For my main project, I used all these areas and helped to create my unit’s very own movie! Myself and another girl in my unit decided last year (2000) that we wanted to make a movie. From that time on we both tried to think of as many movies as we could to use in our own.
I have a love of writing, so when one day I sat down to think about the movie, it was no surprise that a couple of hours later a whole script/plan had been created! When writing the script I had to keep in mind the limitations we had to produce the movie, and the amount of characters that would be possible using only my unit. The plot had to be entertaining to watch and the characters had to be fun, or else the rest of my unit would show no interest in helping out with the movie!
After the first plan/script had been written, a storyboard was created. The storyboard was a rough idea of what each shot should look like. This also gave us a way to explain to the rest of the unit just what it was we were trying to achieve in shooting each particular part of the movie. The storyboard was drawn up by Mishy, why decided to be the director of the movie.
The idea for the movie was taken to Unit Council and it was decided that filming would definitely go ahead. We set aside one term to film the movie. Unfortunately, the movie took far longer than anyone anticipated. Almost two terms later, filming finally finished and editing of the movie is in its final stages now.
The filming took place during our normal meeting times, at the Guide Hall. As well as this, an extra filming session was organized during the holidays at Mishy’s House to film certain scenes. This sleepover was very productive. Many shots were finished and everyone took away with them a new enthusiasm for the movie.
To enable us to finish the movie before the end of the year; meeting times were extended half an hour, giving us more time and more light to shoot. Our leaders took part in the movie as well, some even offering to appear on camera. Members of other units also took part (Kanyaka-Yakkana Guides and Dingly Ulara Ranger Guides).
As the scriptwriter, I also acted as the producer of the movie. Along with Mishy, we took charge of unit meetings and shared the responsibility of ensuring the movie was a success. I was also scripted as the main character in the movie, a gothic called Strawberry Sundae. This let me explore my interest in acting, one that I have never really had a chance to.
Not only did we film a whole movie, but we are also creating our own movie cover, and copies of the video will be given to each unit member! Photos were taken all through the filming process, the best of which will appear on our cover! The rest will make for an interesting unit notice board!
There were definitely some hic-ups along the way. Many girls would forget to bring props and costumes to meetings. There was not always the focus needed to film, with people preferring to go off on their own tangent. Sometimes members would not tell us they couldn’t come to unit meetings or else they would leave it to the last minute to tell us. Many nights we did not have the camera we needed to shoot and had to send leaders out to collect the camera. Even at our sleepover we were left waiting for girls to arrive- some didn’t even turn up!
Despite those setbacks, I believe that filming of the movie was a success. Not only have we created out own movie, but we also have a behind the scenes and a bloopers section as well! I hope everybody else had as much fun taking part in this project as I did!
Even though the movie is not totally edited yet, Mishy and myself have spent close to a year planning and carrying out this project. We hope to have the film edited soon and ready for previews. A Premiere night will be held soon into the New Year. This night will also serve as a unit fundraiser.
Completing this focus was definitely a test of endurance, persistence and leadership!!! I have learned a lot and would definitely do it all again if I had the chance!!! From writing to casting, playing an innocent gothic hero to filming a clock, this focus had it all!!!! It has helped to teach my unit to act more like a team, hopefully we can keep this up! It gave us great memories, great fun, and great new words like ‘YUB YUB’ (don’t ask!!). I would recommend this challenge to anyone who wants an interesting way to gain a focus!
No, no, no that! Coming to a cinema near you in 2002
