Short-Form Storytelling for Social Media

Turn your ideas into powerful short videos designed for social media. You’ll learn the essentials of visual storytelling—genre, framing, filming, and editing—then collaborate with peers to create a short video that amplifies the issues and ideas that matter most to you.

Presented by...

​Gerson Legend is a Bronx-born filmmaker, editor, and teaching artist who brings a hands-on, community-centered approach to storytelling. His creative journey began in his own neighborhood, filming friends in hip hop, dance, and fashion experiences that sparked a deep passion for capturing real stories and authentic voices. After returning to school to study film, Gerson connected with Reel Works, where he discovered how his transferable skills could fuel a creative career. Since then, he has worked with Showtime, Paramount+, and Reel Works on post-production projects while teaching young filmmakers to shape their own stories from pre-production through post. As a Reel Works alum and former Teaching Artist of the Year, Gerson is dedicated to giving back to the communities that shaped him. Known for his “cool old dad” vibe and mentorship style, he creates learning spaces that blend creativity, discipline, and real-world insight, empowering students to find their voice and confidence through film.
Reel Works mentors, inspires, and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to successful careers in media and beyond. Reel Works matches teens 1:1 with professional filmmaker mentors to tell their stories and have their voices heard. It’s a powerful combination that changes young lives and creates films that have been seen by tens of millions of viewers worldwide. www.reelworks.org

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Stage the Change is co-sponsored by Stage the Change, Inc.
The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and Hauppauge Public Schools.
Stage the Change programs are made possible with funds from the
Arts Reach Fund at The New York Community Trust, Long Island; The New York Community Trust 
and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the
​Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
This work is supported by Long Island Grants for the Arts through funds provided by the office of the Governor and the
New York State Legislature, and administered by The Huntington Arts Council. 
© COPYRIGHT 2025. ​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.