WQED Welcomes Steeltown Film Academy into the Family
Its first home is now its forever home, as WQED welcomes the Steeltown Film Academy, and related programs, into its multimedia portfolio. This strategic and community-focused acquisition by WQED combines the legacy and strengths of the two mission aligned, results-driven organizations. By leveraging the resources, innovation and scale of WQED, the Film Academy is expected to flourish and grow. With this announcement, WQED and Steeltown have forged a transformative new enterprise to provide opportunities for greater inclusivity of voices in Pittsburgh's film and television-making community.
WQED and Steeltown have long had a shared commitment to education, community service, workforce development and producing high quality, high impact programs. The multi-tiered Film Academy program, introducing high school students to filmmaking as a career path, will be enhanced by access to WQED studios, equipment, and award winning producers, acting as teachers and mentors.
“Our commitment to students and their contributions to the vibrancy of the Pittsburgh region will be strengthened and enhanced through this acquisition, which bridges art and industry. Our shared goal is to reimagine Pittsburgh as the hub where both fledgling and experienced digital media artists can create, succeed and thrive for many years to come,” said Deborah L. Acklin, President and CEO of WQED.
“I am thrilled that the legacy of my late wife, Ellen Kander, co-founder of Steeltown, will not only live on, but will thrive at WQED. We could not have found a more perfect trusted home for Steeltown’s invaluable programs for young filmmakers.” Gregg Kander, Co-Chair, Steeltown Board of Directors.
The coming-together of WQED and Steeltown is supported through transition grants from the Heinz Endowments and Grable Foundation.
Join Steeltown in our studios at WQED—or virtually—to learn how to become a digital storyteller.
