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Acalanes Video Production Classes

By Sandy Mouat
CORRESPONDENT

	They haven’t been to film school, but these filmmakers know their stuff. They can discuss 1940s film noir lighting, Alfred Hitchcock’s use of parallel action, or Stanley Kubrick’s tracking shots. They know all about how Hollywood pros use a vertigo effect, split edit, POV shot, or B-roll. Look out Tinseltown: some of these talented directors are only 15 years old.
(L-R) John Espey, Derek Matsui. Zack Sutter

In this college-prep art class, students first study films from a period in cinema history and then make their own video project that reflects a development or style of that period.

"We study famous filmmakers, and then the students try applying those proven techniques in their own creative projects," teacher Lynne Bennett explains. "If you want to learn to create quality art, it’s really helpful to study great artists."

"We shoot footage on digital camcorders and then edit on the computer," said Bennett. "We worked in iMovie for the first semester, and focused on bread-and-butter basics: lighting, camera, and editing techniques. In second semester we're using Final Cut Pro. It’s a complex program to learn, but it allows more interesting filmmaking."

Last year, Acalanes student films were shown at the Bay Area High School Film Festival in Berkeley, and at the International Student Film Festival in Carpenteria. Based on their film festival showings, the Video Production classes were invited to submit work for the National Television Academy’s prestigious student competition.

As budding directors, camera operators, scriptwriters, editors, music technicians, and actors worked to complete their current parody film assignment, they took a moment to reflect on the class.

Lauren Haile commented, “Video Production is a fun class, but more than that, it’s great to work in groups; to work with people we might not get a chance to work with, otherwise. There are rules, but we also get a lot of freedom to accomplish our goals in our own way.”

She and the rest of her group, handle all of the jobs during production, switching from in front of the camera to behind it, as the moment requires. As Matt Schiller and Nick Lamel edited their group’s parody of a “Behind the Music” documentary on the life of M.C. Hammer, in which they have also incorporated story elements based on “The Lord of the Rings,” student Kathryn Grant explained the process. “We start with a storyboard. We’re doing M.C. Hammer’s life, from before he was popular, to when he became so famous. Then, we choose the shots, and audio clips.”

Grant continued, “I think the most interesting part of the class is studying the theory of film, and the styles from different decades. My favorite decade for film is the ‘70s. So many new things were being tried. It was a very exciting time in film, starting in the late ‘60s, and through the ‘70s.”

Nick Lamel added, “Video Production gives kids who feel they are not particularly artistic, a chance to express themselves creatively.”

As another group busily edited their parody about telemarketers, in which a caller pesters a telemarketer, instead of the other way around, student Anthony Young commented, “Video Production gives us the opportunity to study an exciting form of expression, something outside of the regular daily academics. Most academic courses are restricted to right or wrong answers, and deal with facts. This class gives us the chance to show what we are learning in a completely different and creative way.”

Final touches are also being put on a parody of rap-singer Eminem, incorporating the credit card “priceless” commercials. Thomas Dawson, editing the “Eminem” parody, said, “I wish there was a more advanced class, for next year, so we could continue to study filmmaking. We’ve all worked on the writing, filming, and editing for this project. I also did some of the acting and the music.”

Taryn Lahey, part of a group that has created a clever parody of the television show, “The Simple Life”, said, “Before I took the class, I really didn’t know what was involved in filmmaking, but I wanted to learn about it. It is really a lot more work than I thought, but it is very satisfying to see the finished project. I plan to continue studying filmmaking in college.”

Just before the end of class, an exhilarated ensemble returned with cameras, tripods, and microphones, having just completed filming their parody of the movie “Fight Club”, called “Hug Club”. Student Jeff Hook looked worn out as he put away the equipment. “We’ve just spent an hour hugging for the camera,” he explained sheepishly. He echoed Dawson’s comment, “I really like this class. I wish they would add a class that goes to the next level for those of us who want to keep going with this.”

A very popular elective, Video Production has a waiting list even with the three sections currently being offered. Said student Jason Shambaugh, “I requested this class every year, before I finally got in, my third year here.”

"I want the kids to be creative, learn to work together, and strive for quality," Bennett said. "Watching movies is easy, but when you try to create your own film, you find out how difficult it is. I hope the class gives students a real appreciation for the art of filmmaking."

          Some student video projects are displayed on the Acalanes website: http://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/ahs/achievements/videoproduction.html.

03/31/04 Reprinted with permission. Visit the Contra Costa Times on the web at www.contracostatimes.com.

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