Proposal for:
The Legacy Media Institute
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village”
May 21, 2009
Submitted to:
Foundation for the Arts
Submitted by:
One New Millennium Way ♦ Petersburg, VA 23805 ♦ (804) 957-4200
The Legacy Media Institute
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 1
2. BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................... 2
3. PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................................. 3
3.1 DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM ........................................................................................................ 3
3.2 FEATURE FILM PROGRAM ................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 FILM FESTIVAL .................................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 ART DESIGN ........................................................................................................................................ 5
3.5 UNIVERSITY INTERN PROGRAM .......................................................................................................... 6
4. APPENDIX ............................................................................................................................................. 7
4.0 APPENDIX A -- ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND .................................................................................. 7
4.1 APPENDIX C -- BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................................ 8
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The Legacy Media Institute Introduction
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
1. Introduction
Legacy Media Institute (LMI) is pleased to
present this proposal to further expand our
initial efforts to develop the best-in-breed
media art incubation center on the east coast.
The Legacy Media Institute will provide an
array of services to develop independent film
artists. The Legacy Media Institute is
currently located on the grounds of New
Millennium Studios. New Millennium
Studios was established in 1997 as Virginia’s
first full service film production facility.
Throughout the first years of its mission, the
State of Virginia and specifically, the
Petersburg, VA region, has benefited from the
numerous movie, television and documentary
Figure 1.0: Tim Reid and a Professional Crew shooting a feature film
projects that have been created and produced on location.
under the leadership of Tim Reid.
New Millennium Studios will dedicate its 57-acre facility to the Legacy Media Institute. The
commitment of this state-of-the-art facility provides the backdrop by which LMI can begin the invaluable
service of providing the full gamut of media arts training for burgeoning media artists. The services will
enhance participants’ skills in the artistic craft of filmmaking along with broadening their knowledge of
the business aspects of media production. This unique experience will be unmatched by any similar
program in the region. Each component of the art of filmmaking will be covered along with intensive
training on the business side of media production. Participants of LMI will acquire the tools to become
leaders in the media industry.
The key aspects of the LMI program will include:
• Legacy Film Festival
• Documentary Film Program
• Feature Film Program
• Art Design Program
Legacy Media Institute has secured agreements with leading professionals in the entertainment industry to
provide direct training and serve as creative advisors to participants in the LMI program. These industry
veterans will present a real-world experience as they provide the students with an opportunity to apply the
theoretical aspects of film and media production in an actual film production project.
Independent media artists from throughout the world will have an opportunity to work directly with
leaders in the entertainment industry at the Legacy Media Institute. The program will also feature a
University Intern program that will bring in upper-class students from regional universities who seek
careers in the creative and business aspects of film production. Students at the Institute will participate in
creating at least two feature documentary films each year. The production of the documentary films,
along with the film festival, will contribute to sustaining the program and providing a unique learning
experience for a plethora of independent artists from the region.
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The Legacy Media Institute Background
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
2. Background
The Legacy Media Institute is a 501(c) 3 organization that was established by Tim and Dapne Reid out of
their desire to create a legacy project that will advance the art of media production and cultivate
independent artists who will make a positive impact on society. Legacy Media Institute is modeled after
the initial vision of Robert Redford’s “Sundance Institute” which focuses on the support and enhancement
of the creative talents of those who aspire to build a career in the media business. Legacy Media
Institute, in collaboration with the community, regional universities, and local organizations, will present
programs, seminars, and hands-on production opportunities for its participants. LMI will operate this
innovative artist cultivation center on the campus of New Millennium Studios.
Built in 1997, New Millennium Studios was established as Virginia’s first
full service film production facility. Throughout the first years of its mission,
the State of Virginia and specifically the Petersburg region, have benefitted
from the numerous movie, television and documentary projects that have
been created and produced under the leadership of Tim Reid. As much as
$15 million dollars has been generated in ancillary areas that support film
production, including hotels, restaurants, rental companies, corporate taxes, income taxes, and personal
property taxes.
