ABOUT DSGSC

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to develop the social and emotional skills of Washington D.C.’s underserved youth by introducing them to the fundamentals of filmmaking, equipping them with a healthy and creative way to express themselves and positively impact their communities.

WHO WE ARE

Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Cameras (DSGSC) is a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) based program created by entertainer, philanthropist and Washington, DC native Rodney “Red” Grant. Rodney has combined more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry to curate an immersive 4-week camp that explores every aspect of creative writing, videography, and film production.

WHAT WE DO

DSGSC introduces students (ages 12 to 17) to the fundamentals of film making while incorporating SEL principles of self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Students will complete DSGSC having gained technical skills to creatively express themselves through film, as well as valuable emotional skills to positively impact their everyday lives.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Rodney “Red” Grant is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. Known for his infectious laugh and his unrelenting work ethic, Red spends a solid forty eight weeks a year on the road doing stand-up.

Red began his career in 1996 performing at New York’s Apollo Theatre. He’s since gone on to star in such films as “American Hustle” and “First Sunday” alongside contemporaries such as Katt Williams, Ice Cube and Tracy Morgan. Red has performed on “Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam” and appeared in Comedy Central’s “Reality Bites Back.”

He’s written for such shows as Snoop Dogg’s “Dogg After Dark” and Comedy Central’s “Roast of Flavor Flav.” And he’s graced the small screen in his own hour-long Showtime special "Caught Red Handed" and Comedy Central Presents’ half-hour special “Red Grant.”

As an avid golfer and humanitarian, Red takes pride in giving back to the community, which he does with his annual charity golf tournament “Golf Beef.” Some of his cohorts who’ve joined him for the event include GRAMMY winner Snoop Dogg, actor/comedian Cedric The Entertainer, Hall of Famers Gary Payton and Jim Brown, former NBA champion Matt Barnes, and long-drive champion Troy Mullins – to name a few. Red is a DC Native and member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc.

MEET MATT BARNES

The basketball court was just the beginning for retired NBA Champion Matt Barnes whose 14- year career included roles on the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers to name a few. Having studied History at UCLA, the Sacramento native has entered the investment world as an entrepreneur with a bold vision that pushes all boundaries.

In response to the legalization of Cannabis and the disproportionate criminalization in urban communities, Matt launched SWISH. The brand strives to educate the global population on the health and wellness benefits of CBD + THC and will create economic opportunities for marginalized populations. Recognizing the power of a diverse portfolio,

Matt is also co-owner of a men’s grooming line (HUE), a flower boutique (OLDVINE), Very Tall Productions, a juice bar chain (LIQUIDOLOGY) and an NBA licensed bedding line (ACTIVE DREAMERS) that allows the league’s biggest fans to decorate their rooms like a pro.

Further demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of others, Matt founded Athletes Vs. Cancer (AVC) in honor of his mother Ann who lost her battle to the disease in 2007. With a mission to provide patients and their families with resources to allow them to fight, AVC partners with research institutions and celebrities to enhance public awareness of innovative treatment methods with the ultimate goal of prevention.

Known for a fierce, competitive spirit on the court, Matt is no stranger to a challenge. While navigating the roadblocks of a very public life, retirement is just the beginning. His authenticity and compassion set the stage for a powerful story where success belongs to those who give their all.

MEET ANWAN "BIG G" GLOVER

Anwan "Big G" Glover was not bit by the acting bug. He was born with the acting gene. From his days in elementary school, Anwan has been in front of audiences acting, playing instruments, performing and modeling. He credits his love of film to time spent with his sister watching classic Black television show reruns and films-Sanford & Son; Good Times; Dolomite-any thing with Sidney Poitier, and Glover's all time favorite play, The Wiz, featuring Stephanie Mills.

Big G's professional acting career took off in 2002 when a friend who had seen Anwan's picture in a print ad thought that Glover should audition for a casting call for the then new HBO series, The Wire. Fate would put Anwan in front of the Emmy Award Winning Casting Director Pat Moran who was so impressed with his audition that she immediately cast him the series. Glover's gritty role as the enforcer for hire, Slim Charles, became a pivotal recurring role until the series ended.

Since then, G has been steadily honing his craft in both television and film. He can be seen in episodes of hit tv series like Treme; Law & Order SVU; Scream Queens, and more.

But his performances on film are not to be ignored thru his unforgettable roles in movies like 12 Years A Slave as the character Cape; Bruce Brown's sequel movie Divided City; Dermaphoria; LUV; Dead Money; and more. Glover has also been featured in numerous documentaries. But look for him in the reoccurring role as Leon, the Diner Owner, in the greatly anticipated new cable series The Deuce featuring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal as they team up with Executive Producer David Simon from The Wire.

When he's not acting or on his Washington, DC radio show, you can find Big G performing as the lead mic for the wildly successful Go-Go Band, The Backyard Band, which he co-found in 1988.

And as if all of this is not enough, Glover is pursuing to expand his career by stepping in to the director's chair with music videos under his belt and the YouTube web series, Transitions, where he also plays the role of Adonis Black.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to develop the social and emotional skills of Washington D.C.’s underserved youth by introducing them to the fundamentals of filmmaking, equipping them with a healthy and creative way to express themselves and positively impact their communities.

CONTACT US

For more information, email us: info@dontshootgunsshootcameras.com