
The Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship™ is an immersive, rapid development experience that culminates in a showcase of short movies written, directed and produced by a team of carefully curated emerging young filmmakers of color.
Fellowship open to Chicago residents 16-24. Hourly stipend provided to all selected Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellows. Sign up deadline is June 20th, 2023.

THE CONCEPT
Flip The Script Filmmaking Competition gives aspiring screenwriters access to industry professionals who teach the art and process of rapid screenwriting and filmmaking in order to bring entertaining, diverse narratives to life.

THE COMPETITION
They say it takes pressure to create diamonds. And this high-octane elimination based experience is definitely high pressure. Who will survive the competition and move on to Flip The Script?

THE CULMINATION
Writers develop their concept into a production ready screenplay through a series of educational experiences, mentoring sessions and challenges that leave only the best to produce their short with a professional crew and SAG-AFTRA talent.
ABOUT FLIP THE SCRIPT
The Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship is based in Chicago and funded through a partnership between True Star Media and The WordSmith Writer’s Lab. Our mission is to create a real pathway for young filmmakers of color by equipping them with vital skills and connecting them to the industry in a meaningful, energetic, and inspiring way.
PAST SEASON FILMS






FELLOWSHIP TEAM

DeAnna McLeary Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Under McLeary-Sherman's leadership True Star launched a digital agency which provides its clients with unparalleled access to the culture creators and origins of new trends. This social enterprise helps youth gain job skills for the digital age.

Eunice Shelley
Filmmaking Team Lead
Eunice Smith-Shelley is a writer and producer responsible for the vision of Flip The Script Filmmaking Fellowship™ and The WordSmith Writer’s Lab™. She pivoted from a successful 20+ year career as a global Lean Six-Sigma Operations Manager and now focuses on helping young people develop skills that lead to career opportunities.

Sylus Green
Video Production Team Lead
Sylus Green is a certified Adobe trainer and award-winning cinematographer who brings more than two decades of government training and film production expertise to True Star. His former clients include White House Communications, Disney, Columbia NY, Tufts University, the US Army, and the Social Security Administration.

Na-Tae' Thompson
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Na-Tae' utilizes her corporate knowledge, community organizing and natural ability to effectively create niche programming for True Star Foundation, ultimately assisting with the growth in youth served and programs offered.

Hector “Hex” Danniel
Digital Director
Hex joined True Star in 2018 to spearhead the digital transformation of the organization. Hex has been instrumental in creating True Star’s digital footprint, new branding, and overall digital strategy and process for the organization.

DeShaun Adams
Promotions Manager & Digital Media Instructor
DeShaun has worked as a professional photographer since 2006. Adams has also been in promotion for over 10 years working for top brands like Pepsi Co., KBA Marketing, and Toyota.
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