The Real Rundown Fellowship
The Real Rundown Fellowship is a six-session virtual program that gives emerging creatives a real look at how the film industry works — the careers, the departments, the creative decisions, and the people behind them. Fellows learn directly from working professionals, explore where their talents and interests fit within filmmaking, and complete an original project that reflects their own creative voice. No professional background required — just genuine curiosity and the commitment to see it through.
At a Glance
Six Virtual Sessions
Learn through a focused series of interactive online sessions with working film industry professionals.
Industry Access
Hear directly from professionals across creative, technical, business, and leadership roles in film.
Creative Exploration
Discover the many departments, trades, and pathways that bring a film project from idea to screen.
Final Project
Apply what you learned by completing a visual or written project of your own.
Connecting Gary's Creative Talent to the World of Filmmaking
The Real Rundown Fellowship introduces emerging creatives to the variety of careers, departments, and decision-making processes within the filmmaking industry. Fellows learn directly from professionals, participate in guided discussions, and gain a broader understanding of how creative ideas move from concept to screen.
The experience is designed to help participants recognize where their interests and talents may fit within the film industry while building confidence, creative discipline, and professional awareness.
The Real Rundown Fellowship is produced in collaboration with the Gary International Black Film Festival. The program was originally founded in partnership with Deon Taylor and Hidden Empire Entertainment, whose vision and support helped bring this opportunity to life for emerging creatives in Gary and beyond.
The fellowship welcomes high school students, young adults, and emerging creatives who are drawn to film — whether that interest lies in writing, directing, producing, performance, cinematography, editing, sound, production design, animation, film programming, or the business of entertainment. No prior professional experience is needed to apply. What matters most is showing up ready to learn, engage, and discover where your creative path could lead.
The Inaugural Real Rundown Fellowship Cohort — Gary International Black Film Festival in partnership with Hidden Empire Film Group, 2021.
The People Behind the Fellowship
Toni Simpson
McKenya Dilworth Smith
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Join the fellowship interest list and receive updates about the next application cycle, information sessions, and program announcements.
Your Creative Journey Can Start Here.
Join the fellowship interest list and be among the first to learn about future application dates, information sessions, and program opportunities.