Photos courtesy of the Mentoring Alliance
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Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects studio responsible for such blockbuster hits as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series and visual effects for films like the “Harry Potter” franchise and the “Star Trek” films, is as tight-lipped about its inner workings as any top-secret government operative. Think of it as the Pentagon of the Presidio. The doors are locked, admittance is by card-key access only and, unlike the back lot at Universal Studios, public tours are not part of the equation – ever.
Despite that hard and fast rule, a very small number of Sonoma students were recently permitted inside the revered walls. How could this be, you ask? The students are mentees, and friends of Frank Gravatt, an employee at Industrial Light & Magic. As part of the company’s Friends and Family policy, the group was able to visit the facility and have lunch with Gravatt. The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance’s goal for the once-in-a-lifetime chance – sparking the students’ creative juices with a rare peek into the world of movie-making magic.
The group; one student from the high school, the others from Adele Harrison and Altimira middle schools, are all artistically inclined. Tina Baldry, program director at the Mentoring Alliance, has created a new program she calls, “Roadmap to Your Future,” where mentees can learn about various careers and what it takes to get there. When the Industrial Light & Magic opportunity presented itself, she jumped at it.
“I want these students to understand that education makes a difference,” said Baldry. “Of course, you can work in construction if you’re good at building but, if you continue your education, your choices open up and give you the opportunity to run or own the construction company. That’s what I want this program to highlight for them.”
Baldry was contacted by Randi Judd, who runs the mentor center at Flowery School. Judd’s husband, Frank Gravatt, is a “digital modeler” for Industrial Light & Magic, creating models of creatures which end up in the movies.
“The kids were pretty amazed by what they saw when they were here,” said Gravatt, who again underscored the uniqueness of the situation for these lucky students. “For my part, I gave them advice about where they can go with their art and stressed the importance of education. I also tried to instill a message that they can do anything to which they set their minds.”
Most of the students hear the words loud and clear.
Flor is a student at the high school. According to her mentor, Carolyn Manzi, Flor is an incredibly creative person who loves to draw and write, especially magna, the Japanese comics popular today. Flor is in the process of teaching herself Japanese and even created her own Japanese dictionary.
“The visit to ILM was extremely fun and Frank is so nice,” said Flor, who wants to attend the San Francisco Art Academy when she graduates from high school. “Seeing all the movie props was fantastic.” Flor was so excited by her visit that she went home and gathered her artwork for a private critique at Gravatt’s home.
Patty Keiser’s mentee, Aaron, was also excited almost beyond words. “I love to draw and be creative,” said Aaron. “My dream is to move to San Francisco and go to the art institute after I finish high school. Seeing all these cool things on display was really neat, especially considering you could make a career out from it.” Keiser bought Aaron some clay following the visit so he could try his hand at modeling.
“When we visited ILM, my mentee Sebastian knew so much he was like my own personal docent,” said Jeff Zimmerman. “Sebastian is usually incredibly quiet but that day, he talked a blue streak and seemed to almost know more about the characters and the story lines than the guy giving the tour.”
Zimmerman went on to say, as a mentor, it’s important to open a child’s world to show them the opportunities life can hold. “I’ve told Sebastian that, given his talents, he can go far. But, he’s got to stay in school and work hard. He’s got the passion, now he needs the direction.”
For Laura Benward, the experience was as rewarding for her as it was for her mentee, Kayla. “The visit to ILM was fabulous and an inspiration for all of our creative minds. Frank’s energy, passion for his work, professionalism and willingness to embrace these young people was contagious, as he shared the ‘magic’ of his daily routine – which was hardly routine!”
“It was a delight to see sparks light up Kayla’s face and as Frank shared his past visions on the computer, I felt her thinking, ‘I’ll bet I could do this,’” said Benward. “The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance is more than mentoring. It is the golden key to the door of meaningful life experiences. It has unlocked dreams for students who might not have otherwise been so fortunate. This incredible visit to ILM is one of the many opportunities provided to infuse our young people with a sense of realism, of promise, pride and possibility.”
The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance will host its new signature fundraiser this New Year’s Eve, with a big bash at the Lodge at Sonoma, December 31, 2009. The evening’s theme is ‘Puttin’ on the Glitz – A Night in Havana.’
“It’s a great opportunity to begin 2010, celebrating right here in town with a great group of people and all for a good cause,” says Development Director Laura Zimmerman. The evening, sponsored by The Sun, will include a live band, Cuban themed décor and food, plus a casino and a special cigar tube raffle. Tickets and details about the event are available online at www.sonomamentoring.org or by calling 707-938-1990.