Understanding the economic value of investing in this development for the betterment of improving the
tri-city area, the Reid’s have financially and professionally committed 13 years of their careers as
television and film actors, producers, and directors, to the creation of a library of content that reflects a
diverse point of view, and to the training of student interns with hands-on experiences in all phases of
production. To date, about 1/3 of the over 100 interns that served at New Millennium Studios, have gone
on to full time work in their chosen fields of production. In addition, New Millennium Studios has rented
its facilities to numerous television and motion picture productions from around the world, which have
brought their projects to be filmed in the area.
New Millennium Studios is a state-of-the-art film and television production studio located in Petersburg,
Virginia. The studio sits on the 59-acre lot. The facility amenities include the following:
Sound Stage
• 135 ft x 110 ft x 36 ft to the grid
• (2) 50 ton Trane AC/Heating units
• 3,600 amps exclusive stage power
• Stage floor: 3,000 psi concrete with ¾
inch plywood finish/Dolly ready “dance”
floor
• (2) High bay doors for easy loading
• (4) High speed exhaust fans
• L-shaped hard cyclorama 48ft x 35ft x
32ft with 1600 sq ft of paintable floor
Production Offices
• Nortel Meridian phone system
• Wardrobe Department Figure 2.0: New Millennium Studios, Studio 1
• Make-up and Hair Departments
• 2 Star dressing rooms with Private baths
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The Legacy Media Institute Legacy Media Institute Programs
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
3. Legacy Media Institute Programs
Legacy Media Institute will provide an
array of programs that will help to
cultivate new and independent artists in
the world of responsible media. This
unique blend of master classes and
workshops, along with the emphasis on
cultivating artists, will be one of the East
Coast’s most unique and diverse
environments. The focus areas of LMI
include the following programs:
• Documentary Film Program
• Feature Film Program
• Legacy Film Festival
• Art Design Figure 3.0: Tim Reid on the set at NM Studios seated on production gear
(apple boxes) that were manufactured by local high school students as
part of NMS’ community outreach commitment.
3.1 Documentary Film
Program
LMI will provide a documentary film development program. This program will work with participants as
they refine their documentary film techniques. As reality television has moved from the fringe of
television viewing to a mainstream component for consumers, there has been renewed interest in the art
of documentary filmmaking. Through the art of the documentary, filmmakers provide direct insight into
a social issue, a historical event, or a series of significant occurrences. The ability to provide a feature
documentary in an entertaining manner that captivates the audience and educates them on the subject is
the focus of the documentary films produced at New Millennium Studios. The specific features of the
documentary program of the Institute includes the following:
Docubator – (Documentary Incubator) There are multiple phases of the development process for
potential documentaries. The documentary process begins with the initial concept or factual event that
defines the subject of interest. The source of ideas for documentaries will be provided through the LMI
docubator program. The docubator is a virtual laboratory that will cultivate potential topics for new
documentaries. Inside the virtual docubator, participants will have the opportunity to interact with
veteran artists, social activists, and historians on topics of interest within the documentary world. Some
of the key issues that will be an integral part of the docubator include history, culture, environment,
health, media, poverty and economics, technology, civil rights, youth and education.
Documentary Lab - The next stage of the documentary program is the story development phase. During
this phase, participants explore the techniques of nonfiction story telling that are currently used in the
Industry. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the successful techniques used to enhance the power of
the documentary. LMI will provide award winning Industry leaders in the field of documentary
filmmaking to directly interface with LMI participants.
Documentary “MBA” – During this stage of the development process, participants will learn the
business side of documentary filmmaking. This aspect of the program focuses on three essential areas of
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The Legacy Media Institute Legacy Media Institute Programs
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
documentary development including: financing, marketing, and distribution. Participants will work
directly with an actual project where they engage in developing a documentary business plan. The budget
process will enable each participant to understand all of the true costs to create, develop, distribute, and
market their film. Participants will also be challenged to manage the actual budgets to ensure that they
are able to prepare adequately for unexpected cost overruns and embedded hidden costs of developing the
documentary. Lastly, the participants will work to develop a marketing and distribution plan. Marketing
and distribution are essential to maximize revenue potential. Experts in documentary distribution and
marketing will work with participants, as they work on this actual project, in developing a successful
plan.
