Streetwise
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED DOCUMENTARY
The documentary Streetwise marked Steve Okin's first experience in managing a media narrative designed to provoke social action. The film chronicled an unhoused community of Seattle teenagers, revealing a previously invisible culture. Inspired by the photography of Mary Ellen Mark and directed by Martin Bell, Streetwise brought the raw and often heartbreaking realities of these young lives into the public eye.
As head of promotion for New World Pictures, Steve recognized the potential to leverage the narrative of Streetwise to drive meaningful change. To amplify its impact, he developed a PSA campaign in partnership with NBC network talent, supporting the National Association for Missing and Exploited Children. These PSAs were strategically tied to videos distributed to over 30,000 retailers, ensuring widespread dissemination and engagement.
This partnership with the National Association for Missing and Exploited Children underscored New World Pictures' commitment to addressing the vulnerabilities and risks faced by unhoused youth. The campaign not only raised awareness but also mobilized resources and support for these marginalized communities. This collaboration highlighted the potential of media to not only inform but also inspire action and foster a collective sense of responsibility towards vulnerable populations.
“I had the pleasure of marketing and promoting this incredibly moving documentary early in my career at New World Pictures. It truly stands out as one of those career moments that changed the way I saw the world.”
- Steven Okin
