Becoming Lindsey

Several months ago we did a RED camera demonstration for Mr. Smith’s Video Production classes at Golden West High School, in Visalia, CA.  A former intern of ours, Bill, now assists Mr. Smith and his students. Bill has written a script called “Becoming Lindsey” and came up with the idea to use all high school students to produce the movie.  Bill held auditions and rehearsal for the actors and asked 3B to work on set with the students and guide them in shooting Becoming Lindsey.  We volunteered our time and equipment to enable the students to shoot the entire film on our RED Camera. This allowed student to experience how a film set works. Students took on positions of Camera Operators, 1^st AC, 2^nd AC, Gaffer, Grips, Sound, AD, Scripty, and Associate Producer.  Just about everyone switched positions at least one, which allowed them to gain a better understanding of the amount of work that takes place on a film set.  3B encouraged the students to not be intimated by using expensive professional cinema camera. 

3B believes in these students, thinking they can excel if given the right opportunity. At this point they have done just that – excelled. Their parents should be proud of the effort they have all put in on this project.  We are currently 70% done after 6 days of production.

We got “What is that?” several times when bringing out the Sekonic 758 light meter.  The kids didn’t know what a light meter was and why you would use one.  This one task alone helped them understand the importance of being discipline when shooting. Filmmaking is a craft that requires discipline to improve skills and become better story tellers.

Decisions and choices are made on set concerning why cameras are put here or there or the actors come from this direction or from there? This opportunity allowed the students to ask questions and make better story telling decisions on their own projects.  More than likely they will not remember everything from this on-set experience, but they now have a better understanding of what it takes to produce a film with some production value.

Visalia is fortunate to have such a wonderful business community where these local businesses join with the department of education to provide the students with deeper learning experiences.