Inside the Journey of LexScope, From Family Bonding to Film Festivals
Photos by Susan Fried
LexScope appeared as a guest on The Day With Trae Show, hosted by Trae Holiday, to talk about the Scope Screenings film festival, the Washington Filmworks Above the Line Education forum, and the mentorship program.
The young media mogul revealed the roots of his passion for filmography. Lex Scope traced his interest in film back to a cherished family tradition — going to the movies.
“We always went to the movies,” LexScope said. “That was one of my favorite family bonding things. When I was growing up, it was even my job to look in the phonebook and call the movie theater and see what movies were playing.”
This familial influence, he said, remains palpable in his work today, whether he's behind the camera on a film set or simply enjoying a movie. In LexScope's view, the film crew isn't just a team but a tight-knit family, a sentiment he holds dear as he continues to pursue his passion for film.
LexScope recently completed the Washington Filmworks mentorship program, known as "Above the Line." This intensive 13-week cohort class was specifically designed for underrepresented filmmakers, including directors and producers.
“They brought in people that taught us how to do budgets,” LexScope said. “They brought in people literally in the industry who gave us a TED Talk masterclass on exactly how to do what we were trying to do. I have never been a part of that. I'd be able to run a lot of entities that want to try to, you know, help, and they talk about it. I respect them for that because they have a lot of information that I did not have before, and I don't think I would have had for years.”
Lately, LexScope has been busy with shooting his own passion projects for UNCF, Alaska Airlines, and Red Bull’s Lords of the Floor. Now as summer approaches he is transitioning into the Scope Screenings — the monthly Short Film Festival in downtown Seattle. Scope Screenings stands as Seattle's foremost underground film festival, dedicated to spotlighting BIPOC and marginalized voices.
In his role as curator of this vibrant platform, LexScope magnifies a wide range of perspectives, nurturing an environment of inclusivity and artistic innovation. Unlike the annual gatherings like CIFS or Cannes, Scope Screenings occur monthly from June to December, allowing for maximum participation.
“From our findings, a lot of people have never even been able to go to a film festival, let alone participate in one,” LexScope said. “Even as a director, for the past 10 years, I was not able to see my work on a big screen in front of my family. And we changed that immediately. You could be a first-time director and you could be in a festival with all your friends and family.”
This accessibility, he notes, is crucial, as many aspiring filmmakers have never had the opportunity to attend, let alone participate in, a film festival. By democratizing the festival experience, Scope Screenings shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices in the film industry, fostering a sense of community and support among filmmakers.
“People are interested in it,” LexScope said. “It's not just a phase. It's not just a trend. It's not just something cool for right now. It's something that I think is here to stay.”
Submissions for Scope Screenings are now open, and amidst his ongoing projects, LexScope is particularly focused on his latest endeavor: a short film titled "Broken Out Broken." Currently in production, this project marks a significant milestone for LexScope, as it represents his first foray into narrative filmmaking on a larger scale.
“It's the end of the journey if you know anything about it, like the pre-production and all of that is the longest part,” LexScope said.
While he refrains from disclosing a specific release date due to the film's ongoing production phase, LexScope expresses immense excitement about the project's potential. This venture holds personal significance for him, as it allows him to explore his passion for storytelling in a narrative format.
“It's one of those things we're not getting paid for,” LexScope said. “Nobody is paying me to do it. So whenever I have found the time to do what's called, I guess a passion project. I think that it's really important for me to still get to do stuff like that when I can.”
To apply for Scope Screenings, individuals can visit FilmFreeway.com. To find and follow all of LexScope’s events visit @lexscope on all platforms or visit lexscopefilms.com.
To hear more about screening events in Seattle, tune in to Trae every weekday at 11 am on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
