Supporting Young Filmmakers
Our Mission: The Tyler Sanders Foundation supports the vision of rising talents in the film industry. We believe that every aspiring filmmaker deserves a chance to shine. To continue Tyler’s legacy, we will provide essential encouragement and resources for the next generation to prosper in the world of cinema.
What We Offer: Through sponsorships, mentorship programs, and access to essential filmmaking materials, we will empower the next generation of storytellers. The foundation serves as a guiding light for young filmmakers, offering them essential encouragement and tools to bring important stories of redemption to life.
Get Involved: We need you to help us continue Tyler’s story. Whether you're a passionate young filmmaker, a seasoned industry professional, or someone who believes in the transformative power of hopeful storytelling, your support can make a significant difference. Together, we can create opportunities for budding talents and build a community that celebrates the magic of filmmaking.
Honoring Tyler's Legacy: Tyler was passionate about bringing stories to life and we still need those stories. The Tyler Sanders Foundation is a living testament of this incredible young man’s relentless pursuit of his dreams. We will ensure his passion for cinema lives on through the inspirational films the next generation creates.
Who was tyler?
Tyler found his passion for acting at the young age of 7 when he played Simba in The Lion King. Even from that young age, the craft captured Tyler’s heart and became his constant focus. At the age of 9, Tyler was introduced to acting for television and film, and his life would never be the same.
Every time Tyler had the opportunity to be on set or on stage, it was evident that he had discovered a passion that was as much a part of him as his physical body. As grown adults, Tyler’s parents had never witnessed anyone be so certain about what they wanted to do with their life. When they watched Tyler on set, they felt like they saw him completely in his element.
Tyler’s type-A personality and his extreme focus were useful in him learning scripts. Soon he was booking roles in an independent film, a pilot, Fear the Walking Dead, The Rookie, 911 Lonestar and as a series-regular on the popular kids’ show, Just Add Magic: Mystery City, for which he would go on to receive an Emmy nomination. The more he auditioned and worked, the more he wanted to work and the more he became interested in the entire process of filmmaking.
It was incredible that Tyler experienced such success at such a young age. He did not come from a family of actors. His family had no artistic experience and absolutely no network within the industry. That didn’t matter, though, because Tyler was far from your typical person. When he made up his mind he wanted to do something, he didn’t just think about it or plan to do it, he went after it with everything he had. For years, Tyler wrote, “Do More” on his hand every day to remind himself to work hard and make the most of every single moment.
As he became more interested in filmmaking, Tyler began reading books on the subject and asking questions to everyone on set. From lighting to camera angles, Tyler became interested in how every aspect of a shot could enhance the story. The set was no longer just a place of work, it became a place he could expand his knowledge. His ultimate goal was to work in front of and behind the camera on his own production and he took advantage of every opportunity he could to work toward that goal. In typical Tyler fashion, he did not let any opportunity go to waste.
Ultimately, Tyler’s life was cut short and he did not have the opportunity to live out his dream of working behind and in front of the camera on his own production. Nevertheless, he did more in his short life than many people who live much longer. Tyler often mentored others who were starting their film career, giving them advice, helping them network, and helping them hone their craft or tape auditions. That is why his parents have worked to make this foundation a reality - to give others interested in the film industry the chance to pursue their passion and live their dream by providing them with the support system that Tyler so often sought for himself and offered to others.