Invisible Layers is a pre-employment program for young adults, aged 18-years or older and out of high school, on the autism spectrum who are interested in filmmaking. We provide education in screenwriting, production and editing to participants. Invisible Layers has 10- 12 participants each year. Participants make a half to one year commitment to be in the program.
Education
Invisible Layers is also a classroom that provides education and engages students to gain knowledge and experience. The group of young adults with autism meet with the program’s directors and guest speakers each week learning about storytelling, screenwriting, cinematography, directing, video editing, careers in the visual arts industry and more. While in class, they also participate in all stages of filmmaking, from planning to editing, to facilitate a real world experience.
How do we measure success?
In the confidence, capabilities, and in a willingness to try new things. We have been amazed at the results!
Creative Work
Invisible Layers filmmakers use their amazing talents and skills to produce creative films. Examples include Even in Death that won top awards at film festivals in Oklahoma and California, and the Girl And The Green Sword.
You have likely seen numerous promos and ads produced by the group while following AutismOklahoma’s social media pages.
Custom Work
Invisible Layers has provided custom film work for several customers. These films are on websites, used for corporate events, on social media and on television. Some of our clients include AutismOklahoma.org, Groovin for Autism, Liquidfish, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, Youth and Family Services, Junior Achievement and more.
Sponsor or Donate
If you are interested in being involved, please apply and we’ll be in touch, but don’t be surprised if we don’t have an opening right away. We need more funding to help more people!
About Invisible Layers
Led by the program directors, Sarah Lauffenburger and Dillon Griffitts, Invisible Layers Productions has been in operation since 2014. The program has evolved over the years but remains true in its vision to impact quality of life for those with autism by developing an interest, increasing skills, becoming part of a team and providing meaningful ways to engage with the community.
Invisible Layers Productions meets on Wednesdays from 11 AM – 2 PM. It is a totally FREE program, but requires your participation and support to continue. Before you apply for the program, here are some things to consider.
- Attendance is required. We cannot hold a spot in the program open for persons who will only attend a few times.
- Persons enrolling must be able to participate without a lot of assistance. An interview will be held before you are admitted so that you can observe the way the class operates.
- Everyone involved in receiving this free education must be prepared to give back to the program. You may be asked to work a shoot for an organization who is requesting a commercial film. You might also be asked to help out with a film shoot or photography assignment for an AutismOklahoma event. We will give you opportunities to exercise your skills!
- Have your own equipment. We have limited supply of cameras, lighting, sound and computers. If you are interested in practicing your skills outside of class, and we hope you are, then you will need to invest in some equipment. We can help you. Also, if you have equipment to share or donate, we are always in need. Consider Invisible Layers when you have a source for great gear!
- Parents need to help support this program too. Similar film training programs for young adults with autism cost thousands of dollars per semester. So, if your young adult participates in the program, help us out! We need funds to keep this program going.
Ideas for parents
- Make a monthly donation to the program
- Introduce us to potential donors
- Commission us to do a video for your business or business contact
- Provide snacks for birthdays of members
- Donate media gear
- Help with administering informational calls, permissions or forms from parents
- Help out with costumes or anything we need for sets
- Offer to help with transportation for another ILP member
- Set up a PieceWalk team so your friends can support our cause
- Set up a Facebook fundraiser for AutismOklahoma
- Volunteer for AutismOklahoma
