On November 21, 2024, the Dakar Foundation, led by Kevin Clark, partnered with HartBeat Studios to host a pivotal event focused on Fast TV production and the future of media. This engaging event, held in association with the DAKAR LIVE Podcast, showcased the exciting opportunities offered by the upcoming Creative-Tech Hartbeat Apprenticeship Resource Training Program (HART).

The program, designed to bridge traditional media education with next-generation technology, aims to empower the next wave of media professionals. The event featured key discussions, facility tours, and a preview of HART’s vision, highlighting the innovative direction of entertainment and technology.

Key Highlights from the Event

Spotlight on HART Program
The event marked the official announcement of the HART program’s inaugural cohort of 30 apprentices and pre-apprentices. This transformative, eight-week program launches in January 2025 and blends traditional Arts, Media, and Entertainment education with next-gen tools, including AI, machine learning, and business strategies. The innovative Multi-core curriculum promises to prepare participants for success in the fast-paced entertainment industry.

Laptop Distribution Event
In collaboration with Delete The Divide, HART will provide participants with laptops during a special distribution event on December 16, 2024. This critical initiative ensures all participants are equipped with the necessary tools to excel in their training and future careers.

Engaging Facility Tours
Attendees were treated to exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of HartBeat Studios. The tours included state-of-the-art sound stages, broadcast studios, and production sets, offering a rare glimpse into the cutting-edge technology and processes driving fast TV production.

Powerful Contributions
The event featured insights and expertise from a wide array of industry leaders and educators, including:

• Munir Muhmud, Sherlett Hendy Newbill, Shane Norman, Jeff Thompson, Doug Kawa, and Ted Milner.
• The UXD Academy, led by Everett Swain II, offered invaluable expertise on user experience design.
• Special mentions: David Gray, Dr. Daniel Walker, Lela Christine, Liam Gallagher, Carmen Hall, Oscar Aguayo, Walter Waltereze, Alex Cabalu, and the entire Dakar Foundation team for their dedication to the program’s success.

Upcoming Documentary
The event also included a preview of the highly anticipated documentary, “The 6-Year Journey to HART”, which chronicles the vision, challenges, and milestones that have shaped the program.

Why This Event Matters

The collaboration between Dakar Foundation, HartBeat Studios, and industry leaders reflects a commitment to innovation, education, and community development. By combining experiential learning, state-of-the-art tools, and a focus on AI-driven technology, the HART program is setting a new standard for training in the entertainment industry.

What’s Next?

The HART program officially begins in January 2025, with applications now open. Interested candidates can contact Kevin Clark at kevinclark@dakarfoundation.org for more information. Don’t miss the laptop distribution event on December 16, 2024, an exciting precursor to the launch of this groundbreaking program.

To relive the highlights, watch video recaps on LinkedIn.