SC 1. INT. LOG CABIN GYM – DAY

CLOSE-UP on 12 yr old ALLAN who sits on a wooden gym bench in the middle of a long line of other teens . . . waiting to be assigned to a 5 v 5 Basketball Team.

JUSTIN

Oh this is easy, I want Big Al on my team.

Twenty heads swivel to look at Big AL (Allan). Big Al looks down the row to the right, then down to the row to the left. He’s all in.

BIG AL

Let’s Goooooooooooo.   

SC 2. INT. LOG CABIN GYM – DAY (eight years later)

Big Al not only went on to help Justin win that game, but he also signed up to be a WCTP Rec Aide before promoting to WCTP Teen Leader. Over the years Big Al ran basketball practices, led pool structures weekly at the Cabin, emceed both Log Cabin’s Got Talent and Cultural Connection Night, co-illustrated the Story of Spooky town graphic novel, and filmed several of the most popular WCTP youtube videos. This particular day is Big AL’s last shift at the Cabin before embarking on an exciting Internship with King County TV. He’s no longer sitting on the bench, he’s now picking the teams.

RASHEED

Big Al, we know you’re gonna do great things with this internship.,

Big Al smiles.

BIG AL

Yeah. And then, I’ll be back. Always gonna find a way to support the Cabin.

The events in this story are all true. Big Al attended the Log Cabin as a teen, contributed his talents as a staff, and is now transitioning to a social media internship with King County TV. Jonathan and Big Al sat down to discuss filmmaking, the new internship, and plans for the future:

1. How did you get interested in filmmaking?

Big Al: It all began with the movies I grew up watching. Some films weren’t just entertainment, they were experiences. I would sit in awe as the screen transported me to new worlds, introduced me to complex characters, and made me feel emotions I didn’t even know I had. At first, I thought the magic was simply in the story, but as I got older, I started to notice the craft behind it. The cinematography, the music, the editing. It was like discovering a secret language. The craft behind the films inspires me to learn and create films of my own.

2. What are your top three favorite projects (and the roles you played)?

Big Al: 1st – WCCDA’s Documentary: Rooted and Thriving in White Center (Production Assistant to Director Moses Olsen and Second Camera to Cinematographer Jonathan Houser.)

Big Al: 2nd – Log Cabin 30 year Celebration (Videographer & Editor) 

Big Al: And 3rd – King County Parks Levy video (Production Assistant to Director Ken Christensen, King County DNRP supporting footage filmed at SCMP.) 

3. What do you find most challenging about filmmaking?

Big Al: Even after completing a film, getting it distributed and ensuring it resonates with audiences can be a significant challenge. Video production delays are always something to consider like weather, on screen talent availability, and technical errors. As well as using what I have at my disposal, not always having the best equipment. 

4. What are you most looking forward to in your new internship with King County TV?

• Campaign planning
• Content creation
• Community management 
• Campaign analysis 
• Trend Awareness

5. Where else can people see your work?

Youtube.com/WCTeenProgram

From everyone at the Log Cabin – We wish Big Al the absolute best in the new internship, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing future projects!