National Geographic’s Courteney Monroe and Katie Couric Host Ghetto Film School’s Annual Table Read Event with Christian Slater and John Leguizamo

Jun 13, 2017 8:25 PM ET

21st Century Fox Social Impact

High school students from long-time 21st Century Fox nonprofit partner, Ghetto Film School, had the unique opportunity to hear their short film scripts read by Hollywood talent and receive feedback from top industry executives last week at the school’s annual Table Read event in New York. Sponsored by 21CF and co-hosted by National Geographic Global Networks CEO Courteney Monroe, the table read served as both a celebration and fundraiser for Ghetto Film School, which teaches filmmaking to teenagers from underserved communities in NY and LA, and creates a unique pipeline for original and underrepresented voices in Hollywood.

GFS students had two scripts read by talent, including actors Christian Slater and John Leguizamo, and each reading was followed by a discussion moderated by NYU Tisch Film School’s Dr. Sheril Antonio, with additional feedback given by producer Robert Carlock. After revisions, students will film one of the scripts at the Frick Collection in New York City and will travel to Israel this summer to film the other. 

After supporting GFS in the Bronx for many years, 21CF helped open GFS LA as Founding Partner in 2014, and covers 100% of core operating costs so that all other donations go directly to programming for students and young artists. Students receive a rigorous college-level training in the artistic and technical aspects of storytelling, with hands-on experience in writing scripts, pitching story ideas, shooting on location, and editing a finished piece—all completely free of charge to students. 21CF also provides students with open access to content, resources, and learning opportunities with talent, executives, and filmmakers across the company, giving students a unique opportunity to learn from and contribute to the film and tv industry.

Learn more about Ghetto Film School and visit impact.21cf.com for more information about 21CF Social Impact.