St Ignatius students filming television commercial

Director, Alex Harvey giving instructions

Ryan O'Donnell teaching communication and technical 
skills

Monday, January 19, 2004

Year Six students at St Ignatius Prep School have been learning the ropes of the television and film industry. 

Using a SONY Handycam DCR VX1000, the children have put together a commercial that may soon be seen on local television.

The students developed their own script, and individuals took on the different production roles, splitting into departments such as wardrobe, art, makeup and props. 

One of two directors, Alex Harvey commented: "I've never done a commercial before, but I have done little fishing movies. I'm enjoying this, it's pretty cool."

Jenelle Foster, producer and director's assistant, said: "It's really fun, we enjoy doing it and we see what they have to do to make a commercial. My job involves taking information from the art, makeup or camera department, put it all together and give it the directors." 

Nakai Coni explained his role: "As producer, I get things for the directors, for example from the makeup department, or photocopies."

"They have been learning how commercials and movies are put together, and the fact that nothing happens by accident," commented Ryan O'Donnell, their teacher for this media awareness project. 

Mr O'Donnell, son of Prep School Principal Jennifer Paul O'Donnell, works freelance making television commercials and shows in Canada. He has run similar workshops in schools in Canada. 

He explained to the students the importance of yelling "cut" at the end of filming. He also told them to be silent during filming, "Even if a plane falls out of the sky, you don't say anything until you hear 'cut.'"

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