History
Free Spirit Media was created with the deep belief that every individual should have an opportunity to express ideas in order to participate in and influence culture and society. In 2000, Jeff McCarter, a filmmaker and Emmy Award-winning television producer, launched HoopsHIGH, a sports broadcasting program. Subsequently, Free Spirit Media added programs in PSA, documentary, media arts, and journalism. Free Spirit Media now serves close to 530 youth each year through in-school and after-school video production programs across the city through partnerships with North Lawndale College Prep, the Gary Comer Youth Center, Power House High School, Westinghouse College Prep, Little Village Lawndale High School, and After School Matters. FSM students produce over 250 compelling works of media annually, which are distributed on cable TV and the web, and which regularly win local and national awards.
Specialties
Free Spirit Media partners with schools and organizations to provide education, access, and opportunity in media production to under-served urban youth. Through hands-on production of their own media content, participants build life skills in communication, critical and independent thinking, teamwork, and the use of technology. Believing that youth perspectives are a critical element of American culture, Free Spirit Media actively distributes student work to a range of audiences. Participants' dreams and aspirations grow, and in turn, their voices and visions benefit our society.