The Art of Filmmaking at Colorado Springs’ Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning
The Student-Created Film: “Weathered”
The students of Colorado Springs’ Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning have been working tirelessly for the past few months, and their efforts have finally paid off. Their original film, “Weathered,” premiered at Roadhouse Cinemas, and it’s a testament to the school’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences.
The Program’s Evolution
The GeekThink Films program, which started in 2015, has come a long way since its inception. Initially, it was led by a language arts teacher who encouraged students to write an original screenplay. However, it wasn’t until a group of students suggested incorporating film production into the curriculum that the program truly took off.
- The program’s growth can be attributed to the involvement of the entire school, with students from different grades contributing to the final screenplay.
- The school’s director, Teresa Brown, emphasized the importance of giving students the opportunity to explore their creativity and pursue their passions.
- The program’s expansion also includes a school-wide casting call and new filming equipment, which has enabled the students to produce a longer and more complex film.
The Making of “Weathered”
The film, which tells the story of a group of students who find shelter in their school during a major storm, features a range of skills, including screenwriting, acting, and special effects. The cast includes students from different grades, who worked together to create original music and props.
- Thirty-five-minute film featuring a ragtag group of students working together to overcome challenges.
- Cast includes students from different grades, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.
- Features student-made props, original music, and cameo appearances from a class pet and a Colorado Springs police officer.
Lessons Learned
The making of “Weathered” is not just about creating a film; it’s about teaching students important lessons in collaboration, debating, and humility. As language arts teacher Jason Henry said, “Learning all these different skills is hard enough when there’s just two people trying to work on one idea. Then you add 13 kids, and it’s an interesting process, but they were amazing.”
“It’s a story about big kids helping little kids and the little kids realizing the big kids are there for them even if they’re acting a little foolish sometimes.” – Jason Henry
Awards and Recognition
The film has received praise from the school community, with students and staff alike praising the students’ hard work and dedication. The program’s success has also caught the attention of school alumni, who have been invited to participate in the program and even contribute to the film.
Future Plans
The academy plans to expand the program in the years ahead, with plans to form a summer school program for additional instruction and enrolling students in Denver’s 48 Hour Film Project. This will provide students with the opportunity to continue developing their filmmaking skills and work with other students from different schools.
Student Perspectives
The students who worked on “Weathered” are excited to see the film come to life and share their experiences. As eighth grader Karson Whitmore said, “It’s really fun to see all these kids stay after school and put their hearts into this kind of program. Because this is what we know of the only K-8 program in the entire country to do it. So, it’s really special because not everyone is going to experience this.”
Conclusion
The Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning’s GeekThink Films program has come a long way since its inception. The 10th annual production, “Weathered,” is a testament to the school’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore their creativity. As the program continues to evolve, it’s clear that the students will have a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking.
