She didn't start the production company to win awards, but to simply have fun.
"I've always wanted to write and produce movies so I decided to open up my own production company and do just that," said filmmaker Kimberly Dixon.
Dixon's first project featured her grandchild, along with kids recruited from her North Lawndale church. Dixon's writings involve topics important to her community. Her movie "REDD" explores the emotional consequences of losing someone to gun violence.
"Gun violence happens a lot around us, in Chicago, and its hard to see our peers go through that," said Janye Stamps, child actor.
Dixon rents lights, cameras, and other equipment from well-known Chicago studio Cinespace.
Dixon and parents of the young actors split the cost.
"I do think this is a positive outlet," said child actor Jori Schorter.
Dixon said providing a creative and safe environment for the children of North Lawndale is priceless.
Yukare Nakayama is a Community Journalist at ABC 7 Chicago. She tells stories on the west side of the city in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Little Village, North Lawndale and Austin. Nakayama also covers the north shore suburbs such as Highland Park and Highwood. If you have a story to share in these neighborhoods, send an email to Yukare.x.nakayama@abc.com.