Meet Danielle Thompson from Youth Beat Media, where she is an Associate Producer and Teaching Assistant. Danielle recently co-produced and starred in a documentary called “Displaced” which shines a light on the current housing crisis and gentrification in the Bay Area.
We are proud that Youth Beat is an Oakland Public Education Fund fiscally-sponsored project (or FSP), which means the Ed Fund helps Youth Beat maintain their non-profit status as well as manages certain aspects of their program. Danielle recently sat down with the Ed Fund to tell us more about herself and the impact Youth Beat has had on her life.
How did growing up in Oakland shape the person you are today?
Growing up in Oakland made me into the thoughtful, curious, and open-minded person that I am.
How did you get involved with Youth Beat?
I got involved with Youth Beat by chance. I was transferring schools and came across the sign-up for Youth Beat. I decided to try it for fun and 6 years later I’m still here. I believe that speaks to the impact it’s had on me. I was very lost and Youth Beat helped me to find a career path. The way they run their classes is very engaging and fun. They bring in speakers from all aspects of filmmaking. The teachers are also working professionals so networking is built in.
What’s do you enjoy most about working at Youth Beat?
My favorite thing is watching our interns grow and become young professionals.
Where do you find inspiration as a visual storyteller?
I find inspiration in all kinds of places. I’m inspired by the people I work with and my students every day. There are lots of different ways to be a media maker—but I’m still exploring—there are a lot of new things I want to try.
What advice would you have for your younger self?
My advice would be to connect with as many people as possible and also go to school! A lot of times, opportunities come from who you know not what you know. But, when those opportunities arise, you want to be ready and that’s when school comes in.