Prince Sprauve, Executive Director, is an independent film director and founder of Revolution Studios Inc. D/B/A Told By Us Productions (a not-for-profit since 2013). TBU is a youth centered program that fosters creative expression and is designed to be a safe haven for high school students. It’s a place where at risk students come to express themselves in creative ways and escape negative influences.

Sprauve can relate all too well to the struggles young teens face. Born February 16, 1985 in Brooklyn Fort Green Housing Projects, Sprauve was the product of poverty and violence. His mother gave birth to him at the age 15. His father passed away at the age of 13; only three days after his son’s birthday. Though Sprauve and his family lived in poverty, he was gifted and displayed leadership qualities. Despite positive opportunities, Sprauve became a product of his environment. His home life was in peril, he and his mother were the victims of domestic violence and abuse. Soon Sprauve found himself dropping out of high school, joining a gang, and being pulled in the direction of negative influences. On the fast track to disaster, Sprauve was forced to move out of his environment and relocated to Schenectady, to live with his grandparents.

Deciding to make a change, Sprauve went to Washington Irving and received his GED. He decided to apply to the Schenectady City School District in the summer of 2007. He began working in the “GE Wing” under Peter Parisi as a Paraprofessional. Sprauve’s entrance into the Schenectady City School system brought him in contact with many students who were experiencing similar problems that he’d faced in New York City. From that point on, it became his mission to compel young teens from the streets to find hope. While working in Schenectady High School, Sprauve became interested in filming and directing. Under the tutelage of Mr. Connolly, he learned to use and operate various computer and editing programs and software. Although he had no previous experience, Sprauve quickly adapted and soon excelled in filming, editing and digital engineering.

Upon seeing Sprauve’s success and dedication to his program, he directed and produced the full length movie, Fast Life, through collaboration with 150 students, community organizations and volunteers which premiered at Proctors in 2013. The film depicts the circumstances that attract teens to a life of violent crime. Sprauve understands the local culture and day-to-day struggles of at risk youth in Schenectady County. Told By Us provides a voice for youth and an opportunity for them to gain training and skills to help them succeed. Sprauve proudly proclaims that “Fast Life” is a collaborative effort between students, teachers, and community. Not only is it a creative expression that offers much more than entertainment, “Fast Life” and Told By Us has offered much needed healing. Students who were previously “troubled” and on the fast track to failure have discovered a passion and a purpose. Through this program, Sprauve and parents have noted that students have become serious about their studies and their goals. Student participants of Told By Us are graduating and are making plans to go to college.

“Cradle” is the next project Told By Us will be undertaking, under the direction of Prince Sprauve. Following in the footsteps of “Fast Life,” Told By Us will once again offer a unique tool for captivating Schenectady’s youth; this time by exposing the current epidemic of teenage pregnancy in Schenectady. The aim is to surpass “Fast Life” as far as quality, magnitude and reach of influence. “Cradle” will reveal the intricate problems that surround teenage pregnancy through the unfolding of 5 different storylines.

Sprauve’s students have interviewed actual teenage mothers to gain insight on the issue. One girl explained during an interview, “I got pregnant because my mother died and I was looking for someone to love me.” The result of this research in conjunction with the personal experiences of the students involved has laid the foundation for the storylines. In addition to having starring roles in the film, students will be offered the opportunity to showcase their original music on the accompanying soundtrack. The recording and editing of the soundtrack will take place simultaneously. In order to streamline efficiency, Sprauve recruited Ryan Sanborn, a long time colleague, to facilitate the audio portion of the program. Currently, a half dozen students who have been designated as the projects “research team” are working with Sprauve to gather the necessary background material. In addition to performing a qualitative analysis of the interviews, students are reading relevant articles on teen pregnancy, meeting with knowledgeable professionals at Ellis Hospital to discuss local data on the subject and researching statistics and financial metrics to determine the impact the current trend has on Schenectady County.

Cradle would not have been made possible without the parents, teachers, and the community who have pooled together to support our children. Most importantly, Sprauve believes that no matter how negative our story, we can reach out to others and help one another heal and this is only the beginning! To learn more about the upcoming Independent Film “Cradle,” visit www.toldbyus.org our Facebook fan page “TBU Productions,” or you can contact Prince Sprauve at prince@toldbyus.org.