Jul 17, 2025
Seeing the Bigger Picture: How POWER and Big Picture Alliance Are Impacting Next Gen Filmmakers
Most home remodeling companies don’t have an in-house video and production team creating branded content. But Power Home Remodeling isn’t your average company. Not only does POWER seek out the top video editors, producers, and motion graphics artists in the Northeast to join their growing Brand team, they also empower them to use their Power for Good—by nominating local non-profits for a yearlong partnership and grant via the company’s “Nominate for Good” platform.
Read on to learn more about how POWER Video Editor Ian Schobel nominated the Big Picture Alliance — a Philadelphia-based non-profit that enables local youth to define their own narratives through filmmaking and digital media arts.
Where It All Started
“I was seeking film education opportunities in the greater Philly area…and all roads led back to BPA.” After speaking with Executive Director Aleks Martray in 2022, Schobel became a Teaching Artist with BPA. “I Immediately felt invigorated by the passion and creativity of my students, many of whom come from economically diverse backgrounds and might not have the opportunity for a creative outlet that BPA provides.”
In 2024, Schobel nominated BPA for a partnership grant hoping to upgrade the school’s equipment and technology to keep their students on the cutting edge. “I nominated BPA in April, and the grant for $20,000 was approved within the month. I was surprised at how quickly the process went from nomination to funds allocated to BPA. The workshop was incredible and I can actively see how that money is being used within the program.” The partnership also introduced POWER to BPA’s apprenticeship program, which seeks professional internship opportunities for students within Philly’s business and creative communities.
Apprentice: Wanted
Aleks Martray thinks of BPA as career pathway for underrepresented students. “We support about 300 young people ages 12-24 every year. Our workforce program for 18-24 year olds is a yearlong training program where they can earn industry certifications and create a documentary that premiers at our film festival. At the end of our program, our students get placed among some of the top film and media companies across the greater Philadelphia area.” Among those opportunities was a Video Producer Apprenticeship with POWER. A gifted young filmmaker named Adleen Francis was among those who applied for the role, and after acing her interviews, she was offered the position.
Finding Her Focus
In March of 2025, Adleen’s apprenticeship began. She had no choice but to hit the ground running. “We threw a really difficult project at her right away” said Sr. Manager of Productions Matt Kirk, “making a documentary about herself. That’s hard when you are new and don’t know any of your co-workers. But throughout the process you could tell she was finding her comfort zone.” The more involved Adleen got in the process, the more her team saw her personality shine through. She is now considered an integral part of the production team, and even saw her apprenticeship extended by POWER Chief Brand Officer Kerry McGovern.
And her work? It speaks for itself. Watch Adleen Francis’s debut documentary: “POWER FOR GOOD: FINDING FOCUS”, which premiered at the BPA Film Festival at the Penn Academy of Fine Arts to rave reviews below.
Want to help the Big Picture Alliance discover more talent throughout the Philadelphia region? Please visit their website to learn more, donate, or get involved. All contributions go directly to Big Picture Alliance.
