JIM ANDERSON INSTRUCTOR SUMMARY~

 

 

Script to Screen

 

The 2010 T Tauri Movie Camp Script to Screen workshop was an experience I'll never forget. The students ranged from 4th grade to 9th grade, which was the youngest class in the program. I wanted to get their take on what movies were to them. They told me their favorite movies, and I asked them questions about what makes those movies their favorites. Dillon Coker-Quintus liked Avatar because of the visuals. Kayla Torrez liked The Count of Monte Cristo because of the story. They all came up with ideas for the movie we were going to make. The consensus was an action comedy. One by one, the students went to the front of the room and pitched their ideas, and then were voted on. The chosen idea was about a kid, Jack, who falls asleep in class and wakes up to an empty room. He wanders the halls and finds “dream people." The good “dream people” must train Jack to defeat the lead bad guy, Jill. We fleshed out the idea, ironed out the details and gave our final pitch. This ended day one.

On day two, we wrote out the story boards and the script. Everyone collaborated on both aspects of pre-production. With all this completed, we began shooting our movie. Every child had a turn at each position: Camera Operator, Director, Sound, and Actor. I made sure their shots were focused and framed correctly, and then let them run the show. Shooting took us into the next day. When we were 80% done, I had them step behind the computer for editing. The students were able to sit at the computer and make basic edits. This took us into the last day when the students chose music and the project was completed.

All of the students stepped up in their own way. Jose Torrez, the oldest, would make a great Assistant Director, and always made sure no one was talking during shooting and that the people who needed to be on camera where in their place. Clayton Bernard loved working the camera, and had fluid pans and great shots. Kayla Torrez had a wealth of ideas and suggestions that enhanced the project. She created characters for other students so that they could have a role in the movie. Teva Kvern used his experience with the program to make sure the movie stayed on track. He had a very good grasp on story and continuity. Dillon Coker-Quintus had loads of energy and was always willing to participate whereever he was needed. He seemed to pick up the process of filmmaking the quickest. John Mark Stodola's input to the story was invaluable and brought it from a rough idea to a solid movie. Suni Torrez seemed to want to keep to herself, but when the project stepped up, so did she. Dekon Torrez excelled as Jack. There was a scene where Jack met the character Lexi and Dekon's timing and emotion were excellent.

The group really liked working with each other. They were at the T Tauri Workshop to create a movie and no one's attitude got in the way. Everyone was itching to be a part of the production. I can remember many times where I told them what the shot was and they got it on their own from ACTION to CUT. If a few students had to wait on the sidelines while we got a shot off in a hallway, they waited patiently until we returned.

There was a shot we did on the stage in the huge auditorium at UACCB. Jack (Dekon Torrez) and Bill (John Mark Stodola) were having a “Mind Battle." We needed to set up a light and we noticed that their shadows were cast on the screen in the background. John Mark suggested we shoot that as part of the fight. I was amazed that he could see such a professional shot and suggested it. On shoot day, I brought in props and make-up and the girls, Kayla and Suni, jumped at the opportunity to do the makeup for the entire cast. There was a shot that revealed Lexi (Kayla Torrez) and there happened to be a full length mirror in the room we were shooting in. Right away the students said we should shoot Lexi in the mirror as Jack walked in the room. It ended up being a great reveal. My favorite moment was when we found a push cart and used it as a dolly. The students framed up the shot and followed Jack from the classroom, out into the corridor, and down the hallway. This was a difficult shot to get and involved precision dolly moves and pans. Clayton Bernard, operating camera, got the shot in only 3 takes. I sat back and let them do it all by themselves. I felt proud.

This was my second year being involved with the T Tauri program, and my first year as a teacher. Being a volunteer last year showed me what is expected and how it can be done right. I wanted to make sure I upheld the quality and positive message that that has been striven for in previous years. I knew there would have to be a balance between learning, working, and having fun. The excitement the students brought to the workshop made it easy for me to create a fun environment that promoted collaboration and learning. I also must credit the success of this year's workshop to my assistant Dylan Scarbrough. He never flinched when I told him I needed something and he always made sure the students were in line and accounted for. I am proud of the movie that we made and the overall teamwork that was displayed while we made this movie. When it was all over and the movie was screened, Clayton Bernard came up to me and said, “I didn't know we could make something so good.” It warmed my heart and hopefully inspired the students to make more movies.

 

 

WRAP MAP:

Films | Photos | Blogs | Instructor Summaries