Advancing the Art
of Media Production
Since 2009, Legacy Media Institute has been bridging the gap between aspiration and a sustainable media career — one fellow at a time.
Tim Reid —
Actor, Filmmaker, Builder
Tim Reid founded Legacy Media Institute in 2009 as a 501(c)(3) organization to create a legacy project that would advance the art of media production and cultivate emerging filmmakers who will make a positive impact on society.
"Media worldwide is undergoing dramatic change as it defines social, economic and cultural perceptions for billions of people on a daily basis."
LMI's reality-based programs immerse participants directly in the craft of film and television production — collaborating with the community, regional universities, and local organizations to offer workshops, seminars, and hands-on production opportunities that build real careers.
The results of this content incubator of creativity have been seen in the continued work and careers that past fellows produce globally — from Emmy-nominated documentaries and BAFTA-recognized dramas to award-winning festival work across multiple continents.
Trevon Facey —
Filmmaker, Director & Creative Producer
Trevon Facey is a filmmaker, director, and creative producer with experience spanning documentary filmmaking, narrative film, reality television, and photography. A Legacy Media Institute fellow and Virginia State University graduate, his work reflects both technical versatility and a deep commitment to storytelling across platforms.
Trevon has worked internationally across documentary and film projects, bringing hands-on production experience and visual strategy to media work around the world. He also leads Facey Productions, developing and producing independent projects across genres — and brings that same working-creative perspective to his role at LMI.
Mission, Vision
& Goals
What We Do
Legacy Media Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together leading professionals in film and television, outstanding educators, and diverse young talent who wish to pursue the media business as their life's work.
By means of its reality-based programs, the Institute seeks to promote excellence and accountability throughout the process of creating media content that leads emerging artists to a career path of economic stability and reflects a diverse global society.
Where We're Headed
Create a media content incubation program that will support and enhance the creative skills of the diverse talent who aspire to build a career in the media business.
- Authoritative — Carries the weight of real industry experience.
- Aspirational — Speaks to creators who dream of meaningful careers.
- Culturally Rich — Rooted in multicultural storytelling.
- Legacy-Driven — Every fellow is part of something larger.
What We're Building Toward
- Develop leadership, sound media skills, and creative passion among emerging talent.
- Identify new strategies and models for the production and distribution of quality media.
- Support business models that lead to start-up media companies and create jobs.
- Be an authoritative source of market research on multicultural audiences.
- Create legacy projects that advance the art of media production.
- Cultivate independent artists who make a positive impact on society.
HBCU Affiliates & Academic Partners
LMI has established affiliations with leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities to create an innovative student internship and mentorship program — bringing the film industry directly to campus.
Beyond Borders —
International Reach
LMI's impact extends far beyond Richmond, Virginia. From collaborations with the British Film Institute in London to screenings in South Africa, our fellows and their work are reaching global audiences and making history on the world stage.
In 2015, eight emerging filmmakers joined LMI in London, England, working with leading writers, directors, and actors through the British Film Institute to develop original independent projects. The resulting short film was selected for screening at a film festival in South Africa.
Eight LMI fellows developed original independent projects alongside BFI-affiliated writers, directors, and actors. A landmark international partnership for the institute.
The short film produced during the London collaboration was selected and screened at a film festival in South Africa — LMI's work reaching the African continent.
An LMI fellow became the first African filmmaker in history to win the Venice Film Festival's prestigious Golden Lion Award — the pinnacle of global cinema recognition.
What Sets Us Apart
Founded & Led by Tim Reid
Celebrated actor, director, and producer with decades of industry experience — Tim Reid's personal networks and credibility open doors that no academic program can match.
Diversity-First by Design
Multicultural representation is not a goal tacked onto the program — it is the founding principle. LMI was built from day one to center voices that the mainstream industry has historically overlooked.
Reality-Based Training
No classrooms. Fellows are placed directly on set, in workshops, and alongside established professionals from day one. The work produced is real work that reaches real audiences.
Proven Global Outcomes
LMI fellows go on to make real industry history. Their work appears on major streaming platforms and cable networks worldwide. Fellow achievements include Emmy nominations, BAFTA nominations, the Venice Film Festival Golden Lion Award, BAFTA Flare x BFI selection, and the People's Favorite Award at the Pan African Film Festival.
Be Part of the Legacy
Applications are open to emerging filmmakers, university partners, industry mentors, and donors who believe in the power of diverse storytelling.