*“Modern Family” actor Ty Burrell opens up about the lessons he wants his children to take from him, the future of Modern Family and hosting “Kids in Spotlight.”
On Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 “Kids in Spotlight” took place at Fox Studios in the Zanuck theater where it kicked off its annual event that celebrates kids interested in the arts. According to the organization, Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) is a non-profit organization founded in May 2009 that trains youth in foster care programs and other underserved youth to create, write, cast, and star in their own short films. This training culminates in an annual film festival competition where KITS presents “Movies by Kids” Kids in the Spotlight allow kids to express themselves through the art of filmmaking and encourages interest in careers in the movie industry, which is so prevalent in the Los Angeles area where KITS operates.
Burrell, who serves as the host and celebrity ambassador, says like the children participating in the programs, the arts saved him.
“A lot of these kids have their head on the shoulders more than we think they are. Which is a stereotype that they’re completely lost. But certainly they’ve all been through rough times. And I for sure – the arts saved me for sure – 100 percent. And that’s kinda the hope with kids is that the arts play a big part in helping them to feel good,” said Burrell.
Burrell’s hopes are truly a reality, as the organization’s founder, Tige Charity, says many of the children who went through the program go onto live out successful careers in the entertainment industry.
“We have kids now interning at ICM Partners, we have kids that are in college now and we’re only nine years young. One of our kids booked a Ford commercial – this is just the beginning,” Charity said.
Charity added that one of their event’s speakers, Daveion Thompson, who was a first-year KITS member, directed the music video “Church” for the pop rock band Fall Out Boy.
With more success stories to come, KITS kids are ready and more inspired than ever to have their voices heard. One of the KITS members is Aliah White, who created the film “Kurupted,” which tells a story of police brutality and living in Trump’s America. Whit’e says the people have to throw out their misconceptions about kids in the foster care system. They think that we’re thieves, they think we’re just delinquents. That’s not the case – we’re lost. It’s the truth, we’re lost. We don’t have the guidance that everyone else has,” said White.
White added that KITS helped her become a better artist.
“Honestly, coming to Kids in Spotlight, this is my first year, and before I was a mess. They helped me with structure. I never have written with anyone else before, I was always alone. They helped me to expand my mind and learn how to collaborate with others.”
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