3.2 Feature Film Program
LMI will provide a detailed feature film development program.
This program will provide participants with an opportunity to
nurture and enhance their filmmaking skills. The feature film
program will provide experts in the field of film production to
interface directly with participants. Participants will obtain real-
world experience as they work in laboratories that cultivate their
skills to develop a feature film project. The laboratories include:
• Directors Studio
• Screenwriters Studio
• Cinematography
• Film “MBA”
Directors Studio – The successful feature film rests in the mind
of a successful director. However, the director must have more
than a “good idea” to create a successful feature film. The
Directors Studio will provide participants with an opportunity to
work directly with a wide range of expert media creative
advisors and professional production crews as they film and edit
scenes from film scripts. Participants will have hands-on
experience as they work to develop their creative filmmaking
technique. The Directors Studio will allow participants to work
Figure 4.0: Tim Reid providing direct
directly with established film directors in the industry. This instruction to an Independent film artist at NM
opportunity will provide participants with a unique experience Studios.
toward the development of entertaining and responsible films.
Screenwriters Studio – The Screenwriters Studio provides direct assistance to participants in the art of
screenwriting. This workshop will allow participants to work on the art of character development in
storytelling. As they work to develop a script, they will participate in workshops with a team of creative
advisors as they are guided through the creative process of screenwriting. The Screenwriters Studio will
provide custom designed workshops based on the experience of the participants.
Cinematography – These Industry led workshops will concentrate on the basics of camera operation and
videography. Storyboards, lighting, composition, and information technology are part of the program.
Film “MBA” - During this stage of the development process, participants will explore the business side
of feature filmmaking. This aspect of the program focuses on three key areas of film development
including: financing, marketing, and distribution. Participants will work directly with a case study where
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The Legacy Media Institute Legacy Media Institute Programs
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
they develop a feature film budget. The budget process will enable each participant to understand all of
the true costs to create, develop, distribute, and market a feature film. Key principles of budget
development will be presented to LMI participants, who will also manage their budget to ensure that they
are able to prepare adequately for unexpected cost overruns. Lastly, the participants will work to develop
a marketing and distribution plan. A filmmaker must understand the business of distribution and
marketing in order to have a successful feature film release. Industry experts in the field of distribution
and marketing will work with participants.
3.3 Film Festival
Each year LMI will have a film festival titled,
“Legacy International Film Festival”. This
film festival will be a showcase of
independent filmmaking. Participants of LMI
will also have an opportunity to premiere their
independent film works including film shorts,
documentary films and feature films. The
festival will provide an atmosphere where the
audience can interact with the film director as
he or she details the creative process that they
went through throughout the production
process.
At the completion of the film screening, the Figure 5.0: Proposed Film Festival set up for the Legacy Film Festival
audience will have an opportunity to provide
critical feedback as they critique the film. Lastly, the audience will have an opportunity to hear from the
artist about their future projects and discuss the future trends of film and media creation.
3.4 Art Design
The arts and training center will be a separate program at LMI. The intent of this program is to assist in
the artistic development of participants and commmunity residents to advance the creation of media arts.
This center will specialize in workshops covering the history of art in film, adapting fine arts to
filmmaking, and other crafts related to film and television production. The art design program will
interface with the documentary film and feature film programs as they develop the artistic elements that
will be part of the film productions. Those with improved media art
skills can either find local jobs within the community, or have the ability
to follow their passion within the larger arts community. Film set design
requires multiple artistic skills and will be incorprated into the film
production process provided by the other programs at LMI.
Some of the subjects to be covered at the center will include:
• Film Production Workshops: The core of the workshops will
include set design, makeup, wardrobe, and other artistic areas of
film production.
• Still Photography: Workshops will include composition, lighting, Figure 6.0: NM Studios Sculpting
Room
and digital archiving
• Sculpting: Workshops will provide instruction in simple plaster,
mold making techniques, ceramic and polymer clay manipulation.
