In light of a new academic school year, the usual clubs have brainstormed ideas for yearly trips, fundraisers, and activities. This year, clubs will be traveling to a Model United Nations Conference in Chicago, preparing for a service project to Guatemala , and even competing in a regional robotics competition. Now, however, there is a new door open for anyone interested in filmmaking.
For the past several years, SHS hasn’t been able to host its own Movie Club. Luckily, Mr. Raymond sparked a new creative opportunity for students who share his passion for film. “I founded the club with a group of my sophomores in late September. In two months, we now have 80 students on our active roster,” Raymond said.
The club graciously received a $3,500 grant from the SHORE foundation this past October to purchase cameras, computers, editing software, and audio equipment, all essentials for the club’s success.
“We’re actually going to make movies,” Mr. Raymond said seriously. Such short films are in the works now, as they hope to produce and sell annual projects such as “Teacher Shorts,” which will be mockumentaries of various teachers voted upon by the club members. Using the new materials, the goal is to create 15-20 minute long movies, all directed, written, produced, and edited by our very own SHS students.
Sophomore Maddie Ryan was incredibly excited for the project and had nothing but praise for the new addition to our school. “It helps get other types of kids together who don’t necessarily play a sport or do other clubs. It brings all sorts of people together.”
Another aspect of this club is that it sets SHS apart from other schools who aren’t as fortunate to have an independent filmmaking studio. Additionally, it reiterates recent goals of the public school system that wishes to incorporate more educational technology into the curriculum.
Not only do the film club members focus on the production process, but they also get together and vote on what new movies they want to watch. Co-vice president Mairin Sheridan said that each month has a different movie theme. November was Leonardo DiCaprio month, and the students watched Inception . December is holiday themed, as A Christmas Story will be featured.
Co-vice president Gina Collari wishes to inform the student body that the club is open to all grades. “We don’t only make movies but we watch a lot of them too and talk about them. It’s wicked fun!” Collari said.
For all the students who haven’t found the perfect club, room 244 is the place for you. Not only can you munch on goodies and watch a cool movie with friends, but you can even become an official producer, editor, etc. It’s a common misconception that watching film in school might be boring documentaries. Despite this, the Movie Club is determined to become the coolest and most popular place to be after school on Friday afternoons.