Winston Baker and True Spark

Winston Baker recently announced a national partnership with TrueSpark, a non-profit education organization engaging teens about positive character through films. As a national partner, Winston Baker will support TrueSpark’s mission to positively impact the lives of American youth by providing character-based educational programs at school and youth organizations. “We’ve always believed that movies have a way of profoundly impacting lives, which is why we chose to be a part of this industry as conference producers. Under the leadership of David Tice and Dominic Ianno, TrueSpark has created an effective vehicle to positively influence and educate teens and we are excited and honored to be a part of such a great movement,” said Katherine Winston and Amy Baker, co-founders and managing partners of Winston Baker, in a joint statement.

This partnership will propel the important message that movies are a valuable tool in teaching teens about positive character traits like courage, perseverance, purpose, and empathy. The TrueSpark curriculum contains more than fifty movies that represent a variety of eras, genres, and themes, including October Sky, Twelve Angry Men and The Blind Side. Students are engaged by teachers in curriculum-based lessons, discussions and activities that demonstrate the benefit of positive character in their own lives. TrueSpark President and CEO, Dominic Ianno said, “Winston Baker has access to the most important thought leaders in the film industry and connects with change agents around the world. This partnership is an amazing opportunity to rally these key influencers around TrueSpark’s critical mission of bringing positive character to our youth. We want to connect with like-minded people who are interested in helping us to inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”

TrueSpark has been publicly endorsed by notable producers, directors and actors. Actors such as Dennis Quaid, Sean Astin, and AnnaSophia Robb have supported the program by participating in TrueSpark school events and fundraising efforts. The Winston Baker team and Dominic Ianno are joined by David Tice, Founder and Chairman of TrueSpark, in providing essential support to expand the program. “The genesis of TrueSpark came from my realization that movies help build character and to illustrate the potential for kids to dream big and succeed. Currently we are in 25 states. We need to reach kids in all 50 states,” said Tice.