The COOL Cooperative

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The COOL Cooperative

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We offer summer programs, after-school programs, and hands-on training in film production. We work with students 12-23 years of age.

The COOL Cooperative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, after-school film education and workforce development for middle school and high school students
in New Orleans. Our students academics, job opportunities and self esteem all benefit from our curriculum. In middle school we focus on team building, self esteem and the foundations of film production and theory all while helping them fully realize films from the seed of an idea to a final product. In high school we pivot towards a more production and technical skills focused curriculum while championing and producing students individual passions and projects. As they leave high school we help our students secure their futures in the Louisiana film industry.

10/09/2026

Community Event: Supporting Unseen Olympiad

COOL mentor and filmmaker Casey Shaw’s company, Shawscope, is hosting a community event in support of their film, Unseen Olympiad!

Sunday, October 11 | 10 AM–5 PM
NOLA Film Plug
1512 Melpomene St., New Orleans, LA

Local filmmakers will gather to discuss their creative processes, and attendees can enter a raffle for exciting prizes, including 35mm film, a free 35mm movie camera package rental, and more!

Event Highlights:
*Coffee and cold brew from Pretty Coffee
*Raffle prizes for filmmakers
*Free upgrades to 24-hour processing from Gumbo Film Lab for still photo film orders dropped off during the event

Come connect with the local filmmaking community and support Unseen Olympiad!

10/07/2026

Our Tuesday workshop on How to build a reel saw freshmen to seniors take their evening to learn about presenting their best work for schools and hiring managers.

We compared and analyzed Reels from High school seniors to industry professionals, identifying what makes artist standout and how to show your technique and artistry.

10/01/2026

We’re excited to welcome our first College Admissions Counselor to The COOL!

A representative from Emerson College will be stopping by The COOL Studio to chat with students about their film programs and the college admissions process. Students will learn more about what admissions teams look for, how to make an application stand out, and what goes into creating a strong film reel.

✨ All students are welcome! You do not have to be a current COOL Cohort student to attend.

📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 The COOL Studio at St. Paul Lutheran Church
2624 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, LA 70117

Come ask questions, learn more about film school, and start thinking about your next steps!

RSVP HERE:
https://www.thecoolcooperative.org/event-details/emerson-college-admissions-workshop-1

09/25/2026

✨ A little Flashback Friday! ✨

The COOL Cooperative was founded in 2014, and for the past 12 years, we’ve been educating, developing, and celebrating the next generation of Louisiana storytellers.

Tomorrow, our current cohort will come together for their camera skills test as they continue building the hands-on skills, confidence, and creative voices they’ll carry into their filmmaking journeys.

Thank you to everyone who has supported The COOL over the years and helped us create opportunities for young filmmakers. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited to see what our students create next!

09/23/2026

FREE Tuesday Workshop:
How To Build A Reel

Your demo reel is one of the most important elements of a college film application—it’s your chance to showcase your voice, vision, and creativity.

Join us for a free Tuesday workshop at COOL Studio focused on crafting a visual portfolio that can help you stand out when applying to college film programs.

📍 COOL Studio
2624 Burgundy St.
New Orleans, LA 70117

Open to ALL students!

Interested in the COOL?
You do not have to be a COOL Cohort student to attend.

RSVP here:
https://www.thecoolcooperative.org/event-details/how-to-build-a-reel

09/16/2026

This past Saturday we had Camera 101, 201, & 301 classes as well as our Plate pick up for our fundraiser.

Thank you to every parent, partner, and community member for purchasing a plate! Because of you and your generous donations all students that attended class Saturday had a lunch provided!

Our level one students got hands on the camera this weekend, when they join us next class we will be putting those skills to the test as we dive into framing!

Level 2 students worked on their photography skills and caught some amazing photos as they explored storytelling through stills.

Level 3 students built out a shoulder rig for our Black Magic Pocket 4K and practiced their wireless follow focus skills.

Next weekend we continue our work on camera skills before taking our skills tests.

www.thecoolcooperative.org

09/11/2026

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER YOUR PLATE!

All purchases must be in by 3pm, today, Friday September 11th.

If you're not in New Orleans, you can donate a plate to a student in need!

09/10/2026

ORDER YOUR PLATE BY 3PM, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH!

Support the next generation of filmmakers by letting us fill your plate.

Our goal: Raise $1,500 for our Cohort students films this year.
🍽️ Plate: $15
🥤 Plate + Drink: $17.50

Want to make an extra impact? Donate your plate to a student in need!

📅 September 12 | 12:00PM–3:00 PM
📍 COOL Studio
2624 Burgundy St.
New Orleans, LA 70117

Grab a plate. Support a filmmaker. Help us reach $1,500!

👉 Order yours today!
https://www.thecoolcooperative.org/palte-fundraiser

09/03/2026

THANK YOU!
We've sold 31 plates! Only 139 more to go!

Support the next generation of filmmakers by letting us fill your plate.

Our goal: Raise $1,500 for our Cohort students films this year.
🍽️ Plate: $15
🥤 Plate + Drink: $17.50

Want to make an extra impact? Donate your plate to a student in need!

📅 September 12 | 12:00PM–3:00 PM
📍 COOL Studio
2624 Burgundy St.
New Orleans, LA 70117

Grab a plate. Support a filmmaker. Help us reach $1,500!

👉 Order yours today!
https://www.thecoolcooperative.org/palte-fundraiser

08/31/2026

On Saturday, August 22nd, Ms. Robinson of Phillis Wheatley Community School and Mr. Hill and Ms. Harris of Louisiana Academy of Production (LAAP) gathered for a COOL Academy Professional Development session.

Our Education Coordinator, Erika Dickerson-Despenza, introduced COOL Academy's pedagogical principles and led teachers through accessing lesson plans via the Canvas platform.

After lunch, COOL fellows provided hands-on camera and lighting training. At the close of the training, teachers shared that they felt excited and prepared to implement the new COOL Academy curriculum.

Interested in bringing our Academy program to your school? Email: [email protected]

Address

New Orleans, LA

Website

http://thecoolcooperative.org/

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