Center for Asian American Media (CAAM)

Center for Asian American Media is a non-for profit organization that helps to fund, produce, distribute, and exhibit works including film, television, and digital media that convey the richness and diversity of the Asian American culture and experiences.  CAAM provides educational videos and blogs about Asian American history, internships and mentoring for new filmmakers, special events such as the CAAMFest (used to be known as the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival) and Ready, Set, Pitch!, and more.  Through this organization I and others are able to connect and network with other filmmakers in the Asian American community, receive support and mentorship for projects, and receive help with distribution and exhibition of independent projects.

Ready, Set, Pitch! is one of the events that CAAM offers to help filmmakers raise funds for their projects.  This event provides filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch their project ideas crowdfund campaigns in a creative and lively way for the audience to jury to provide constructive feedback.  The winner of this event, as decided by the jury and the audience feedback, wins $5,000 for research and development. During the time leading up to the event and after the event CAAM offers guidance and mentorship to develop strong pitches and create timely and effective crowdfund campaigns.  Ready, Set, Pitch!2013 is an excellent opportunity for Filmmakers to be involved in for the constructive feedback as well as help in project fundraising.

The close community in the Center for Asian American Media is what attracts me to this organization.  The members of the organization have a passion for representing the Asian American community and desire to see filmmakers succeed.  Because of this desire, they are often full of advice, help, and encouragement.  I have found CAAM to be a fun and loving community that provides me with education, encouragement, and opportunities that I would be remiss to be without.