"You Can Still Smile" Film Still
Govenor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State government recently put out a call to New Yorkers, asking them to communicate why it is so important to wear a mask to stop the spread of coronavirus. Alumni Emory Parker '17 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV) and Natalia Bougadellis '16 (BFA, Kanbar Institute, Film & TV), with the female-run production company Blue Slate Films, answered the call.
Parker and Bougadellis co-directed and produced Blue Slate Films’ recent PSA, titled You Can Still Smile. The PSA finished second in Cuomo’s #NewYorkTough competition, acquiring almost 48,000 votes and over 200,000 views. It was a tight race, with a mere difference of 500 votes between first and second place. In the governor’s briefing, he announced that the state will air the winning PSA, We ❤ NY, along with Blue Slate’s You Can Still Smile.
“This project was really about protecting and respecting our fellow New Yorkers. We love this city and hope that our piece encourages people to stay safe, wear masks, and take care of one another,” Parker stated.
Congratulations to our alumni and to Blue Slate Films! Watch You Can Still Smile here on youtube and look for it soon on television.