THE COOLER IS . . .
OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH
A series of mixers, conversations and showcases for creatives, featuring leading industry professionals, to help develop and cultivate a viable TV & Film economy in Memphis and the mid-south.
COOLER
MIXERS
Meet other creatives, get an overview of the production process, and discover the many opportunities that await you in the industry.
COOLER
CONVOS
Learn from leading industry professionals as they share ways to advance in the theater and film industry in Q & A style forums .
COOLER
SHOWCASEs
Present your work and get feedback from leading industry professionals. Showcases are limited and you must apply to be selected.
THE COOLER IS . . .
ACCESS TO INDUSTRY LEADERS
Get invaluable instruction and feedback from TV and Film professionals that offer wisdom and advice on how to get into and succeed in the industry.
Mark E. Swinton
Playwright, TV Writer, and Director of Theatre and Television. Currently the Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios, and the Producer of all of Tyler Perry's Television Shows, Theatrical Stage Plays, and Feature Films.
Ravhynn Drummer
Award Winning Casting Director for projects such as Tyler Perry’s “The Family that Preys,” “Why did I Get Married Too?” and television series like “The Haves and The Have Nots” and “If Loving You is Wrong”.
Skyy Blair
Producer, director and writer for film and television. Her short film Motions, won the best short film award at the Outflix Film Festival in Memphis, TN.
In 2018, Skyy won the inaugural “Script to Screen” competition created by Issa Rae’s ColorCreative and BET, which resulted in the production of her winning comedy pilot, Curves.
Jemal McNeil
Renowned Acting Coach to talents such as Taraji P. Henson, Asap Rocky, Octavia Spencer, and more. Writer, Director, Producer
THE COOLER IS . . .
COMMUNITY FOR LOCAL CREATIVES
Mingle with other artists and creatives who are looking to gain insight and feedback from industry professionals and community stakeholders who want to learn more about film initiatives taking place in Memphis, the Mid-South Region and beyond.
THE
TEAM
CREATED & HOSTED BY
PRINCETON JAMES
A multi-talented playwright, producer, director, actor, and vocalist who wrote directed and produced the 2017 DOSF award winning play, “The Royal Family.” A native of Coldwater Mississippi, Princeton appeared in his first commercial at the age of 10, and has had roles in NBC’s"Bluff City Law", Netflix's "Uncorked", the BET "Curves" pilot, and the independent short, "The Little Death". Princeton launched Princeton James Productions to produce theatre, TV and film projects and host experiences to help build a viable creative economy in the Mid-south.
Phil Darius Wallace
Actor, Writer, Director
The Cooler brings us genuine, compassionate and successful fellow artists to encourage us toward success in the business.
April Tolbert
Parent of Actor
My daughter was able to showcase her talents in front of an industry great.
Such an honor and a privilege!
Joyclyn Wilson
Singer, Actor
The Cooler provides stellar opportunities for creatives to connect, grow and thrive.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
THE KOOLER KIDS
The
KOOLER
KIDS
The KOOLER KIDS is a program for youth that helps to create exposure to the performing arts via workshops, classes and showcases that provide training on industry standards, cultivate relationships with industry professionals which in turn will help set them on the path to become industry professionals themselves.
More Kooler Kids Classes to come!
The Cooler summit coming nov. 2024
The
COOLER
FTE
An accelerated filmmaking program designed to provide participants with the hands-on training and practical knowledge needed to land entry-level positions on productions across the state. Created in response to a high demand for qualified workers in Tennessee's rapidly growing industry and to increase diversity in the field, the program aims to be a pathway for workers from underrepresented groups to access high-wage jobs in the film and TV sector.
