Lights, camera…classroom?  Most people assume that filming is traditionally left to the Hollywood professionals, but here at Scituate High School a class of seniors have been writing, directing, acting and producing their own short films adapted from short stories.  The Literature to Film course is taught by the English Department Chair, Mr. Lynch. In the class students think about pieces of literature, learn how to look at films, and then make films that use the elements of storytelling.

Mr. Lynch tries to focus in on the idea that films are also texts in order to help students learn how to adapt their chosen short story into their short film. Mr. Lynch said a class like this one is important “particularly today when so much of what people consume is video or film.” This senior elective is project based: it’s a creative hands on task.  This is an opportunity not many high schools offer students. It’s a great example of how things work in the world: people are assigned projects or tasks and have to complete them within certain deadlines. In some cases, they have to work collaboratively. It’s hard work, but it’s also very rewarding.

Senior selectives have been available at Scituate High School for four years. Mr Lynch said he chose to teach the course because he “likes all of the ways kids can get involved.” Students can actively participate by acting, producing, filming, or writing. “I want the kids to walk away being proud of what they do,” said Mr. Lynch. “Students have to stand next to their work and be proud of it,” he added.

The film deadline is quickly approaching with premier night being January 15th at 6:30 in the high school auditorium. Mr. Lynch said, “I have confidence in the next four weeks they’re going to manage and find time to complete their films.” He helped to prepare students for the filming process by spending a lot of time analyzing short stories and film not only on their own, but together. Some students walk into the classroom with a great deal of knowledge about the art of filmmaking and others with talent for writing or analyzing. “Everybody learns from each other,” said Mr. Lynch. He explained that sometimes the students become the teachers.

Scituate Community Television (SCTV) also plays a big role in this course.They provide equipment to the students enrolled in the class. John Roser is the executive director of SCTV. Roser compared SCTV to the Scituate Recreation Department. “We’re both town employees that happen to be in the school,” he said. “A few years ago, everyone in Scituate used a studio in Norwell,” Roser said. They then signed a contract with Comcast, and SCTV decided to start from scratch. That’s when the town hired Roser, and the program has been growing ever since.

Students at SHS have access to all of the equipment in the SCTV studio and everything else it provides. Roser enjoys telling people the story of Jane Humphrey as an example of a student using the SCTV studio to her advantage. Humphrey graduated from Scituate High School with the class of 2013, and at the age of seventeen she was on the SCTV payroll producing a news show for the station. Literature to Film students can use the equipment to help create high quality films. Roser encourages students to utilize the programs and technology.

The Literature to Film class is interpreted differently by each student who takes the course. Senior Katie Sneyd said, “The class is about taking any story and making it your own movie. You make it your interpretation.” It also enhances students’ appreciation for the production process. “I just think that after this class when I see a movie, I notice a lot more,” said senior Matt Delgrosso. Students notice reasons behind directors’ decisions in editing. Students are able to take these tools to the cameras then onto the big screen.

If students are interested in Literature to Film, they are strongly encouraged to sign up for a semester. “I really hope students don’t run away because it’s work,” said Mr. Lynch, “It’s good work. It’s creative work.” So get your cameras, your short stories, and some actors and sign up for the class!