#WHYMARY

---

Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls with $1.50, faith in God and five little girls for students. Now it has become Bethune Cookman University. Her national contributions have been recognized from the areas of education to social and community development. She also served as head of national organizations including director of U.S. Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration during President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.

Over a century later her mission and vision lives on. Now we have an opportunity to memorialize her life and legacy to the women suffrage movement in a biographical feature film with your help.

Want to get involved, we're currently working on putting together promotional materials, and we need your help!

We would love to have you send us a self-taped video (via WeTransfer) that helps the audience to know why you believe the story of Mary McLeod Bethune should be told. What you feel she meant to the community, the women's suffrage movement, to the national. 

These heart felt messages are meant for other donors, and the future Africa American female writer and/or director to feel the love and energy that you share.

We will be editing these videos and sharing them on social media.

How to submit 

Here is what we are looking for:

1. Intro:  Tell us a little bit about yourself!

Examples: Who you are, where you're from, possible the first time you were exposed the life of Mary Mcleod Bethune

2. What Mary McLead Bethune represents to you: Tell us a bit about what aspect of her life and legacy speaks to you. 

Examples: What the topic was, what your best piece of advice you gave was, did you learn anything new, was it a fun experience, etc..

3. In your own words  

• What the success of this campaign would mean
• A message to the possible lead actress, female screen writer, and or director
• If you have anything else you would like to add ~ please do so!
• This video should really give viewers a glimpse inside your heart for this campaign. 
• Your video should be between two to three minutes in length.

General Taping Guideline

Have a nice backdrop.  This could be in your home, at work, outside, or use a backdrop. Nothing too distracting

1. Please use good lighting and good quality sound.  We must be able to hear you and see you.  No shadows.

• If you do not have proper lighting, we recommend you use natural lighting. (Sun light) 
• Talent must be visible. 
• If your camera allows you to white balance, please do so. 
• Talent must be loud and clear when speaking. 
• We only want to hear you, please be aware of any other noise that may cause a conflict, as far as, traffic noise, air conditioner, or other people speaking.

1. Position yourself so that you are not looking up or down to the camera.  The camera should be set at a the proper height to get a good angle of you.
2. Please speak directly at the camera.
3. If you are using a cell phone to tape the audition, PLEASE TURN THE PHONE HORIZONTALLY (or long ways) so that the shot is wide.  DO NOT tape holding the camera vertical (Tall).
4. Set up the camera for a medium shot - not too close but not too far!

• Please label all files (DO NOT submit the generic, automatic file name i.e. video1.mov). Labeling instructions are below.
• Please send the video file as a  .mov or .mp4 if possible.
• Please use WeTransfer or Dropbox to send the video files.  If they are sent directly via email we WILL NOT Receive them.  

Video Requirements - What We need from you.

Step One:  Film your Self-Tape

• Make sure you are speaking directly at the camera!
• Try not to worry if you stumble, make a mistake, or repeat yourself. We'll be reviewing and editing your videos before posting them to social media.
• Be your most natural, authentic self!
• Framing your self-tape:  Please set up your camera for a medium shot. You may be sitting or standing.

Step 2:  Submitting your Self-Tape

• Please submit the self-tape using WeTransfer to tothetableinc@gmail.com
  • It is important to send using one of the file transfer sites as we usually do not receive video files sent directly to to our emails due to the files being too large. 
• Please label your file like the following:  FirstName.LastName.WMP.mov (or .mp4)