BADWest Pre to Post Monthly Workshops

REFRAMING REALITY: DOCUMENTARY FILM THROUGH IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

As digital technologies and tools of creation evolve, so too has documentary filmmaking evolved beyond the humble frame. As new and cutting-edge platforms like Veo and Sora come into mainstream use, what has been missing from the conversation is the Black perspective on AI, and the role and responsibilities for Black creatives when using these immersive technologies. 

Join us on Thursday, November 6 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM for Reframing Reality: Documentary Film Through Immersive Technologies, a timely Pre to Post Workshop featuring Paris McCoy, Executive Director of Tec Leimert and Jonathan Williams, Producer of Immersive Content. Our monthly Pre to Post Workshops take place at Emerson College Los Angeles Center (5960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028). 

In this conversation, Paris McCoy and Jonathan Williams explore how immersive technologies and interactive media — including virtual reality, augmented reality, and generative AI — are transforming nonfiction storytelling. From reimagining archival narratives to designing sensory environments that bridge memory, technology, and culture, the discussion examines how journalists and filmmakers are redefining the emotional and ethical dimensions of immersive documentary practice. Together, we’ll unpack how emerging tools are reshaping cinematic language and how the convergence of creativity and technology is influencing the next wave of documentary innovation. 

PARIS MCCOY

Paris McCoy is a Transmedia Creative Producer, Innovation Strategist, and Cultural Archivist who fuses storytelling, emerging technology, and business strategy to drive industry transformation.A Howard University graduate and Los Angeles native, she specializes in immersive media and digital ecosystems that spark economic and cultural growth. Paris has led creative technology and digital transformation projects with National Geographic, Meta, the National Science Foundation, UCLA, and the City of Los Angeles, developing strategies that bridge creativity, data, and design to shape the future of media and marketing.As Executive Director of TEC Leimert, she spearheads workforce development and R&D, connecting emerging talent to corporate innovation development channels within the digital and creative economies.

JONATHAN WILLIAMS

Jonathan Williams is an award-winning developer, speaker, educator, and producer of immersive content leveraging future technology (VR/AR/360/AI) to create worlds and experiences via storytelling and animation. His catalog of experiences has led him to produce content for a wide range of brands including Google, Meta, Verizon, Samsung, Amazon, and Disney as well as real-time social content for athletes.Jonathan is a founding partner at VRX, a leading immersive media company, and co-founder of the "Intro to VR" course, a California Public Library initiative (based in Inglewood) focused on developing students to build the future of computing. He is the recipient of the prestigious Meta VR grant and a graduate of ASU's Narrative and Emerging Media Program for promising future technology creators.

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Thursday, November 6, 2025

6:30 - 8:00 pm PST

Non-members $10. Members free.

Students get 50% off. Pay $5 at the door with ID.

Emerson College Los Angeles Center

5960 West Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90028

Free underground parking (first come-first serve)

Plenty of street parking available on the side streets

Everyone must Register or RSVP by Wednesday, November 5, 2025 by 5pm.

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JOIN BADWest TODAY!

Join BADWest for $45, and reap all the benefits of being a member, including free monthly meetings, screenings and other special events.

Membership in the Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West is open to people of African descent working in documentary film, video or other media. While BAD Filmmakers West is a Southern California based organization, focusing primarily on the issues and concerns relevant to Southern California documentary filmmakers, there is no geographical limitation on membership. Members are encouraged to participate by lending their experience and sharing opinions.

Standard Membership $45

Group Membership (4-5) $200

Business Membership (6-10) $350

Corporate Membership $500