{"id":11334,"date":"2023-12-28T18:50:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-29T01:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=11334"},"modified":"2023-12-30T10:19:09","modified_gmt":"2023-12-30T17:19:09","slug":"keefers-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2023\/keefers-story\/","title":{"rendered":"Remember that Your Donation is Tax Deductible. As the year comes to a close this is a way for you to decide how your hard earned money will be spent."},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the year comes to an end, remember that your donation is tax deductible; so, rather than send your hard earned dollars to the government, you can decide how to make a difference in the lives of children nationwide. How can we tell you how much your support means for KIDS FIRST! It really makes a difference because without your support, we would not have a program. We still have just a bit over $3,000 to raise, so please keep spreading the word – we are so close now! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launched in 2012, KIDS FIRST! Film Critics is the only program that teaching tweens and teens to become entertainment reporters. Their reviews and interviews are shared reviews with other kids, teachers, parents and grandparents. At the same time, they are developing lifelong skills in writing, presentation and on-camera appearances. We are teaching a community of young creatives build skills and develop relationships in the entertainment industry and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our alumni have shared how their experience as KIDS FIRST! reporters affected them in college and as young professionals. Check out Keefer Carteen<\/a>‘s story below. Keefer was a member of our team from 2013 to 2021, is a 2022 college graduate and now fully employed in the entertainment business. <\/p>\n\n\n

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If you were to make a \u201cstatement of support\u201d about what you gained from your KIDS FIRST! experience, something that you would like to tell potential benefactors or media industry professionals, what would that look like?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I learned how to express my passion for films in a clear and concise way through my video reviews. As a writer, they pushed me to analyze what makes a good film and how media influences our youth. KIDS FIRST! gave me a voice when I felt my opinion as a kid didn’t matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My time at KIDS FIRST! was the most influential period of my life. I joined when I was 13 with a speech impediment and no experience in the film industry. Thankfully, Ranny Levy took me under her wing. From exciting private screenings to unforgettable red carpet events, KIDS FIRST! gave me opportunities that I could only dream of. Under the tutelage of Ranny Levy, I learned how to be a professional presenter and a conscientious writer. My education at KIDS FIRST! was intensive but never patronizing because Ranny sees the limitless potential in children and pushes them to be the best they can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are you currently doing related to school, film, media and\/or the entertainment business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recently earned my BA in Practical Filmmaking at MET Film School in Ealing, London. Still residing in London, I\u2019m pursuing a career as a director\/writer\/producer. I\u2019ve worked on feature films, high end commercials and award winning short films. My most recent accomplishment was being a Production Manager for the Short Film Last Call <\/em>Starring Tom Holland and Lindsay Duncan which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival.  With every project I still use the same communication skills that KIDS FIRST! equipped me with. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Can you share one or more memories of your experience as a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic that you fondly remember and something that affected your life – in terms of your college experience, your professional work or just your own self esteem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My fondest memory in my life was because of KIDS FIRST! Mel Brooks is my comedy hero and when he was presented his AFI Life Achievement award, it was Ranny Levy that gave me the chance to interview my hero. On the red carpet Mr. Brooks came forward and shook my hand. His warm smile and energetic nature overwhelmed me. I was able to ask him one question about why he wanted to be a filmmaker. He listed off the comedy legends that inspired him; Marx Brothers, Ritz Brothers, etc. and he said \u201cComedy, that\u2019s the way to go kid! To this day I keep that memory in my heart. Writing this made me very nostalgic. I truly miss you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cruising memory lane, here\u2019s one of my favorite reviews of Keefer’s: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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