Demonstrating Learning
BY CYNDI GREENING, PHOENIX, USA – Teaching is a very gratifying profession when the students take what they learn and make it their own. I've been teaching for over 16 years and I've had some wonderful moments but the FilmZambia experience has made most of those past successes pale in comparison. Taking 14 students to another country to shoot TWO films was a daunting task and, as I've written before, the students far surpassed what I had expected or even hoped. They were simply amazing in their dedication, determination and commitment.
Since we've been back, we've spent the last six weeks editing the feature and the doc. They're taking shape and with a few more weeks of effort, they may be ready to screen. There's a mountain of footage and the films prove to be a devilish sort of "Rubik's Cube." Move one scene and seven others tumble out of place while two more fall into place. They're giant puzzles that challenge and, at times, inspire me.
This weekend, I finally surrendered the hotel rooms we've been using as our editing facility. After 39 days, it was time to shift the work flow. As part of the process of shifting, I encouraged all of the production crew to get their demo reels in order and pursue more film work. They've spent the last week on their reels and, I have to say, I'm really impressed with what they put together. It's interesting to see how their personalities and points of view are evident in their reels. You get a good sense of who each person is by their work. [Note: There are six (6) more that are still in process and I will post them when they're done. ]
As a teacher, it is gratifying to see what they have done and who they have become.
- Robby Brown provided cinematography and editing on the documentary and production assistant on the feature. Robby learned to live with a camera in his hand and see the world through a two-inch window.
- Carlos Espinosa was the cinematographer on the feature film. His reel also presents some of his other short film work. Carlos has a great eye for color, composition and movement.
- Nick Marshall functioned as first AD on the feature and assisted with editing on the feature and documentary. Kafkaesque by nature, Nick proved to be a tremendous assest in all phases of production. I'm looking forward to his directorial debut.
- M.K. Racine was the wild card on the production. Ultimately, she provided production assistance on the feature and documentary. Detail-oriented to the extreme, M.K. was dogged in her determination to get things done. This reel is the FIRST thing she's ever edited. I was impressed.
Alec, Jacob, Jeniece, Mike and Pamela are still working on their reels. I'm hoping Shawn and Jared get theirs to me as well. Pretty nifty. This is one of my rewards for the project.