The students act out a scene in the greenscreen settings

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Local Tallahassee students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend experienced a day in the life as Florida State University film school students through a special partnership between Opening Nights at FSU and the College of Motion Picture Arts, sponsored by Prime Meridian Bank.

The middle and high schoolers were welcomed by filmmaker-in-residence David Wiley who asked what about movies inspired them and whether they were excited to learn about the process of making films; they were all too eager to answer.

“Opening Nights continues to open doors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB), though our partnership,” said John Baker, VP/Marketing Director of Prime Meridian Bank. “The level of care, thoroughness and professionalism the College of Motion Picture Arts team provided for the kids allowed them to envision a future in film.”

Students were broken up into two groups and divided into creative development and execution aspects of filmmaking. The students switched areas after lunch to ensure they experienced both aspects of filmmaking.

For the development activities, one group went back with Wiley and participated in the “Your Story” workshop, where they created their own storyline ideas. In the greenscreen group, under the direction of Ron Honn, filmmaker in residence, visual effects, the students learned about how different colors of light are used in filmmaking. The students were transported into various locations using the greenscreen, including a weather report and a busy city street, and acted out different scenes together.

“The VFX greenscreen was definitely the biggest hit! It was a great privilege to spend time with the girls and see their creativity at work,” said Sabrina Reisinger, assistant dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “We hope it won’t be the last time they are at the Film School.”

The execution groups were geared toward teaching the students how to use the camera and lighting equipment. Students learned how to operate a film camera under the direction of three film students. They learned how to move, zoom and angle the camera during a scene. In the same room, another group learned how to operate the lights while shooting a short clip, with the students being the actors.

“As a community bank, Prime Meridian Bank underwrites experiences like these for BGCBB members to give a glimpse of the endless opportunities available to youth in the Arts and elsewhere,” Baker said. “FSU Opening Nights shares our vision and brings it to life.”

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.