• Painting: Oil and water-based painting workshops
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“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
3.5 University Intern Program
LMI has established affiliations with regional univesities to create an innovative student internship
program. The program will provide students with various interests in media creation an opportunity to
attend workshops at Legacy Media Institute during their junior and senior years. Students will spend
eight (8) weeks of intense training that will expose them to the unique offerings at LMI including:
• Documentary Film Program
• Feature Film Program
• Art Design Program
Selected students will have the opportunity to attend all workshops held at the Institute. During this time
they will receive instruciton from leading professionals in the field of meida arts. This team of creative
advisors will guide the students as they participate in writing, planning, and shooting a feature
documentary. Students will also work directly with a professional camera crew as they learn the various
roles and responsibilities of shooting a feature documentary. Lastly, the intern group will learn the
business side of film production as they are given a budget to manage while working with guest actors,
film crews, vendors, and others; while under the mentorship and instruction of the creative advisor team.
The program will formally begin during the fall 2009/2010 semester. There will be four master classes
held at each participating University Campus given by Tim Reid and/or other Industry professionals.
Durring these sessions, interested students will be identified and four will be selected from each
Unviersity. The selection processs will be made in conjuction with faculty recommendations and the
prospective student’s level of passion and commitment to media arts. The University will be responsible
for their students’ housing, travel, and per diem expenses during their time at the Institute. Students will
be offered placement at local University housing in the Petersburg, VA area. Any travel related to
production will be covered by the Institute.
In addition, the University will be asked to provide a maximum $25,000 fee to cover the honorarium and
travel expenses of those Industry leaders who participate in the Master classes. This fee will cover four
Master classes held on the campus of each of the Universities.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is in process with the following Universities to participate in
the Legacy Media Institute Media Intern program:
• Virginia State University
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• University of the District of Columbia
• Norfolk State University
tation, lodging, and per diem during required travel.
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The Legacy Media Institute Appendix
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
4. Appendix
Mission
Legacy Media Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together leading Professionals in
the film and television industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue
the entertainment media as their life's work. By means of its Programs, the Institute seeks to promote
excellence and accountability throughout the process of creating media that reflects a diverse global
society.
Statement From Founder & CEO
Tim Reid
Media worldwide is undergoing dramatic change as it defines social, economic and
political forces, supplies cultural icons, frames cultural stereotypes, and conveys
much of the news and information that shape the perception of reality for billions of
people on a daily basis. In this atmosphere of media consumption, fragmented
audiences, and consolidation of media ownership, lies a critical need to identify new
strategies and models for the production and distribution of socially responsible media.
I’ve always viewed media as an entertainment and informational resource that could enable members of
different groups to share ideas and interests across racial and ethnic barriers. However, contemporary
media often lags behind the evolution of the societies they serve. A concern for our waning cultural
integrity has led me to use the experiences of my 35 year long career to join in the effort to develop
leadership, sound media skills based on timeless values, and creative passion among the emerging young
talent that seek a career in media.
New Millennium Studios’ combination of technical infrastructure, close ties to industry professionals,
production track record and commitment to diversity makes it a suitable home for a new type of creative
industry incubator. Legacy Media Institute will be a support system for diverse, independent minded
creative talent; and an authoritative source of market research on the tastes, interests, media usage,
consumer patterns, and demographics for a multi-cultural audience. In addition, through its labs and
seminars, the Institute will bring emerging artists together with established industry professionals.
Together with academic institutions Legacy Media Institute can become a 21st Century paradigm that
leads emerging artists on the path to becoming more enlightened in their work and able to balance
conflicting media values in order to find common ground with a global audience.
“As media producers continue to market their products to an increasingly diverse market, they cannot
ignore the benefits of socially responsible programming to both ethnic minorities and the dominant
culture. For ethnic Minorities, culturally diverse media programs could neutralize stereotypes,
contribute to individuals' self-esteem, and promote harmony within pluralistic societies. For the
dominant culture, these media could prove critical in preparing individuals to interact with other
ethnic groups for mutual social and economic benefits.”
