Toolmaker Productions LLC provides professionals and educators an opportunity to teach and spread awareness of important topics to their peers and students in an effective and impactful way. A Touring Film + Talkback is an hour-long session that includes a film or live performance which is followed by an interactive workshop and panel discussion. These interactive experiences—performed virtually or in-person—cover heavy topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as heart-wrenching stories that navigate through honest, personal struggles, evoking empathy and humanity.
roots of tension
A strategic and educational experience on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
OVERVIEW: Roots of Tension, presented in association with LuvThat Entertainment, is a 10-minute short film that explores how personal biases can ignite conflict. Created in 2019 as a social-awareness conversation starter, the focus of this film is prevalent now more than ever.
Toolmaker’s resident educator in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion, Angelica Robinson, leads students through a workshop and talkback, “Our Society, Ourselves,” encouraging them to dive into a discussion on societal constructs, ideas and identities.
Accompanied by the writer, director and producers of the film, we explore how art can be used as a tool for social change.
SYNOPSIS: A gripping short film exposing the reality of racism and stereotypes when a white woman defends a black woman being accused of stealing from a Korean beauty supply store.
AGENDA: A link to the 10-minute film, Roots of Tension, will be provided and viewed by the audience, which is then followed by a 45-minute virtual workshop/talkback with Toolmaker’s resident educator, Angelica Robinson, in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion along with the creators of the film.
CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW.
“Having the Toolmaker Productions team in my classroom has been a gift. The Roots of Tension film and follow-up workshop had my students thinking about complex issues in a safe, collaborative way. This experience is great for any high-school-age as it is built to meet students where they are at. While they worked specifically with my intermediate-acting students, I could see this working in a number of educational environments. I will happily invite Toolmaker Productions back to my classroom for years to come!”
—Britnee Kenyon, Theatre Director at Deerfield High School
A PRICE TO PAY
A provocative film of a Vietnam combat soldier’s first-hand, honest account of his experience integrating back into society.
OVERVIEW: A Price to Pay, presented in association with LuvThat Entertainment, is a documentary-style, multimedia, 35-minute performance about a Vietnam combat soldier returning to the United States.
This true story takes a deep dive into a Vietnam Veteran’s actual experience of acclimating back into society after serving in the war. The film shows the personal struggles of one person’s experience while evoking awareness, empathy and humanity.
Toolmaker Productions LLC leads the audience through a workshop and talkback with the creators of the film.
SYNOPSIS: From the moment Vietnam Veteran, Nick, stepped foot back onto American soil, he knew his life would never be the same. His reintegration into society began with a horrific start and is still navigating through struggles to this day. Although the war has ended, his fight continues. This is the story of a young man who answered the call, became a leader and, in his own words, “did his best.” The piece was devised using Nick’s actual words, to get a first-hand, honest account of one soldier’s experience.
AGENDA: A link to the 35-minute filmed performance, A Price to Pay, will be provided and viewed by the audience, which is then followed by a talkback with the creators of the film.
CLICK HERE FOR A PREVIEW.
“It was a wonderful experience sharing A Price to Pay with my eighth-grade drama students. The film tied into our units on documentary theater and ‘identity in art-making.’ Having Allie and Legrand visit via zoom after we watched the film was invaluable for my students. It was both a magic peek behind the curtain, as well as a practical foundation for how professional theater artists and filmmakers produce their craft.”
—Katherine Banks McBride, Drama Teacher, Middle School; Forensics Assistant Coach, Middle and Upper School; Fine and Performing Arts Department at Greenhills School
custom
touring films + talkbacks
Available upon request.
Are you an educator or professional looking to bring academic or instructional awareness in a dynamic way to your classroom or office? Toolmaker Productions LLC will work with you to make a custom film + talkback fitting your needs to evoke that conversation you want to ignite.
Customized to fit your needs, we will assist you in writing content, then produce your film and assemble a panel to allow a thoughtful and immersive talkback and discussion.