Camera rolling: set for success

Why would a Columbia University trained filmmaker, first in his class, give up the lure of Hollywood for the love of hope? This thesis takes the form of a broadcast magazine piece focused on Darryl McCane: a filmmaker, a college professor, and for the last 11 years, the film teacher at Washington Prep High School, in south central Los Angeles. McCane says he has seen more than 60 of his students killed since 2005, many due to gang violence in this neighborhood riddled with crime and drugs. McCane nearly became a victim himself in a shootout on the campus in 2008, was offered a transfer, but decided to stay. He says the rewards of bringing hope to students, are worth facing the risks of teaching in this neighborhood. ❧ McCane says his film class has turned potential drop-outs into college graduates. He knows he cannot save everyone, but he feels like this quality education lifts them all up and some of them out of the neighborhood and gives all of them hope.