Department of Child and Family Services-1

Video Production Proposal
Prepared for:
Los Angeles County - Department of Child and Family Services
Prepared by:
A.G. Melkon
April 13, 2010
Proposal number: RFB-IS-10200883
Project Description
The proposal answers the Internal Services Department Request for Proposal numbered
RFB-IS-10200883, known as the VIDEO PRODUCTION. Digitized 30 video segments (2
minutes each), are intended for use on websites for DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND
FAMILY SERVICES.
Strategy
We seldom pause to ask ourselves what is it about a movie that can make it so appealing to
us?
It pulls our attention because it succeeds in connecting to the human psyche in a deep way.
The mind seems to step into another sphere of engagement as the images on the screen
flood into our receptive consciousness. We are gripped with emotional involvement.
We use this powerful medium in producing digital storytelling clips that not only brings
attention to a special child, but also builds a relationship between that child and an adoptive
parent.
By evoking a strong emotional appeal in the way the children tell their stories, set in their
unique world, provides a powerful level of engagement. It leaves an indelible mark on the
mind of the viewer, which is critical to the project.
It is not just a digital short story. It is a second chance to have a family and home... a
second chance at recapturing lost innocence.
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Structure
Each child is discrete in personality and experience and will be shot in signature profiles,
which enhances the possibility of adoption.
It is key to connect emotionally to the children to create a compelling and engaging story.
There are a number of techniques that can be employed during the filming of the interviews
to help establish a bond between viewer and subject. Some of these techniques will be
explored in the Method section of this proposal.

Social Work
A digital moviemaking workshop and media arts educational program was initiated in 2007
at two Los Angeles “at-risk” and “high-risk” youth centers: "Art & Soul Program," a
nonprofit 501 (3) organization working with youth from the foster care and juvenile justice
systems; and "Create Now!," a nonprofit 501 (3) organization working with children from
Los Angeles Family Housing, a private, nonprofit community-based organization helping
homeless families with housing and comprehensive social services.
Our contact with these children motivated us to develop an introductory course offering
students an opportunity to experience various aspects of film appreciation and development,
and its application to the entertainment industry. We taught critical thinking and promoted
positive youth development skills. We established a safe outlet for them to communicate
where they were given the opportunity to improve literacy, work preparation skills, and
improve cognitive processes through the many aspects of a media arts program.
In addition to technology and multimedia skills, the program encouraged creative

expression, taught youth to set achievable goals, develops leadership skills, create a
collaborative work environment encourages youth to solve problems and build self-esteem.
We have also worked closely with the population of the severely mentally disadvantaged
throughout a two year period during at which time we developed an innovative program
integrating visual-graphics, symbolic ornamental art activities, communication processing
exercises, video-making, performing arts training, socialization and language skills. These
projects had often demonstrated a positive modification in behavior and a beneficial change
in the individual’s outlook.
Samples
We recently produced a video for the Los Angeles Civil Grand Jury with the participation
of Dr. Sophy discussing the Katie A law and the Corrective Action Plan (CAP). Dr. Sophy
also highlighted the care and services that were now consistent with child welfare and
mental health practices.
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The gallery of clips was taken from the “Watch Over Me” video production focusing on the
DSCF segment.

The gallery of clips was taken from the digital moviemaking workshop:

Super Girls
Short Movie Project
Script, lyrics and choreography created and performed by children from L.A. Family Housing.
Life Is What You Make It

Music Video Project
Lyrics, singing, story, camera and editing by foster youths from Children Are Our Future* agency.

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Department of Child and Family Services-1

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Video Production Proposal

In addition to technology and multimedia skills, the program encouraged creative

Life Is What You Make It

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