Today is my last film class, which is just so strange. Not only because I feel like I could make seven more movies, but because I don’t know where all this time went. In these past two years alone, I’ve been a part of every kind of movie from a psychological thriller to a quirky comedy to a two-hour long documentary. I got to work alongside some of my film heroes–Nic Pic, Matt Mullen, Torie O’Neil, Matt Ferrara. I’ve also had the chance to do literally everything in the movie process–from screenwriting to directing to editing to art directing to acting to making music.
In particular, this year was the most testing, and had it not been for this amazing crew, I wouldn’t have made it. Nash: you were the first person to jump on this project, and I am completely grateful for you being there throughout the process. Jess: you were the only person who understood my craziness and Wes Anderson analogies; you did everything you could to help, and it was an honor to work with you. Maddy: I wish I remembered to let you be more involved in the production aspects; you were a hilarious and natural actor–I literally can’t wait to see you in whatever movie you make next year. You were the most organized and willing crew member, and you have so much talent that we never took advantage of. Baby: you are my pride and joy; even though we only had you for half of a semester, you were the glue that kept this crew happy and together throughout those first few months. I am so proud of you and look forward to your next two years in the Festival. Griffin:
Our hard work paid off last Tuesday. We received nominations in Art Direction, Editing, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. It was an honor to play on Thursday night alongside some of the best Film Festival movies ever made. It was an extremely competitive year, but there are no words for the endless joy I felt when I received the honor of Best Director alongside the two people I respect most–RT and McKeon. I am just so thankful for everything this Festival has given me.
If you are reading this as a littlun waiting to someday be in Film class, stop waiting. Join Film Festival as soon as you can. You will regret it if you wait until you’re a senior, because it’s literally the best high school experience you will ever have. Do what you love and make the movies you want to make. Choose a script that you can’t live without making. Work as hard as you possibly can. Stay after everyday, because after school is where you meet the best people. Be nice to everyone. Help out every crew you possibly can. Love your fruit and your crew, because crew love can only lead to a better movie in the end. Make something you are proud of, because in the end, these movies are going to outlive you. Your work is your legacy, so make something people will remember and want to watch in a year or even ten years.
I would give anything to start this whole process all over again, but I had a good run. I wish the best of luck to all of the upcoming Seniors and Juniors–Mullen, RT, McKeon, Cloudberry. I have the utmost faith in all of you that the next year and the year after will be amazing. I am so proud of everyone and wish you luck in the future.
-Batch