Janeen Mason
Janeen Mason joined the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Schoolyard Films, Inc. in 2024 as Creative Development Director, bringing her expertise in storytelling, the arts, education, and philanthropy to help advance the organization’s mission. She works closely with the international award winning cinematographer, Tom Fitz, and a host of colleagues around the globe comprised of filmmakers, educators, conservationists, and philanthropic partners to develop compelling environmental stories that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and action.
Mason also supports a Schoolyard partnership with My World Film Fund, a groundbreaking mentorship and funding program created to enlist the next generation of environmental storytellers. As Io Byatt explains, “My World empowers young filmmakers rooted in the communities and ecosystems they represent. With funding, hands-on mentorship from award-winning industry leaders, and a focus on solutions from day one, they create short films with real-world impact.”
At Schoolyard Films, Mason builds connections between passionate filmmakers and philanthropists who understand the power of storytelling—and the importance of equipping young people with the creative and critical-thinking skills to address environmental challenges. The result is a growing collection of deeply engaging films that bring science and conservation to life and inspire action in classrooms and communities around the world, reaching audiences in more than 170 countries.
A noted artist, curator, author, illustrator, speaker, and arts advocate, Mason has built a distinguished career around the belief that great storytelling can connect people, spark imagination, and create meaningful change. As Curator of Lighthouse ArtCenter, she has organized more than 100 original exhibitions and, as an appointed member and Vice Chairman of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, served under three Florida governors advocating for the arts statewide. Her service at the state level continues as the chairman of Citizens for Florida Arts and Culture.
Mason is the traditionally published author and illustrator of sixteen children’s books, which have received ten industry awards and earned a national following among booksellers, libraries, schools, and families. Her fine art has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Florida and is held in the permanent collections of universities, Fortune 500 companies, and notable private collectors.
At Schoolyard Films, Janeen brings these experiences together in service of a shared vision: using the power of creativity and storytelling to inspire the next generation to understand, value, and protect our planet.
“The best argument in the world won’t change someone’s mind, only a good story can do that.” -- Ken Burns
Janeen Mason joined the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Schoolyard Films, Inc. in 2024 as Creative Development Director, bringing her expertise in storytelling, the arts, education, and philanthropy to help advance the organization’s mission. She works closely with the international award winning cinematographer, Tom Fitz, and a host of colleagues around the globe comprised of filmmakers, educators, conservationists, and philanthropic partners to develop compelling environmental stories that inspire curiosity, stewardship, and action.
Mason also supports a Schoolyard partnership with My World Film Fund, a groundbreaking mentorship and funding program created to enlist the next generation of environmental storytellers. As Io Byatt explains, “My World empowers young filmmakers rooted in the communities and ecosystems they represent. With funding, hands-on mentorship from award-winning industry leaders, and a focus on solutions from day one, they create short films with real-world impact.”
At Schoolyard Films, Mason builds connections between passionate filmmakers and philanthropists who understand the power of storytelling—and the importance of equipping young people with the creative and critical-thinking skills to address environmental challenges. The result is a growing collection of deeply engaging films that bring science and conservation to life and inspire action in classrooms and communities around the world, reaching audiences in more than 170 countries.
A noted artist, curator, author, illustrator, speaker, and arts advocate, Mason has built a distinguished career around the belief that great storytelling can connect people, spark imagination, and create meaningful change. As Curator of Lighthouse ArtCenter, she has organized more than 100 original exhibitions and, as an appointed member and Vice Chairman of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, served under three Florida governors advocating for the arts statewide. Her service at the state level continues as the chairman of Citizens for Florida Arts and Culture.
Mason is the traditionally published author and illustrator of sixteen children’s books, which have received ten industry awards and earned a national following among booksellers, libraries, schools, and families. Her fine art has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout Florida and is held in the permanent collections of universities, Fortune 500 companies, and notable private collectors.
At Schoolyard Films, Janeen brings these experiences together in service of a shared vision: using the power of creativity and storytelling to inspire the next generation to understand, value, and protect our planet.
“The best argument in the world won’t change someone’s mind, only a good story can do that.” -- Ken Burns
