Investing in the Next Generation of Filmmakers with Alaina Dunn

Alaina Dunn is the Program Director at The COOL Cooperative, a nonprofit dedicated to giving young people a voice through film education. We dig into her path from New Orleans to LSU to New York acting (yes, Law & Order and an Ice-T story), why she stepped behind the camera, and how COOL equips youth with real film skills and a strong creative voice. We talk curriculum that blends film history with hands-on production, the value of learning analog fundamentals, and how New Orleans’ film and music legacy shapes the next generation.We also get into where the industry is heading, including streaming, AI, and why audience taste still matters, plus tangible outcomes from COOL students. If you care about building a sustainable local film ecosystem and investing in young creators, this one’s for you. Our show's host, David Adams, founded Elation Entertainment, a New Orleans-based multi-media entertainment company. With a solid foundation of 8 years working in the Los Angeles music scene conducting multiple music camps with Grammy Associates, Musicians, and Producers, David brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His experiences have taught him valuable lessons, encouraging him to bring the entertainment industry standards and creative spaces to New Orleans, a place he calls home. Follow Elation EntertainmentInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elationent/Website: https://www.elationent.com