Amy Schleicher - Award-Winning Videographer
Director Amy Schleicher is a 17 year old Junior at San Ramon High School who has been interested in video production for over six years. She plans to apply to film school next year, but she isn’t waiting for a formal education to become an award winning film maker. Her last film, “Best Week of the Year,” which documented the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Summer Camp Program, won her a Telly Award for documentary films and the Best Student Documentary award in the Danville International Children’s Film Festival.
Amy’s interest in social issues continues with her new film, “Building a Better Future.” This film documents the lack of affordable housing in the San Francisco Bay Area and how Habitat for Humanity East Bay is helping to ease the housing burden for a number of deserving families in the area. “A video camera is an important tool that can help to bring about greater awareness,” explains Amy. “Videography and volunteerism are two of my passions and I try to combine them whenever possible.”
On February 10th, Amy’s passion and hard work paid off when her film earned Second Place at the First Annual Bay Area Social Issues Documentary Film Contest (SI DocFest) held at the Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose. SI DocFest is the first project of Do Good Docs Corporation, a new non-profit organization located in San Jose, and was designed to draw upon the creativity and social concerns of high school students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Participants created a short documentary, profiling individuals or organizations that are making or have made a significant difference in our community through their work and dedication to issues of social concern.
Amy’s award earned her $6,000 to be shared evenly with her own college scholarship, San Ramon Valley High School, and Habitat for Humanity East Bay!
Watch Amy's documentary: "Building a Better Future"
In May 2008, Amy won a Webby Award in the student documentary category for her film!
Read an article about her award in the Contra Costa Times.
You chose to support Habitat by picking up a camera instead of a hammer. What motivates you?
I’m motivated not only by the issue of affordable housing but also by the passion of Habitat East Bay and all of its many volunteers, including the partner families. A video camera is an important tool that can help to bring about greater awareness and understanding of social issues. Hopefully some percentage of those who view the Habitat East Bay video will be affected enough to either donate their time or money to the cause.
You went through a long process of filming your documentary. What part was most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of filming this documentary was meeting the volunteers, seeing their dedication, and learning about the many facets of Habitat. It’s also a great feeling to know that my efforts resulted in a monetary award to Habitat East Bay.
How does the mission and philosophy of Habitat East Bay fit in your own life values?
I value hard work and self-reliance. I also recognize there are times when hard work and self-reliance aren’t enough and we need someone to step forward and lend a hand. This is what Habitat does. They don’t give a handout but they do give a hand up to people who are willing to work hard for their dream of home ownership.
What are your plans with us in the future?
I want to find out more about the “ReStore” and look into doing a short informational video that Habitat can use on its website. I also look forward to signing up for some more build days.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
In the past I have volunteered with the Tri-Valley Animal Shelter, Books for the Barrios, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Children’s Hospital, The San Ramon School District, Challenger Baseball, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I have completed similar videos for Books for the Barrios, Challenger Baseball, and The Muscular Dystrophy Association. Although I know there is a lot of competition, I will be applying to film school in Los Angeles next year.
