Piccolo Elementary Specialty School
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!
WWP students Marcus Johnson and Richard Marion prepare to record the winning scripts
WWP Partners with Piccolo School to host Script Writing Competition
The Westside Writing Project (WWP) recently partnered with Brian Piccolo Elementary School in West Humboldt Park in hosting its first Script Writing Competition. The competition challenged students in grades 6th thru 8th to write and develop scripts related to an issue at school.
Each script was judged based on the following elements: conflict, dialogue, action and resolution. The winners had their scripts turned into short films that were recorded and produced by experienced WWP students.
Scroll down to view the winning projects.
The winners of the script competition were:
6th grade: Desjanel Coleman
7th grade: Daphanie Harper
8th grade: Jasmine Fisher
Throughout the film-making process students served in various roles and were exposed to many career fields available in the movie making industry.
Jasmine Fisher was voted the winner of the 8th grade competition and also starred in her own film that focused on bullying. “I was excited to see my script turned into a short film because I’ve always wanted to write movies.” She added, “It also felt weird because it was my first time seeing myself on TV.”
Jasmine Fisher discusses her script with WWP Exec. Dir. Frank Latin
By providing students with the opportunity to tell their stories in their own words, the script writing competition serves to develop student interest in digital media.
Frank Latin, WWP Executive Director stated, “Unfortunately, many neighborhood students are not exposed to these types of programs. However, by providing students with these resources and tools they are able to experience new things and develop new interests and skills which allows them to think outside the box”.
And with these types of experiences and exposure, the sky is the limit. When asked if she would participate in a project like this if it were offered again Jasmine added, “Yes! I can think of a lot of things that I could make into a movie. Also, I feel happy when my ideas are shared. I think the ideas I have can change people.”
Special Thanks to Piccolo City Year Corp members!!