Students in Tappan Zee High School Art teacher Leigh LaBrake’s Television Production l and ll classes are working on a variety of projects this fall!
TV Production l students have been working on creating and editing different styles of videos since the beginning of the school year and this week, they are wrapping up filming for their silent film project. Students are working in groups to create a short film using only visuals to tell a story without any dialogue. Students are learning how to use various camera styles and equipment such as tripods to set up the perfect camera shot and angle.
TV Production ll students are working on independent study projects. This quarter, students are tasked with creating a video project on a topic of their choice that includes a minimum of 10 minutes of content. Some students intend to use these video projects in their portfolio as they begin to apply for college.
Senior Lily F. is using her independent study project not only for her portfolio, but to apply for C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition. This year, students in grades 6-12 must create a documentary that relates to the theme, “If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?” Students must incorporate a variety of viewpoints on their topic. “Right now, I’m just working on finding and editing interviews and news clips from C-SPAN that relate to my topic,” Lily explained. “I’m not sure if I will necessarily pursue making documentaries but I definitely want to work in film in the future.”
Television Production I and ll is offered to students in grades 9-12 and can be taken more than one time, delving more deeply in the content each year. Students will gain hands-on experience creating a range of creative video projects and original films working independently or in groups. Throughout the school year, they will explore various genres and techniques while learning more about the history of film.
