Joining host Michael Azevedo on this episode is Amy Schatz the Emmy and Peabody award-winning director of a soul-stirring musical documentary called "Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School."

The film, which is now streaming on Max, tells the tale of an annual music program in the city’s Hill-Freedman World Academy. The 54-minute documentary, which was executive produced by the award-winning team at Get Lifted Film Co. and the music superstar John Legend features 10th-grade students learning to write, compose, produce, and perform original songs.

Together with local musicians, the students pitch concepts, work out arrangements, and eventually create an album that captures the challenges they are living through and the joy music brings to their respective lives.

Folks in the Greater Boston area have the chance to see this infectiously joyful film on the big screen, with big sound at the kick-off of the 2024 Boston International Kids Film Festival on November 22 at 7pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA. For more information about the full line-up of films and activities at this year’s BIKFF, visit bikff.org. Amy Schatz is an award-winning director and producer of children's shows and documentaries. Her work -- a mix of animation, documentary, performances, music videos, and heartfelt interviews with kids -- has earned 8 Emmy Awards, 8 Directors Guild of America Awards, 3 Peabody Awards, Parents' Choice Awards, and others. Making Media Now is sponsored by Filmmakers Collaborative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting media makers from across the creative spectrum. From providing fiscal sponsorship to presenting an array of informative and educational programs, Filmmakers Collaborative supports creatives at every step in their journey. About the host: www.writevoicecreative.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-azevedo/ Sound Engineer: A.J. Kierstead

Amy Schatz Brings the Joy with "Stand Up and Shout: Songs from a Philly High School"