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commonwealth games 2005?

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I set about developing a six-week training and implementation program. From the outset I had informed the class and the school of our intention to enter the competition. From experience, I told my class we were in no way entering the competition to win: we were simply using the competition as a goal to work towards as we learned about filmmaking. We entered the Live Action Category.

The class looked at technical terms, such as gaffer, foley artist, director, producer, clapperboard, boom microphone just to name a few. After the students had an idea of which person was responsible for which job, and who they worked alongside of, I led them through the basic principles of visual framing, balance and various other concepts. From here we worked on practising with a digital video camera and a mock-up boom microphone.

Crew responsibilities were allocated according to student interest. The students were very quick to negotiate with each other. In a very short time we had an entire working crew and cast. Writing teams collated ideas and nutted out a script, which really did include their quirky humour! From there the cast gathered and practised their parts, working out their various personalities. Crew met regularly to see how the time code recorders coordinated with the clapperboard operators, and how the sound and microphone operators liaised with the camera operators and the director.

After several dry runs, the film was shot over three days. One student looked at me at one stage, and said, "Mr. Goss! You're not doing anything!"

"I know," I replied, watching this group take flight making their film. "Isn't it great?" It was so good to see all the practice and ground-work had really paid off.

The film was titled "Commonwealth Games 2005?" and shows how an over-zealous TV crew sets about to host the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne eight months too early! When I read the Writing Team's draft, I could not stop laughing. I was so impressed with the depth of humour in the script.

A team was organised for editing, and I had assigned for them to work throughout the final week to complete the editing. After showing them the basics of Apple iMovie, they set about completing the editing within one day. When I saw the quality of their work, I was astounded at how tightly they had cut the takes. They had worked through the shot lists and edited the takes beautifully. They had even added the titles and credits! The only thing I had to do was add the original music (mainly for copyright reasons).

We entered the film. The children wanted a 'blooper reel' done for themselves, so I set about making that for them, as a way of thanks in recognition of their work. In hindsight, I should have also sent this in, as it really did show how coordinated the students were in making their effort.

When I received the email to notify us of our first place in the Live Action Category, I sat at my desk for a full five minutes, reading back and forth over the announcement until I realised what it meant. I knew the students had done a great job, but to have an outside body recognise their efforts was truly a wonderful moment for the class.

The school community is still celebrating the win. The $500 prize money has been allocated to help purchase an Apple iMac for the school. With this computer, I will be able to deliver a training package for teachers and students in film production and multimedia applications.