OUTSIDE THE FRAME
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Mission Statement
Outside the Frame (OTF) trains homeless and marginalized youth to be directors of their own films and lives. Young people who are experiencing homelessness are provided a creative outlet, job training, a public platform, and a sense of dignity and possibility.
About This Cause
OTF provides programming and production services in the Tri-County area and provides year-round programming for 100+ youth per year in its 2800 sq. ft. studio at Portland Union Station. Program participants are typically 16-30 years old and disproportionately houseless or housing insecure, disabled, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+. OTF receives referrals from social service organizations and partners with local and regional arts, education, social service organizations, and governmental agencies to provide a holistic system of support to its constituents. In the past three years, while many resources were limited or unavailable in the region, OTF expanded programming and staff. OTF has a stable, experienced board, a long-term subsidized lease provided by the City of Portland, and a diversity of funding sources including government contracts, grants, and commissions. OTF aims to prevent chronic homelessness among youth through education, mentorship, high-level skills training, and employment. OTF provides a safe space for unhoused youth to explore their creativity and engage the community using art as a tool for advocacy. In an industry notorious for its lack of diversity, program participants secure employment while breaking class barriers to housing, education, and health. The OTF film library continues to expand with works that focus on housing and other issues affecting the community, personal well-being, and artistic expression. All programs are provided at no cost to participants. The following programs are hosted throughout the year: Film Intensives: This core program invites up to 20 participants to work as a team with professional filmmakers and peer mentors to create films about issues that matter to them. Participants are exposed to filmmaking equipment and concepts and participate in all production roles. OTF provides and is responsible for all aspects of instruction, production, and exhibition of films. Workshops take place in downtown Portland and at partnering organizations. Participants finish the intensive with a stipend, an internship and a reference to add to their resume, a powerful and authentic film(s), and are encouraged to continue working and developing skills with OTF. Weekly Workshops and Equipment Training: Access to training, mentorship, paid work opportunities, professional gear checkout, and individualized career and project support. Film Workforce Development: In partnership with the Oregon Media Pathways program, OTF is the exclusive host and teacher of the Production Assistant Training classes, a prerequisite for a first-paid internship placement on professional projects. Contract Work: OTF is available for hire on commission-based projects that align with its mission, vision, and goals. Program participants are hired on all projects, providing on-the-job training alongside professionals. Since 2015, OTF has produced 40 commissioned films for local and regional governments, universities, museums, and various non-profits, hiring 80 unique youths on 144 occasions. Community Outreach Screenings: Public screenings are facilitated by paid program participants with community members in venues ranging from Juvenile Hall to City Hall, youth groups to academia, indie cinemas to international art shows. Peer Mentorship: Peer Mentors are an essential link between youth participants and OTF programs, responsible for youth recruitment, program co-facilitation, and 1-on-1 creative support. Peer Mentors are paid employees who provide support in the facilitation of each program.