Lights...Camera...Action for Batting Zero
By: Stephen Bond
Updated: June 29, 2012
And ACTION! It's taken twenty-four weeks but batting zero is finally done. A group of area children spent countless hours learning the intricacies of making a movie. From acting in front of the camera to manning it. But most importantly the children picked the theme, ant bullying. Instructor Chase Clifford says, "This particular project was designed so that the children in this community can have a voice and make a movie about what is on their minds today, what they're upset about or what they like to change."
Students have been working since January and they began by doing improv scene's. After these exercises they decided the movie should be about bullying, something they've all witnessed. Scarlet played by Julia Grippe says, "It was just really cool playing main character and know that the topic of the move was such a strong topic and you know I was just so happy to be a part it." The Bully played by Nathan Jones says, "I learned from the class how to control your acting and how to make a good actor out of yourself." Bianca played by Mary Lourdes-Santiago says, "Being a part of the bully busters and you know taking a step up against bullying because we all know that it's not a good thing. So we actually get to take a stand above it so it's kind of cool."
They say you gain knowledge as the years go on but these children had a message to send. Clifford added, "I think it's really important to have the children have some vehicle or some means to express what's on their minds these days. And by doing a documentary, doing a little film I think that gives them a way to speak out to the community."And CUT!

