Will and Emma wrote, cast, directed, edited, and premiered their first movie to our middle school this December. Our entire faculty and student body was impressed with their hard work, creativity, and accomplishment, and are looking forward to the sequel.
After viewing the original film, the student body and faculty completed online surveys indicating what they liked, and provided suggestions for improvement. The one factor that consistently showed up in the surveys was the need for better sound and video quality. Will and Emma were limited to the technology available in the building. They would like to improve the quality of their movie sequel with a higher-quality video camera and recording system.
The students involved in this filming project are practicing and developing college and career readiness by working just like experts in the field. They will write an original movie script, hold auditions and cast actors, film scenes during and after school, and edit the scenes in Movie Maker. They will create movie posters to advertise the film and display them around school prior to the premiere. A team of students will also be working to develop a website to promote the series of films.
Teamwork is key as the directors lead, but also work with the actors and actresses to ensure success. Peer feedback provides an authentic way to listen to the interests of the target audience, while maintaining the creative side of the directors. There is also a great need for problem-solving as the students work through many issues that arise during filming.
In Their Own Words
Our goal is to make a film packed with action, drama, and comedy. However, because of the limits of our school’s technology, we are considering other options for filming. Our hope is to work with tools that are closer to real movie studios to produce a jaw dropping film, like the ones shown in movie theaters that are full of “oohs,” “ahhs,” and laughs.
As leaders, co-directors, writers, and film editors, our plan is to cooperate with everyone involved to form a schedule. Beginning with dates to finish certain scenes to working with the actors/actresses, the schedule will be made independently to help form this new creation. Our peer feedback informed us of the gaps in sound quality, and these items we have chosen will help these needs. With these items, our group will work hard to achieve our goals of a movie that gives you an adrenaline rush.
This is our ‘big-idea’ project that will lift everyone’s spirits by having something fun for the students in our school. We will work hard to ensure our cast will enjoy the fantastic experience of making a great film and watching their hard work pay off.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Englert and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
