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.
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-deductable.
Your Donation Funds:
(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.
(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.
(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.
Board of Directors
Aléa Figueroa - President
Will Phillips - Vice President
Allison Struck - Secretary
Kaylee Tatman - Treasurer
Brendan Rogers - Member-at-Large