The film-making process is a literal manifestation of our belief in authorship: complete ownership of the creative process.

To be seen as a creator, a successful creator, is the seed we are planting. The impact of self-sufficiency and accomplishment is palpable. It may not be acted upon again for some time, but in those moments, an author has been created.

From idea, to writing, to script, through planning, development, filming, editing and music composition, recording and integration, our Just Us authors create short films over 16 weeks during the school year. 7 Just Us teens participate in the 5 week Summer Intensive.

Just Us Authors write three monologues from our creative writing process. One monologue is chosen and this is developed into a script, by the author. The chosen monologue is recorded by the author as the narrator of the film. Once a script is final, the author must lead and participate in every aspect of the pre-production, production and post-production process: location scouting, casting, directing, film editing and music composition for the film.

Authors work collaboratively with professional artists during every step of this process. Musicians, film makers, and writers consult with Just Us authors throughout this process. Ultimately, the author makes all final decisions for the film and becomes a professional film maker.

Brought to us through court, DSS and WSFCS referrals, either as a preventative measure or as mandated participation teen authors share their worlds, and insights about their futures. Authoring Action is an official agency of the court and receives 70% grant funding from the Forsyth County Juvenile Justice Council.

At session's end, Just Us films are screened at A/perture theatre, downtown Winston-Salem, NC. This event is attended by community and family members, as well as personnel from the court.

Prior to entering the Just Us program, these teen authors were products of and participants in the juvenile justice system. The Just Us program does not save them. The Film making process plants seeds.

At the final screening, authors are treated as professionals, receiving a stipend check for their work participate in a Q&A session following their film. It may be the first time they have created something, completely.

To be seen as a creator, a successful creator, is the seed we are planting. The impact of self-sufficiency and accomplishment is palpable. It may not be acted upon again for some time, but in those moments, an author has been created.