Most youngsters look forward to the last day of school to get away from it all for three long summer months.
But a handful of Clarkston Middle School students liked what they were doing so much in school, they couldn’t call it quits for summer break.
As members of the CMS Drama Club, Heather Travestad, Trisha Travestad, Alex Kosbab, Michael Shreiber, Charlie O’Donnell, Amanda Krajenke, Ben Mackie, Joelle Workman, Bobby Bice, Jordan Zurek and Brandon Robertson worked with Comcast Cable Communications, filming video projects after school for the club.
‘They wanted to continue and do other projects than they would do in drama club,? Andrew Reish, Comcast access coordinator, and the students? video instructor, said.
So, the students dubbed themselves The Clarkston Video Club, and meet two times each week.
Of the club, they say, they ‘love it so much? and have ‘so much fun.?
‘We get a chance to do other things than acting, and test out equipment,? Alex Kosbab said.
Charlie O’Donnell said he wanted to do a show completely different than what was done in the drama club. (The drama club produced ‘Clarkston Talks,? a talk show.)
So, when the video club first began, the students started brainstorming ideas for a film.
Amanda Krajenke said, ‘The boys thought of doing a ‘Barbie Smackdown,? (wrestling spoof), but that didn’t turn out very well.?
After a trial and error process, the club switched their focus. Now, they are in the midst of filming ‘Cat-zilla,? starring Krajenke’s cat, Oksana.
‘They’re learning special effects, cameras, editing, scripting, directing, shot composition, audio techniques; they’re learning all of it,? Reish said.
For ‘Cat-zilla,? the students are learning how to superimpose film with live actors and toy characters. ‘They have to figure out how to incorporate that. They actually have to use their brains.?
‘We also learned the person in front of the camera isn’t always the most celebrated,? Joelle Workman said. ‘Before, when we used to watch movies, we would focus on the actors. But now we know it can’t be done without the people behind the scenes.?
Reish said, ‘These guys when they came in as the drama club, were the quickest learning, efficient club I’ve ever instructed. That’s why I had no problem sticking with this club for the summer.?
And as for working as a team, Krajenke joked, ‘We pretend like we don’t like each other and tease each other.?
But, Alex Kosbab was quick to point out, ‘We’re one big happy family.?