NAPLES, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2018) – Students from The Immokalee Foundation recently learned about career fields in the film industry during a SON Studios career day.
SON Studios is a self-described “group that’s committed to positively influencing society by creating enriching, entertaining media.” To nurture upcoming talent on- and off-camera, SON sponsored a visit at Wyndemere County Club for foundation students who may be interested in internships with the studio or pursuing a field related to movies or television production after high school or college.
Angelina Grimaldo, a rising senior at Immokalee High School, said she learned “a lot goes on backstage to put on even one scene of a TV show or movie.” Grimaldo was accepted into The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Development program during eighth grade and has known for several years that she wants to become a cosmetologist after high school. Visiting SON Studios fueled her desire to pursue this career and also piqued Grimaldo’s interest in becoming a makeup artist.
The six Immokalee Foundation students who attended the career day were encouraged to follow the studio’s work online and consider applying to be production assistants and gain experience in a range of duties behind the scenes, including production management, set operations, makeup and hair, wardrobe, electrical operations, camera operations, grip operations, and art direction.
“The students really enjoyed hearing about the possibility of starting out as a production assistant,” said Daniel Hernandez, who as a Post-Secondary and Career Success program specialist for The Immokalee Foundation served as a chaperone for the SON Studios career day. “I was impressed with the numerous speakers they had from different areas involved in the production process, and the students were, too.”
SON is the acronym for The Spirit of Naples and Southwest Florida Inc., a nonprofit founded by Rebeca Seitz, president and CEO of SON, who has a wide range of experience as a screenwriter and producer. As the owner of her own public relations company, Seitz secured appearances for authors on national media outlets, in addition to appearing onscreen herself.
The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence. To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, becoming a mentor, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit https://immokaleefoundation.org.
