Tuesday, March 1, 2005
CAMPUS BEAT: Filmmaking: A road to fame
By SARA Cooper and CARRIE SMART / AAE Staff Writers
Known as the first, one and only student film school, the Academy for Academic Excellence has developed an amazing department for students wanting to take the art of filmmaking seriously.
From learning the basics of camera operation, lighting and editing to directing, producing and set construction, the film class is well-rounded and a great environment in which students can use their social and creative skills.
The goal the school has set for the students attending the class is to create independent, no-budget filmmakers as well as encourage students to be creative and independent. Although most students go into the class thinking it will be an easy grade and focused on fun and games, they soon come to realize it requires dedication and time-consuming work.
Teacher of the filmmaking class, Steve Orsinelli, believes that this is the best program in the state of California. Having taught at the AAE for eight years, Orsinelli came from a career as a professional independent filmmaker with a production house in Hollywood. His experience has lent much help to the students who are aiming for a career in filming.
He believes his class is a great way to boost self-esteem and create great relationships. Orsinelli encourages those passionate about this career to "Make movies and lots of them!" He encourages students to get involved in this art because it is a fun way to make a living and it produces a creative outlet to tell a story.
Overall, Orsinelli is known and loved for his dedication of time and effort and his easy way of getting the kids to bring out their creativeness.
A once-a-year event, the Student Film Festival, is a great way for students to reap the benefits of their hard work and creativeness. This is a time for the young filmmakers to enter their films in specific categories such as sci-fi, documentaries, commercials, silent film and more.
Along with the film fest, an awards show is held off campus to recognize the student filmmakers' excellence where they are awarded trophies, cash and video equipment.
Although both these events are only open to the AAE at this time, Orsinelli plans on opening up the festival and the awards show to other schools next year.
Students are working on two short films that will be released for exhibition at movie theaters in Victorville. One film, "Life of Pierre Dumont," is a 30-minute French film, while the other is a film focused on the 1930s Depression era, "No Way Home." They are also filming the history of Apple Valley and Victorville.
The money raised from the films' showings will be donated to a scholarship fund for students interested in going to college and studying film.
Editor's note: Campus Beat is a special page generated once a month by local high school teenagers.
This month's page comes from ACADEMY FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
Used with permission by Daily Press, Freedom Communication, 2005