Changing Face of Harlem--An Early Look

Local filmmaker shares work with studentsby John Little.Filmmaker Shawn Batey, came to City College on Tuesday March 20, to give a class of MCA students a tour through a changing Harlem and some behind the scenes tips on directing and producing documentaries. She offered skilled advice on fundraising, storytelling, research, and balancing them all with a job. Batey, who lives around the corner from CCNY, also offered students a sneak preview of her up-and-coming documentary Changing Face of Harlem.The film centers on the revitalization of Harlem through the perspective of residents, small business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy. It takes a deep and textured look at Harlem’s history, early development, and present transformation. Batey spent over a decade making the film and now in the final stages, she can see a finish line. “I just wanted people to expose where they stood," she told the class. "I didn’t want to give a right or wrong answer. I felt it was my duty to give voice to people and project it.”Twelve years ago she began clipping news articles and wrangling "characters" to create her story. She advises, “Don’t be ashamed to talk to your public officials. Don’t feel shy reaching out; people are always looking for exposure. Let the person respond and don’t dictate the direction too much.” For the condensed history portion that spans Harlem from the 1600s through today, she uses resources like the Library of Congress and the National Archives of New York City.Funding remains Batey’s biggest challenge. “My best asset was me," she said. "I found the quickest way to get money is when people actually meet me and watch the trailer.” Her fundraisers have included a wine tasting and a kick starter campaign.Speaking from the heart, Batey stressed the importance of keeping a full-time job. Her gig as a set and prop stylist on NBC's 30 Rock, has kept her from going broke, she explained.You can meet Batey and get a look at her documentary at a Work in Progress screening hosted by the DocuClub on Thursday March 22 at 7 PM at DCTV, located at 87 Lafayette at Walker. ($6)