Washington Street School’s gymnasium was transformed into a Hollywood-style movie premiere, complete with snacks and a red-carpet atmosphere, during the inaugural Franklin Square Film Screening on May 21.
Featured at the event were three original eight-minute films created entirely by students in grades 4-6 through the district’s Compass program. The films were produced and partially directed by their teacher, Maggie Tittler.
Each grade level played an important role in the filmmaking process. Fourth graders developed the story summaries, which fifth graders expanded into full scripts. Sixth graders then brought the stories to life by acting, filming and editing the productions. The featured films included John Street School’s “The JSS League,” Polk Street School’s “Code to the Past” and Washington Street School’s “Going Bananas: The Meltdown.”
Using green screens, Canva editing software and professional-style production equipment, students gained hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking. Thanks to generous donations through a DonorsChoose campaign, the program was able to purchase green screens, external lighting, microphones and a camera to help students complete their projects.
"These students are truly remarkable,” Ms. Tittler said. “When given the opportunity and pointed in a direction, students across schools and across grade-levels took these films into their own hands and let their creativity soar. We are a small district that accomplishes big things. This film screen and the movie production process was eye-opening and fulfilling for the students as they were able to see their counterparts at the other schools completing the same task in dramatically different ways. They loved it.”
