As I mentioned to you back in March, TWO of our documentary films made it to the TOP SIX in the state of Texas UIL Young Filmmakers Contest. While neither film placed in the top three, I am so proud that Lytle High School has made 5 returns to the State TOP SIX competition in the 8 years the contest has existed. I want to thank Mr. Robert Mumme for his insight and planning that got a large group of video students out to Fort Clark Springs Days in the week before the pandemic hit. Also, thanks to Mr. Andrew Oser who stepped in as UIL Coach/Advisor to make sure both of our film teams got the job done as he provided guidance, encouragement, and insight along the way.
One of our two films, the Believe It Foundation - Adaptive Bike Program received the Division One First Place Nobelity Impact Project Award which comes with a prize of $1,000 in funding for Skull Studios to buy equipment! If you haven't seen this film yet, maybe these wonderful comments from the UIL judges will convince you to watch:
"Good audio recording despite the use of masks. What an excellent organization. It really provides a unique opportunity for an inclusive experience. Great job!”
"This is a great program and needs to be highlighted - thank you for doing that.”
"Good story, film is shot very well, well edited and audio is clear and well done.”
"Starting with captioning right off the bat is such a great choice. All too often, even in the year 2021, we are still seeing films without captions for hearing-impaired viewers. Kudos to you! The story arc shifting to the benefits of the program beyond just riding bikes is film gold. That is how you take the viewer's interest that you have captured in the first part of the film and pull it even higher so that they are emotionally connected at the next level. Well done. Then closing it up with this little bike program building stronger bonds within your family. BRAVO! Your audio and shot composition on your interviews are crisp. Nice work. It is obvious that you had a good script, questions, and storyboard layout because your cuts back and forth between speakers are connected well. That is hard to do when you have 5-6 interviewees but is what professional documentary makers do seamlessly. You did that!"
Credits:
Videographers: Elias Moore, Damian Ramos, Rafael Pacheco
Still Photographers: Amethyst Valles, Jocelyn Ceja, Leilani-blu
Video Editors: Damian Ramos, Rafael Pacheco
Video Lighting/ Production Assistants: Donald Glasen,
Closed Captioning: Isabella Lopez
Here are the judges' comments on the film, Is Living History a Dying Art?
"Excellent choice of topic. Your presentation was flawless! Excellent steady camera work and cinematography. Great use of external mics while capturing natural sound; for this aspect alone, I know that your production consumed a large amount of time and effort! Superior work!”
"Incredibly important subject matter here. You put together a well shot and sequenced film. Good use of framing.”
"This documentary was very well produced and very informative."
Credits:
Producers: Elias Moore, Donald Glason
Assistant Producers: Gregory Martinez, Emiliano Peralta
Videographers: Elias Moore, Alexander Andrade, Jace Harris, Joshua VanDong, David Laureano
Photographers: Xochitl Ferreira, Victoria Palencia
When you see the students listed in the credits for these two wonderful videos, please be sure to congratulate them on a job well done.
Pirate Pride!