Fifteen teens ranging from 12 to 17 met twice a week in July at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center to create an original short film: Striker 011. The short film is an action-packed thriller following a teen waking up with no memory of who he is and being mind-controlled by an anonymous caller to complete a mission. Throughout his mission, Striker 011 tries to find out the truth and gain his freedom. The film is only eight minutes
long but took a month to make. Despite the teens not knowing each other before the program begun, everyone came together to collaborate to make a story they were proud to tell.
With the help of professional filmmakers, teens learn the ropes around storytelling, filming, and editing. Each teen got the opportunity to use film equipment and serve as a production crew and cast member. For the first week, the teens learn storytelling and narrow down their ideas to create the concept of Striker 011. Once they knew the story they wanted to tell, the teens started writing the screen play. Finally, the filming could begin, a moment everyone was excited for. Throughout the production, friendships were made, and imagination encouraged. This project instilled the love of filmmaking in teens and gave them the confidence to pursue their ideas.
On the final day of the camp, staff at the Teen Center planned a showcase for the teens and invited their families, friends, and other community members. A few teens spoke about their experiences while completing the film, and the guests gave their thoughts as onlookers. The guests were thoroughly impressed by the quality of work that the teens produced and 
expressed their appreciation for the Best Buy Teen Tech Center. Despite coming from cities miles away from Atlanta, Georgia, some of those teens continue to visit the Teen Center and create projects. Some teens even pursued film production after the program ended. Ultimately, the Teen Center succeeded at igniting teens’ creativity, and we know Striker 011 was an important step in their filmmaking journey.
Written by Nechelle Roberts and Kalee Wiley, Library Associates at the Central Library.
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