Tasha Caufield's Story | Create Now
We're extremely proud of Tasha, who completed her first year of law school at Northern Illinois University in Chicago. She graduated from the USC Film School Program with a B.S. degree in 2004. Only around 50 students from all over the world are accepted to attend this program, considered one of the best film schools in the world. Through the efforts of her Create Now mentors, Tasha received a scholarship from Warner Brothers Studios.
Tasha joined us in February, 1998 when she participated in a "Sitcom Writing Workshop" at Mid-Valley Youth Center. She had been in and out of detention facilities since she was 13, but after learning how to write a "Moesha" TV script, Tasha discovered that she loved the film and TV industry. She was such a talented, bright and enthusiastic participant that she had a number of mentors that loved working with her.
Here's what Tasha had to say, "I'm writing you to thank you for your support and help in getting accepted to the University of Southern California's Film School. It was through your program that I was introduced to the world of film and television, and in it I found my voice and dream.
Thanks to letters of recommendations from professional writers involved in Create Now, the program's sup¬port, and I can't forget the equipment and software that was donated to me, familiarizing me with de¬velopment techniques, I was able to achieve my dream of getting into one of the top film schools in the country.
I am extremely grateful to you for helping me find a positive outlet at one of the darkest times in my life. I consider every success I've had since I was introduced to your program a direct consequence of all the wonderful things Create Now has offered me. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for caring and for the existence of your organization, which helped shape my future."
When Tasha completed her college education, she worked for an after-school program where she helped two groups of 20 middle-school students, ages 11 to 14, with their homework. She also taught a filmmak¬ing workshop there, as well as an acting class. Thanks to her mentors, Tasha also worked as a production assistant on the UPN television show, "Love, Inc." She enjoyed her time at law school, where she developed new skills and knowledge. Tasha is now traveling around the U.S. performing standup comedy, and also writing film reviews for the "Chicago Drama Film Examiner." She has published a book, "A.W.O.L" that helps incarcerated youth learn how to get out of the system. Tasha is giving presentations to kids locked up, while writing another another screenplay.
We are so proud of Tasha and her many accomplishments, including her newest project: a feature documentary on standup comedy that she wrote, produced, directed and edited!
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