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

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

"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