PRODUCER: #BLACKATSMU
In the spring of 2021, I was the producer for a student-led documentary called #BlackAtSMU.
The #BlackAtSMU documentary depicts five Black students' encounters with racism at SMU. The stories originate from the hashtag BlackAtSMU, which trended on Twitter last summer. #BlackAtSMU was created to shine a light on what it's like to be a Black student on the Hilltop, and, in doing so, the film seeks to inspire change. #BlackAtSMU will be premiered on Dallas Hall Lawn on April 21st. After this, our goal is to use the film as a tool for class discussions and orientation at SMU. This project is sponsored in part by the Film & Media Studies Division, Ignite/Arts Dallas, SMU Meadows School of the Arts, the Academic Initiatives at Student Affairs and HUB.
MY RESPONSIBILITIES
​Pre-Production
Oversee and maintain the $17,400 budget.
Supervise film schedule, realigning production schedules when necessary to factor in changing conditions.
Organize all film shoots.
Assist with casting actors and hiring film crew.
Production​
Coordinate all equipment reservations.
Scout shooting locations and secure approval for scene locations.
Create all call sheets for cast and crew.
Oversee, enforce, and adapt the daily schedule during all film shoots.
Post-Production
Led the marketing campaign for the premiere in coordination with a professional graphic design team.
Ran the film's Instagram page.
Oversaw the in-person and virtual film premieres.
Access to the film: #BlackAtSMU is not yet available for online streaming. To view the trailer for the film, visit the film's website and scroll to the bottom of the home page.
RESULTS
IN-PERSON PREMIERE ATTENDANCE: 382
This attendance was far beyond what we had planned for! This is an incredible turnout for a film premiere, given how small SMU is.
"HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE EVENT?"
Instagram proved to be the most effective marketing tool we used, of which I was the sole manager.
SOME STUDENT FEEDBACK
"It was a learning and listening opportunity for me. The interview with the face of #BlackAtSMU resonated with me - I think it is cool that he didn't seek to do anything, other than to speak truth and lead others to have a better experience than he had while at SMU."
"It was great to see such a large turnout for the film. It saddens me that people of color continue to experience microagressions and discrimination and racism on campus and in the classroom. As a white person, the documentary raised my awareness of actions and language that are offensive and harmful. I am amazed by the gifts and skills of the students who conceived and made the documentary!"
"I was shocked to hear the stories of injustice my peers faced, and amazed at the art that came from the project"
"As a white person, I realized how much I don't know about this university. Obviously it is a PWI, but I hadn't realized how afflicting that is in so many situations for Black students and students of color. And it wasn't just my ignorance that stuck out, but the fact that I had the privilege to be ignorant. I don't have to constantly think about politics or walk into a class and wonder if anyone will look like me. There is so much I have been privileged to not think about, but it's time I do."
"I felt that my experiences on campus were captured on film and seeing the reactions of my white peers was encouraging because many seemed to realize that they had been a contribution to the community that was depicted in the film."
"It was a feeling of being seen, of finally realizing that I am not alone on campus."
#BLACKATSMU: IN THE NEWS
