The Phoenix Way

Students at North Lawndale College Prep created FSM's first ever lip dub, celebrating the school's youth centered code of conduct designed to promote peace and responsibility.

AnnouncementCaroline OlsenOctober 18, 2012Comment

Crisis Docs

Journalists from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting mentored an FSM summer crew, in which youth created personal and engaging documentaries

AnnouncementCaroline OlsenAugust 6, 2012Pulitzer CenterComment

The Power of Youth Voice

Free Spirit Media, as a member of the Chicago Youth Voices Network, is working to advance the field of youth media in Chicago.

RecapCaroline OlsenJanuary 24, 2012Comment

Chicago's Very Own

WGN News has recognized Jeff McCarter, FSM’s Founder and Executive Director, as Chicago’s Very Own.

AnnouncementFSM CommunicationsNovember 14, 2011Jeff McCarter, WGNComment

Year Two with The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

This summer marks the second year of collaboration between Free Spirit Media and the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. As in recent years, international journalists from the Pulitzer Center mentored small groups of FSM documentary filmmakers to create unique pieces of media.

RecapCaroline OlsenAugust 22, 2011Pulitzer CenterComment

"And the Emmy goes to Free Spirit Media!"

Free Spirit Media was honored to receive the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement for Public Service Announcement at the 2010 NATAS Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards held at the Park West on November 6, 2010

Transforming Youth

Twelve of our most advanced youth pursued their filmmaking dreams this summer by working on the set of Transformers 3 while it was filming in Chicago. Free Spirit Media youth worked as interns in key departments, including production, camera, grip, hair and makeup, wardrobe, locations, and publicity.

AnnouncementCaroline OlsenAugust 17, 2010Joshua Jackson, J'mme LoveComment

“Hope in America” Wins Grand Prize at Film Festival

This August, two Free Spirit Media (FSM) students traveled to the Democratic National Convention in Denver on a mission to produce a documentary film framed by the question, “What are the grounds for hope in America?”

Announcement, Beyond the CityCaroline OlsenOctober 15, 2008Brandon Hummons, Chris FrillsComment

Alumni Come Home to FSM

When FSM students graduate from high school, they often ask how they can stay involved with the organization. The answers usually have been “come to the reunion,” “visit our classes,” and “open some doors for the next kid.” All good answers, but this past summer, FSM went further.

BlogFSM CommunicationsOctober 15, 2007Comment

Connections Make All the Difference in the Media World

From the newsrooms of NBC Channel 5, ABC Channel 7, and WGN Channel 9 to WTTW Channel 11, Harpo Studios, and media outlets throughout the Chicago area, Free Spirit Media students are climbing their way up in the media world.

BlogCaroline OlsenOctober 15, 2007Comment

A Note from the Director

The winter of 2006 has been a special time for both FSM and me personally. On February 20, my wife delivered a baby boy – Roland Henry McCarter. The Free Spirit Media family is growing as well.

BlogFSM CommunicationsMay 16, 2006Jeff McCarterComment

Behind the Camera: A Student's Perspective

Vernita Brown, a senior at North Lawndale College Prep, wrote her personal statement for college on what she learned through taking the FSM at NLCP “Designing Documentary” class last year.

BlogFSM CommunicationsMay 15, 2006Vernita Brown, Designing DocumentaryComment

A Break to Make Beats

Students at North Lawndale College Prep recently took a break from their usual video production activities to spend a week studying sound design.

BlogFSM CommunicationsMay 16, 2005music Comment