Washington, DC— Mayor Muriel Bowser and The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is pleased to recognize STEPHEN BARRETT II as the March 2023 Filmmaker of the Month.
“Mayor Muriel Bowser and OCTFME are proud of the accomplishments Stephen Barrett II has achieved thus far in the film industry. His dedication to bringing more opportunities to future DC film professionals continues to grow our creative community. Through initiatives like Filmmaker of the Month, we are able to amplify the creative ingenuity of filmmakers and creatives that call DC their home,” says Director LaToya Foster.
Washington, DC native Stephen Duane Barrett II is a production supervisor, production manager, and locations manager specializing in film and television production in the DMV. Stephen’s professional path to filmmaking and film production began when he was a student at Howard University, where he eventually graduated with a degree in Communications, with a concentration in TV & Film, and a minor in photography.
While at Howard, Stephen joined a student film organization and became the intern coordinator. As part of his role, Stephen helped over 200 Howard University undergraduate and graduate film students gain hands-on experience on professional film sets. One of the projects he worked on while still a Howard student was as a logistics coordinator intern for an independent project filmed entirely in the District of Columbia, "DC Noir," written, produced, and co-directed by celebrated local crime novelist and writer-producer of “The Wire,” George Pelecanos. Having grown up in DC, Stephen was able to use his deep knowledge and understanding of all areas and neighborhoods of the city to help the production team with location logistics.
In addition to his work on student films at Howard and on DC Noir, Stephen has worked as a crew member on several local film and television productions, including work as an office production assistant (PA) on the award-winning HBO TV series "VEEP." After gaining experience on that project, Stephen rose up the production ranks and now has a plethora of credits under his belt, including: "Spider Man: Homecoming", "Wonder Woman 1984," and "The Purge" "American Crime Story: Impeachment."
“As a DC resident who was born and raised here it has been a blessing to be able to work in the career of my dreams,” said Stephen. “I am less of a creator and more of an executor and being in this industry on the production side is what makes me love working in film. The part I love the most is problem-solving and not having any idea how you will solve it.”
Stephen's Film Credits:
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STEPHEN BARRETT II DC RADIO INTERVIEW
Want to learn more about Stephen Barrett II and his work? Click HERE to listen to his DC Radio interview.
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About FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
***If you know of a filmmaker that would make a great future “Filmmaker of the Month,” you can send OCTFME your recommendations using this nomination form.
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About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) produces and broadcasts programming for the District of Columbia's public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable television channels and digital radio station; regulates the District of Columbia's cable television service providers; provides customer service for cable subscribers; and supports a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market in the District of Columbia.
OCTFME award-winning content provides resourceful information on government activity, education, current events, history, music, arts, and entertainment. OCTFME operates and manages the District’s government television access channels: the District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
OCTFME owns, manages, operates, and programs the District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE). This 24-hour on-demand streaming network delivers diverse and inclusive – FREE – lifestyle, music, live events, sports, arts, variety shows, talk shows, educational and entertainment programming from the nation’s capital into homes via ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices by downloading the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com.
OCTFME also owns, operates, manages, and programs DC Radio 96.3 HD4 digital radio station, the District of Columbia’s first government radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR. It is one of only two full-power, city-managed and programmed radio stations in the country.
OCTFME provides production support services that advance film, television, video, entertainment, interactive, multimedia, and digital media content creators. These services include permitting, location scouting, production support; job placement assistance; workforce development; and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund.
OCTFME provides additional support to the Creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO), and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards. CAO builds sustainability in the creative community through policy, programming, and education, further expanding the middle-class pathway for the creative workforce. CAO coordinates public, private, and community partners to accomplish all goals and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for the District’s creatives. Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative, administers programs that support the growth and sustainability of the creative industries throughout the District.
For more information, contact the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment at (202) 671-0066, visit us online at: entertainment.dc.gov, and follow us on Facebook.com/entertaindc, Instagram.com/entertain_dc, and Twitter.com/entertain_dc.
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