While many students spend the afternoon navigating equations and doing science labs, a group of ninth graders heads to the Main Quadrangles, camera gear slung over shoulders, and scripts in hand. A whirring sound commences from the camera as they begin to shoot a scene for an upcoming short film. They yell out cues, adjust camera angles and rehearse lines as they continue to film.
For many of these ninth graders, filmmaking has been a longtime interest, and in class they’re turning that passion into practice as they learn how to express narratives, edit and direct through short, student-driven films.
Since childhood, many students have been drawn to filmmaking.
“I chose filmmaking because it was interesting and I have had experience with it,” René said. “When I was younger, I used to make little movies with my friends. My mom studies film, and I’ve watched a lot of movies. I would consider it a hobby of mine.”
Classmate Robert Bishop said his adviser recommended he take only four core classes during ninth grade, giving him room to explore an elective. Film stood out.
“I decided to take filmmaking because out of all the art classes, it just seemed just the most fun and for me, and when I was younger, especially, I was interested in filmmaking, but particularly, the editing side of it,” Robert said.
While students start the year by learning the technical basics, they soon shift to self-directed projects. From sketch comedy to horror shorts and mini-documentaries, the class is driven by self-motivated creative freedom.
“We’re given instructions for the project, but it’s pretty broad,” Robert said. “We each make our own short film. Everyone’s doing something different.”
René said the class blends independent creativity with collaboration.
“My main role is an editor, though I have acted in some films,” he said. “I’ve been learning how to edit more, and that’s been helpful. But at the same time, going out and filming is fun. For example, in class we would go out to the quad or various areas of the school to shoot scenes.”
The projects are mostly geared towards implementing what they have learned through the basics of filmmaking, ranging from comedic skits to short horror-inspired scenes. Because of time and resource limits, students keep their projects short — usually just a few minutes.
“It’s a ninth-grade film class, so it’s not really that deep,” René said. “You can’t go out there and film huge documentaries. We have 45 minutes every day, and there’s only so much you can do. It’s more about learning how to make films and the basics, so that later on, when you have the time, the equipment, and the energy, you can actually go out and make what you really want to make.”
Later, they will return to the classroom, where their energy shifts from filming to piecing together the footage. They discuss how to cut scenes, layer sounds, and string their scenes together using Adobe Premiere and iMovie.
It’s in these editing periods that the film begins to take shape. What began as just a basic outline and a spontaneous shot in the quad transforms into a complete short film.
