STUDENTS from Tea Gardens Public School have been given the red-carpet treatment after participating in the inaugural “Film by the Water” event with their production, “Leave Only Footprints”.
The short film was showcased alongside entries from other public schools in the Port Stephens region, during a matinee screening and a glamorous red-carpet evening at Scotty’s Cinema, Raymond Terrace.
The school’s entry focuses on the impact of pollution on Yacaaba Headland and Dark Point.
Principal Mark Clemson told News Of The Area that its aim is “highlighting the effects on local wildlife and the environment.”
As the title suggests, the students’ film encourages all people to leave only footprints, emphasising that it is up to us to change the world – together.
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to honour the creativity and dedication of our students and filmmakers,” Mr Clemson said.
“Our ‘Film By the Water’ team invested many hours into the project, beginning with teacher and student training workshops at Irrawang High School in May.
“These workshops covered a range of filmmaking techniques, including green-screening, camera angles and movement, story structure and screenplay writing, storyboarding, music and audio selection, and film editing.”
The students’ excitement at the screening was palpable as they saw their work displayed on the big screen.
Emotions ran the gamut from excitement and pride to amazement, with some also feeling a little nervous or shy.
Eamon’s* favourite part was hearing others comment on the work, while Flynn* enjoyed watching it with family and friends and “feeling like I’m famous”.
Xavier* enjoyed the editing and filming, especially capturing drone footage, while Archie* enjoyed getting active on the beach and walking around during school time.
Tegan’s* sentiment of wanting to do it again if given the chance, was shared by many.
“Film By” is a program run by the NSW Department of Education that offers teachers and students from Kindergarten to Year 11, the chance to learn about filmmaking – by creating their own.
The program helps students learn in a fun way, while improving their thinking, digital skills, and creativity as they plan, film, edit, collaborate and solve problems.
“I think that seeing the other school’s films alongside our own has inspired the Tea Gardens team to think bigger,” Mr Clemson added.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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