Young Affiliates
of The Mint
Cinematic storytelling and event coverage for Charlotte's premier young arts organization, connecting a new generation to the power of art.
The Challenge
The Young Affiliates of the Mint (YAMs) is the Mint Museum's young professional auxiliary group, established in 1990. Their mission: expand access to the arts for children by funding subsidized classroom trips to the museum. But the organization needed more than brochures and social posts. They needed a film that captured why art matters in a way that moved people to act.
We were brought on to produce a flagship documentary-style video inspired by the storytelling cadence of Netflix's Explained series — blending dynamic narration, interviews with artists and curators, and original animation into a cinematic piece that could anchor YAM's outreach for years. We also covered their signature events, giving the organization a library of professional video assets.
About the Client
The Young Affiliates of the Mint is Charlotte, North Carolina's premier social organization for young art enthusiasts. Connected to the Mint Museum — established in 1936 as North Carolina's first art museum. YAM raises funds, hosts cultural events, and organizes the biennial Coined in the South juried exhibition showcasing emerging Southern artists.
Visit youngaffiliatesofthemint.org →Why Art Matters
The flagship piece — an 11-minute documentary combining interviews, narration, and custom animation to explore the cultural impact of art and the mission of the Young Affiliates. Produced in the style of Netflix's Explained series.
Coined in the South
Promotional coverage for YAM's signature biennial juried exhibition at the Mint Museum Uptown — a showcase of emerging artists from across the Southern United States that bridges museums, galleries, and studios.
Fall Ball Highlight Reel
High-energy event coverage from YAM's annual Fall Ball. Capturing the atmosphere, the art, and the community that makes Charlotte's young creative scene thrive.
Production Stills
What We Delivered
Documentary Film
11-minute "Why Art Matters" documentary blending interviews, narration, and custom animation in the style of Netflix's Explained.
Exhibition Promo
Coined in the South promotional video capturing the biennial juried exhibition and the emerging Southern artists featured at the Mint Museum.
Event Coverage
Fall Ball highlight reel showcasing the energy, art, and community of YAM's flagship annual fundraising event.
Custom Animation
Original animated sequences woven throughout the documentary to visualize concepts and elevate the storytelling.
Interview Production
Multi-camera interview setups with artists, curators, and YAM leadership — lit and framed for cinematic quality.
Campaign-Ready Assets
Full video library for ongoing outreach, social media, and fundraising — content built to last beyond a single campaign cycle.
"Starks Media didn't just film our events — they helped us articulate why our mission matters. The 'Why Art Matters' documentary became the centerpiece of how we talk about YAM."
— Young Affiliates of the Mint
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