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Advanced Film Students Shine at Spotlight Festival

Students bring home Best Use of Visual Effects Award for anti-gambling project

 

“We have a shot at this!” were the thoughts of Conrad Sylvester as he listened to the announcers describe the award for Best Use of Visual Effects. 

Sylvester, a recent high school graduate of Venture Academy Family of Schools, recalled how it felt when he and his classmates walked up to receive their award at the Betting On Our Future (BOOF) Spotlight Festival, hosted by California Friday Night Live Partnership in Anaheim.

“I felt prideful. I’m glad I had the opportunity,” said Sylvester. 

The BOOF project tasked participants with creating two 30-second public service announcements (PSAs), one for the prevention of gambling addiction and one for the treatment; as well as an educational film, much like a documentary, that highlights the negative effects gambling can have on individuals. 

Sylvester is one of five advanced film students who participated in the BOOF project, funded by a grant that SJCOEbacklot received from the California Office of Problem Gambling (OPG). California Friday Night Live Partnership, a program focused on promoting healthy lifestyles among youth, offers an annual grant opportunity through the Tulare County Office of Education provided by the OPG.

According to Sylvester, the planning process for the films took about three months. All five students pitched individual creation ideas for each of the three assignments. After students pitched their ideas to the group, a decision was made. 

Students began working on the project in October 2014 and completed the project in May 2015. The five students, all recent graduates of BrainworX Academy of Venture Academy Family of Schools, dedicated time outside of class to work on the project.

“The students came in on Fridays, and after school to film the PSAs and educational shoot,” said Shane Williamson, SJCOE Videographer and instuctor for BOOF. “They have a lot of talent.” 

Career Technical Education film instructor for SJCOE, Jory Kusy, will be the lead instructor for the BOOF project next year.

There is an application and interview process to become part of the BOOF project. Williamson said that the five students chosen for this year’s project showed a tremendous interest and respect for film. 

“To create each 30-second PSA it took a total of about eight hours,” said Williamson. “If you include editing, you’re probably looking at 20 hours each.”

Not only did the students learn about and develop an appreciation for film, but they also learned about the importance of teamwork. 

“I don’t think I’ve worked better, or worse. All of us had very strong opinions,” said Sylvester, after sharing some stories about creative disagreements. However, Sylvester was quick to say that he learned the value of teamwork and relationships.

“We were close to begin with, but we’re much closer now. This really honed it in,” said Sylvester.

Awards were announced on the first night of the conference held at Disneyland’s Paradise Pier. About 20 groups were in attendance, SJCOE being the only one from San Joaquin County, according to Williamson. 

On the second day, participants had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions that included topics such as mobile-app design and the origin of animation. 

The California OPG will select a number of PSAs to broadcast on TV networks throughout the state of California, according to Williamson.

The conference date came three days after the students’ graduation commencement ceremony. Sylvester said that the timing really made it clear that he was moving on. 

The experience with the project has sparked interest in film for the graduates. Sylvester, who will be attending University of San Francisco this fall, said he plans to major in history with a minor in film studies. 

“I’ve got the film bug,” said Sylvester. “I want to be a teacher, but I also want to do film as a hobby.”

 Another student from the BOOF project, Alec Cavagnaro, is hopeful to be an intern for SJCOEbacklot, an advanced filmmaking program that allows students to produce professional content.

 

To view the award-winning video click here: https://youtu.be/p0UaExX2hO4

Posted: 7/17/2015