FLORENCE-FHS film & TV production student, Erin Cody, was interviewed and selected for the FCS Launch program, which provides high school students with internship & apprenticeship experiences through quality community partnerships. Although Erin was thankful to be selected for the Launch program, she had not expected the grand opportunity to fulfill a portion of her apprenticeship experience under the tutelage of this year’s Academy of Country Music Award-winner, Ben Skipworth, Florence native and co-owner of Inkwell Films which is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Skipworth agreed last fall to partner with Florence City Schools and its Launch program in terms of allowing one of our most gifted students with aspirations to achieve a career in film production and digital media. Through this partnership, Erin Cody was privileged to learn and to work collectively on multiple projects with Skipworth’s production team.
Erin also had the honor of working with country music artist Tim McGraw on an upcoming video release as well as other projects which provided her with valuable industry connections and experience. Erin was extremely grateful for this experience and stated that it has significantly elevated her self–confidence as she pursues this career.
Ben and his wife Jessie are a dynamic production team who have been involved in directing and production projects 
all over the United States working with various sports teams, actors, television shows, and several artists in the music industry. Additionally, they are both from Florence, Alabama and are fantastic people who have positively impacted many individuals over the years. Recently, Inkwell Films won the Academy of Country Music (ACM) video of the year with ACM artist Chris Janson. Inkwell was also nominated for a second video as well which was titled “Burn Out” by Midland. Florence City Schools is extremely grateful to Ben and his wife Jessie (Inkwell Films) for their willingness to work with FCS students desiring to enter this exciting career field. The future definitely looks bright!
For more details regarding Ben Skipworth and his Academy of Country Music Award -winning “Video of the Year,” please visit the Academy of Country music winners page at the following link: https://www.acmcountry.com/noms
Media Release/Nira Dale Director of Instruction & Digital Media Florence City Schools
