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Item - Professional Networking

Sample email text:
Dear Dr Couros
It was a great privilege to attend your presentation today on understanding digital citizenship. I found it extraordinarily
insightful and thoroughly up-to-date; you have your finger very much 'on the pulse' of the zeitgeist of current social media
trends. I introduced myself briefly after you finished speaking (I was the British chap with the beard and the blue tie!), I
wanted to take a moment if I may to connect with you over the youth autism-video making project I mentioned.
I am presently a Teacher Candidate at OISE/UofT but have spent the last few years of my career working with special needs
schools and groups in Montreal. Since 2012 I have helped coordinate the summer camp program at Spectrum Productions;
a community-based non-profit organization providing facilities, equipment, training and support in video-production to
young people on the autism spectrum (typically ages 12 and up). Our philosophy is to put the students/participants 'in the
director's chair' as much as possible; facilitating and guiding only where and when necessary and without passing judgment
upon the many unique and fascinating ideas that those we work with bring through the door. Over the years we have helped
produce documentaries, animations and fiction in a wide range of genres and showcased an extraordinary range of talents
and interests.
In addition to the summer camp the organization runs a practicum placement program for high school and Cegep students
(focusing more extensively on technical skills and audio-video software/editing training), an after-school program, a weekly
animation club and two social clubs (one for younger students and one for adolescents and older participants). All of this
takes place in a studio equipped with multiple cameras, microphones/audio & lighting gear, an ever-growing supply of
costumes and props, animation materials, computers and editing software and a large Green-screen facility.
We have recently incorporated as a formal non-profit organization, have begun to receive some independent support from
granting organizations and have been receiving increasing media attention, especially at our regular screening events - the
November screening of the 2014 summer camp videos played to packed-out (700+) audience at the Rialto Theatre in the
Mile End of Montreal.
If you have a moment to check out the website and our YouTube channel (we are still in the process of rebranding from the
previous name of 'camera roll' productions), I hope you'll find some engaging examples of neurodiversity in action - taking
full advantage of the benefits of the digital age:

Website:
o

http://camerarollproductions.com/

| Opportunities for Autism

Opportunities for Autism
Read more

|
"Opportunities
for Autism"
"Opportunities for
Autism"
Read more...

YouTube:
o

https://www.youtube.com/user/Camerarollproduction

Spectrum Productions - YouTube

At Spectrum Productions we believe in encouraging and
supporting the social and creative advancement of youth on
the Autism Spectrum. We are committed to pro...
Read more...

Media Coverage:
o

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Montreal/ID/2448842013/

Camera Roll Productions - News CBC Player

A new Mile End film studio allows youths on the autism
spectrum to get experience in the area of film and media
production.
Read more...

http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Montreal/ID/2596197795/

Films by people with autism - News CBC Player

Montreal's Spectrum Film Festival features films made by
young people with autism
Read more...

Please don't hesitate to contact Liam O'Rourke and Dan TenVeen (the program founders/directors) at:
camerarollproductions@gmail.com
+1 (514) 560-1018 / +1 (514) 318-6352

...or myself at the coordinates below if you have any questions, I'm always excited to spread the word and help put our
participants work out there for all to see! Once again it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and I hope we get the chance to
talk about this and other ideas soon!
All the very best and wishing you a wonderful remainder of your stay in Toronto.

James Elliott BSc (Hons)

Teacher Candidate - OISE/University of Toronto
james.elliott@mail.utoronto.ca
+1 (514) 743-5581