01
Step 01 · On Set
A real call sheet. A real production.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Est. 2018 · Dallas-Fort Worth
Where business and creativity meet.
We equip underserved young creatives (ages 14–24) with the skills, mentorship, and on-set experience to build real careers in film, music, the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship.
8 Interns
on a Major
Feature Film
on a Major
Feature Film
2018
Year Founded
8
Interns on Albany Road feature film
28days
On set in Chicago & Champaign
5
Disciplines: Film, Music, Arts, Tech, Business
Case Study · Faith Filmworks
8 interns.
One feature film.
In 2024, we partnered with Faith Filmworks to place eight student interns on the set of Albany Road — a feature film directed by award-winning Christine Swanson — for a 28-day shoot in Chicago and Champaign. Interns received housing, stipends, and access to a writing master class, while shadowing departments from production to direction. We followed it with an exclusive screening at the Angelika Theatre and a Q&A with the Award winning director Christine Swanson and the Legendary Lynn Whitfield.
- Lynn Whitfield
- Renée Elise Goldsberry
- J. Fonz
- Dir. Christine Swanson
★ Streaming Everywhere
★ Behind the Scenes
From set to screen.
02
Step 02 · The Cohort
Eight interns. One director. One vision.
03
Step 03 · With the Talent
Melani, Lynn Whitfield & Christine Swanson.
04
Step 04 · The Premiere
An exclusive screening at the Angelika.
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★ Strategic Partnership
Make Peace
Visible.
A Live Art Movement for Peace
Founded by artist Tony Lima, Make Peace Visible is a global movement turning the idea of peace into something seen, shared, and felt — through large-scale public art, storytelling, and community participation. The Fun Factory International is proud to stand with this movement, connecting our young creatives to a worldwide platform for peace through creativity.
Five disciplines.
One mission.
We meet students where opportunity has been thinnest — and equip them with technical skills, professional habits, and industry relationships that turn passion into a paycheck.
Film & TV Internships
Paid set placements on professional film and TV productions. Students work alongside cast and crew from pre to post-production, departments include production, direction, camera, writing, and post.
Music Studio
Engineering, mixing, and mastering taught in a full studio — plus music business courses on copyright, publishing, and basic contract negotiation. Songwriters welcome.
Coding & Tech
Basic coding, app building, and emerging tech taught on-site or in partnership with local tech companies offering advanced programs and pathways into the workforce.
Mentoring Workshops
Hands-on instruction in business, music, film, and content creation. Up to 15 students per class with industry professionals as instructors — covering communication, planning, and self-management.
Entrepreneurship
The business behind the craft — turning a creative practice into an LLC. Mentoring on resume building, job readiness, office etiquette, and the soft skills that open corporate doors.
Moments from the Field
Real students.
Real productions.
Albany Road · Intern Cohort
Family Day · Community
Mentorship · Group Session
1DayLA · Community Day
Film Training · Pro Equipment
TFF Community · Gathering
Past events.
Real reach.
We don't just train students — we put them on the call sheet for productions, concerts, and community events with serious draw. Here are two we're proud of.
Toyota Music Factory · Irving, TX
Back 2 Da Block Party.
Our inaugural Back 2 Da Block event ran a Thanksgiving Day football watch party at 3:30 PM into a full concert at 8 PM, showcasing the most exciting local talent in DFW alongside national headliners. The billboard above the Toyota Music Factory said it all.
★ Lineup
- Ahjah & Alice (Walls Group)
- Carvena (FOX's The Four)
- Roxxet
- Coach Ted
- D Good
- Alex Lambert
- Demarica
- Chloe
- Hollywood & Djon (Dancers)
One Day. One Community.
1DayLA brought together young creatives, families, and community partners for a full day of music, activities, and inspiration. A celebration of what's possible when creativity meets community — and proof that The Fun Factory International shows up beyond the set.
★ Watch the Full Recap
In Their Own Words
What our interns are saying.
My time with the Fun Factory International was an experience I'll never forget. The camaraderie between myself and the other participants grew into our own little family that meant the world to me. Being able to work on a production in the industry I love, with people as passionate about it as I am, is always an amazing feeling.
The Fun Factory International fosters a tight-knit, influential, and riveting experience that is truly unforgettable. The collaborative process of shadowing and working with industry professionals was an incredibly valuable experience. The time we spent on set will inspire the next generation of storytellers.
The Fun Factory International is in the blessing business, to say the least! I never imagined I would get to meet, fellowship, learn, and grow with people I will consider brothers and sisters for the duration of my time on this earth. Melani has created an organization that quite literally changes lives.
Get Involved
Three ways
to build with us.
From a one-time gift to a full production cohort sponsorship — every level of support puts a young creative one step closer to a real career.
Individual Giving
Sponsor a student's first credit.
Your gift covers stipends, transportation, meals, and on-set placement for a young creative stepping into a professional production for the first time. Every dollar is tax-deductible.
Corporate Partners
Underwrite a production cohort.
Partner with us to sponsor a full cohort of student interns on an upcoming film, music, or media production. Co-branded recognition, on-set visits, and impact reporting included.
Start the conversationProductions & Studios
Host a TFF cohort.
Producing a film, series, album, or live event? Bring on a vetted, trained, mentored team of student interns. You get talent. They get their first real credit.
Submit your production
About
Founded by a producer who knows what a first credit can do.
"A young person doesn't need another classroom. They need a name on a real call sheet — and someone who believes in them enough to put them there."
The Fun Factory International was founded in 2018 by veteran executive producer and record label owner Melani Ismail, after a wave of senseless violence took the lives of several young people in the Irving community. She built TFF as a resource — a place where young creatives could meet industry, find their voice, and step into careers in film, music, the arts, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Built on a faith-rooted commitment to equity and excellence, TFF has grown into a DFW talent pipeline serving creative millennials with technical skills, professional mentoring, and direct on-set placement. We partner with productions, studios, labels, and corporations that share a conviction: the next generation of storytellers shouldn't have to wait their turn — they should be on set right now.
Melani Ismail
Founder · Executive DirectorProducer, speaker, and record label owner. Executive produced projects across music, film, and literature. Speaks regularly on business and personal development.
Raghib "Rocket" Ismail
Board · Co-FounderNotre Dame legend, retired NFL wide receiver (Raiders, Panthers, Cowboys) and Canadian Football League standout. Active Irving community mentor and speaker.
Verified & transparent.
Public records. Public mission. Public accountability.
★ Awarded Candid Gold 2024- EIN 61-1885905
- Status 501(c)(3)
- Candid View Profile ↗
- Filings IRS Form 990-N