The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery will present a Benefit launching of a new media production program on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the museum, 333 Beale St. in Memphis. The Memphis BIO DOC Productions program, a multi-media training program designed to offer individuals professional training in Media Production (Still and Video), Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and You Tube) and Computer Basics (PowerPoint, Word and Email) will begin operations at the Beale Street location.
Rosalind Withers, President/Board Chairman of the organization says “The new program was created to help individuals in the public and private sector develop more effective and efficient communications skills. With the evolution of digital and internet technology, it is extremely important that Memphians have access to professional training that will allow us to better utilize 21st century technology.” She states the program is relevant to the Withers Collection Museum and Gallery’s mission of “providing cultural and educational information and support to the Memphis community.” The organization is chartered as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit foundation. Withers is the daughter of the late photographer/historian Dr. Ernest C. Withers, Sr., a world renowned civil rights photographer whose works are displayed at the museum facility.
A premiere showing of a biographical documentary entitled “Quarterback,” a short film that looks at the life of Withers will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Produced and Directed by veteran television producer, Chuck O’Bannon, the film reveals some of Withers experiences during his early career in the 1950’s and 60’s through live interviews taped before his death in 2007. His personal experiences with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with photographs and insight into the lives of Rock and Roll legend, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Al Green are also highlighted in the production. O’Bannon, a former Memphian and long time friend of Ernest Withers, will also be the Director of the Memphis BIO DOC Productions program.
The Memphis Bio Doc Productions program is supported through contributions and grants to the Withers foundation. Additional information will be offered at the event. The event is open to the general public.