Aspen Institute Forum on Diversity and the Media 1998
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The Legacy Media Institute Appendix
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
4.1
Appendix C
Board of Directors
Board President
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The Legacy Media Institute Appendix
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
Board Vice President
Daphne Maxwell Reid
Executive Biography
Daphne M axwell Reid is known as Aunt Viv, the matriarch on NBC's hit comedy, "The
Fresh Prince of Bel Air" . She is also known for her role of mortician/embalmer Hannah Griffin on
the CBS comedy series "Frank's Place" in which she co-starred with her husband, Tim Reid. She
teamed up with Tim again when she starred as Mickie Dennis on "Snoops" for CBS. In 1998-99, she
played the bawdy hooker Eartha on Showtime’s “Linc’s” which was created and produced by her
husband and shot at New Millennium Studios in Virginia and Paramount Studios. Currently, she
reoccurs as Mrs. Hunter on UPN’s “Eve”.
With her husband, actor/writer/producer Tim Reid, and two other Virginia businessmen, Reid
co-founded and is a principal partner in New M illennium Studios, the first full-service film studio
in Virginia. The first of three phases of a 60-acre project including a 15,000 square foot soundstage, a
state-of-the-art postproduction facility and a 25-acre back-lot was completed and opened on July 12,
1997. Reid has served as New Millennium Studios’ COO and Business Affairs principal, helping with
designing, building and growing the new company from the ground up to a $4 million facility in six
years, including over $1.5 million in revenues in 2001.
To date, New Millennium Studios’ founders have produced two feature films, “ Asunder” ; and
“For Real” , both of which Ms. Reid served as Executive Producer; a television series, “ Linc’s” ; an on-
going syndicated television series, “American Legacy Television” ; over 40 commercials; and have
hosted numerous television and feature films shot at the facility. Low cost, high quality Content Creation
is the focus of the venture and the ownership and distribution/exploitation of intellectual properties is
the goal. Toward that effort, New Millennium Studios has created Obsidian Home Entertainment to
distribute film titles both theatrically and in home video/DVD. New M illennium Studios
Television has created original programming for the launch of the new cable network, TV One
including the “Cowboys of Color” and “Gospel Challenge” series, as well as the highly acclaimed
“Black Wheels” documentary shown both in syndication and on Speed Channel. As of January 2006
Cowboys and Wheels became available on DVD through Obsidian Home Entertainment joining five
other NMS properties.
In 1992 Reid used her production talents to market an innovative new project for the McCall
Pattern Company when she created, produced and starred in a four video and four-pattern kit called
"Suddenly You're Sewing, with Daphne Maxwell Reid" , that actually teaches you how to sew.
With monthly visits as a celebrity presenter on QVC TV, Maxwell Reid sold over 10,000 kits to the
home-shopping viewer. Through fabric and craft outlets she sold another 15,000 kits. The kit has been
widely acclaimed and won the prestigious PCM award for the best new product of 1992 from the home
sewing and craft industry. Maxwell Reid also designed a bi-annual line of patterns for the McCall
Pattern Company called the “ Daphne Maxwell Reid Collection” found in fabric stores across the
country. The project is currently being readied for re-release on DVD. For the past 6 years she has
narrated and co-produced, with The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a Public Radio series called “Art On
The Air”.
Reid has been honored with Doctor Of Humane Letters degrees from Norfolk State University,
Virginia Commonwealth University, and Bethune Cookman University and has been a frequent guest
speaker at numerous forums including University of Virginia Law School, St. John’s Law School, and
Howard University Law School, discussing the entrepreneurial aspects of the entertainment field. She
presently holds a position as Federal Commissioner for the Jamestown 2007 Commemoration and co-
chairs the Communications Committee as well as participating on the Education Committee, African
American Advisory Board, and several other committees. Ms. Reid also is a member of the Board of
Visitors for Virginia State University and maintains a Board seat on the Petersburg Library Foundation
Board and the Petersburg Area Art League, each focusing on a different aspect of her varied interests.
Eighteen years ago, Daphne Maxwell Reid and her husband Tim created The Tim Reid
Scholarship Foundation that raises scholarship funds annually to assist college students in the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Virginia through the “Tim Reid Celebrity Weekend” golf
tournament held every May.
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The Legacy Media Institute Appendix
“Diversity in Media for the Global Village” May 21, 2009
Board of Directors Members
Board Member: Dr. James Dyke
Board Member: Ms. Tina Walls
Board Member: Mrs. Nancy Koppelman
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