directors

Aléa Figueroa - President
Will Phillips - Vice President
Allison Struck - Secretary
Kaylee Tatman - Treasurer
Brendan Rogers - Member-at-Large