Making the impossible,
POSSIBLE.
Mission
To make the impossible, possible by empowering high school students in Jackson, Mississippi through the art of filmmaking.
vision
We aim to change the trajectory of young lives, open doors to previously unexplored career paths and offer financial support for higher education or career launches through our film camp incubator.
@waterwalkersfoundationinc
Changing the world one dream at a time.
Who Are We?
Founded in 2023, WalkerWalkers Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering high school students in Jackson, Mississippi through the art of filmmaking. This foundation offers a unique summer camp program designed to cultivate creativity, foster collaboration, and provide hands-on training in the field of filmmaking.
During the WaterWalkers Foundation summer camp, students are immersed in a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of filmmaking. Participants are introduced to storytelling techniques, screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. They learn from experienced industry professionals who serve as mentors and instructors, sharing their expertise and guiding students throughout the filmmaking process.
WaterWalkers Foundation, Inc.
In addition to technical skills, the WaterWalkers Foundation emphasizes the importance of social responsibility and environmental awareness. Students are encouraged to explore themes of sustainability, conservation, and social justice in their films, using the power of storytelling to address pressing issues facing their communities and the world at large.
The camp provides state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, allowing students to shoot their films using professional-grade cameras, lighting, and sound equipment. They also have access to industry-standard editing software, enabling them to bring their visions to life in post-production.
At the end of the summer camp, the WaterWalkers Foundation organizes a film screening, showcasing the students' works to an audience of peers, families, and community members. This event not only celebrates the students' achievements but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the power of filmmaking as a means of expression and social change.
The WaterWalkers Foundation is committed to making this transformative experience accessible to all students residing in the City of Jackson, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Through scholarships and partnerships with community organizations, they ensure that talented and passionate individuals have the opportunity to participate in the program.
Overall, the WaterWalkers Foundation is a non-profit organization that uses the medium of filmmaking to inspire, educate, and empower high school students.
By providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to create impactful films, they enable young filmmakers to make the impossible, possible by becoming WaterWalkers!
Our Core Values
The core values of this non-profit that offers a filmmaking summer camp to high school students in Jackson, Mississippi, include:
1. Creative Empowerment:
Nurturing and encouraging creativity in every aspect of filmmaking, from storytelling to technical execution. Empowering students to express their unique voices and perspectives through the medium of film.
2. Collaboration:
Fostering teamwork and collaboration among students, teaching them the importance of working together to achieve common goals. Filmmaking is a team sport!
3. Education:
Providing accessible and enriching educational experiences that equip students and the community with essential skills and creative tools needed to thrive in the world of filmmaking, while also emphasizing the value of lifelong learning and producing the next generation of storytellers.
4. Community Engagement:
Offering workshops and lectures to share industry expertise and experience with the community, fostering a network capable of bolstering local filmmakers and preserving Mississippi’s own creative talents. We inspire students to delve into local matters and actively participate in their community through the art of filmmaking.
Meet Our Founder
Meet Carmen, a dynamic and accomplished filmmaker hailing from Jackson and Madison, Mississippi, who currently resides with her husband and three children in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a B.A. in Radio, Television and Film with an emphasis in film from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an M.F.A. in Film and Television from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA.
A Moment with Carmen K. Jones
Studio 3 TV Interview
With 15 years of experience in the industry, Carmen's journey began as an adjunct professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where she taught courses on Video Production, Editing, and Lighting.
Since then, she has garnered an impressive career, working for esteemed networks and studios such as BET, BET+, VH1, MTV, Comedy Central, AMC, Netflix, Lionsgate, Disney, and Marvel.
Throughout her career, Carmen has contributed to notable projects including the acclaimed series "Ozark," "Ms. Marvel," "Single Drunk Female".
In 2015, Carmen co-founded Production Office Workshop, conducting successful workshops that have empowered numerous aspiring filmmakers to secure roles in local Atlanta productions. Due to the surging demand and in collaboration with her business partner, Carmen has played a pivotal role in the creation of Production Office University, a pioneering initiative designed to transition their workshops into accessible and immersive online courses. This visionary venture aims to empower aspiring filmmakers beyond Atlanta, providing a broader audience with invaluable knowledge and skills to thrive in the industry.
In late 2015, Carmen started a free bi-weekly distribution of the APP List (Atlanta Production POC List), which grew into a remarkable endeavor over the years.
With 93 issues released and six years of consistent distribution, this invaluable resource was emailed to an exclusive list of 108 Line Producers, UPMs, POCs, and APOCs, along with Travel Coordinators currently working in Atlanta on TV and Feature Film projects.
The APP List became a reliable and vital tool, aiding working Producers, Production Supervisors, and POCs in Atlanta, enabling them to easily locate crew, office space, office supplies, hotels, and even negotiate equipment sharing arrangements among different productions. Carmen's commitment to fostering collaboration and support within the industry shines through this exceptional initiative.
In 2023, Carmen founded WaterWalkers Foundation, Inc. as a heartfelt thank-you and a way to give back to the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi. The foundation aims to make a positive impact by supporting aspiring filmmakers, providing opportunities for creative exploration, and fostering a thriving film community.
Currently, Carmen serves as the Director of Production at Tyler Perry Studios, where she has achieved remarkable milestones. Her impressive portfolio includes producing hit shows like Young Dylan Seasons 3 & 4, Sistas Seasons 5, 6 & 7, Zatima Seasons 1 & 2, and an exciting new show called Caught Up.
Notably, Carmen has earned membership in both the esteemed Producer's Guild of America and the Director's Guild of America, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the industry.
Through her production company, F.I.S.H. Productions, Carmen envisions producing independent films and television series. Driven by a passion for drama/suspense and documentaries addressing critical social issues, she aspires to create thought-provoking content that sparks positive change and makes a lasting impact on the world, one film at a time.
Screenwriting Masterclass
NO COST TO FILMMAKER
For Middle School & High School Students
Filmmakers will complete the first scene of a short film script
Date: Sept 28, 2024
Time: 12PM - 4PM (No lunch provided)
Location: Briarwood Art Center in Jackson, Mississippi
REGISTRATION OPEN UNTIL SEPT 26, 2024
Donate
2025 WaterWalkers Film Festival and Wrap Party
Ticket Purchasing SPRING 2025
Meet Our Board
Almesha Campbell
Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University.
Prof. Ken Sanders
Dept Chair Assistant Professor of Mass Communication (Radio, TV Broadcasting) at Tougaloo College
Meet Our Program
Advisory Board
Caroline Mungo
(Educational Director of Summer Camp)
Photojournalist / Artificial Intelligence TV/Film Writer
Edward Worthy
(Creative Director of Summer Camp)
LA based Independent Filmmaker (MS Native)
Community Sponsorships
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Changing the world one dream
at a time.
Contact Us
info@waterwalkersfoundation.org
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 854
Jackson, Mississippi 39205
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