Madison Students Shine at All American High School Film Festival in NYC
Madison, a city known for its youthful energy and creativity, recently made waves at the All American High School Film Festival held in the bustling heart of New York City. Students from James Clemens High School brought home top honors, proving that if you can make it there, you really can make it anywhere!
Lights, Camera, Action
This year, the JETSpress film teams dazzled both peers and judges alike with their remarkable projects. Clay Combs, the mastermind behind the students’ film creation, noted, “Every student who traveled to New York spent countless hours scriptwriting, searching for locations and actors, filming, and editing.” These dedicated filmmakers kicked off their creative process over the summer, and their hard work culminated in some truly outstanding pieces showcased in the Big Apple.
After returning to school in August, students searched online to find the perfect filming locations and actors to bring their visions to life. “Each team conducted auditions and callbacks,” Combs explained, highlighting the meticulous planning that paved the way for their success.
AMC 25: The Setting for Greatness
The festival took place at the iconic AMC 25, touted as the world’s busiest movie theater, where excitement buzzed in the air. The awards show was hosted at the spectacular King’s Theatre in Brooklyn, adding an extra touch of glamour to the event.
During the competition, directors eagerly selected required props, and teams rushed to their designated filming locations. Time was of the essence as they met with actors to finalize blocking and staging before diving into filming. “Our winning team was the last team to submit,” Combs mentioned, underscoring the intense pace of the festival.
A Range of Amazing Films
In the ‘Best Music Video’ category, Jimi Eso and Jonny Ross showcased their creative storytelling with “A Fresh Start,” which tracks a young man’s transformative journey. In the “Documentary” category, Savanna Martin shared an emotional and personal story about a relative, while another team tackled the unique “Claustrophobic Challenge.”
Under the guidance of Arden Sindel, the winning team for this challenge comprised a talented crew: Natalie Calle (Cinematographer), Anais Colina (Audio), Kendal Lugos (Lighting), Shay Ramos (Editor), and Owen Clark (Assistant Director and Script Supervisor). Combs proudly shared, “We’ve been chasing the Claustrophobic Challenge trophy for six years. I always knew we could win!”
Networking and New Experiences
Amid the thrilling competition, students found time to unwind during a dinner cruise around Manhattan, where they enjoyed a buffet and breathtaking views. Combs observed how the festival offered invaluable networking opportunities, as many JETSpress members forged connections with fellow student filmmakers from around the world.
“Most of JETSpress came home with dozens of new contacts,” Combs noted eagerly, emphasizing the festival’s role in building professional relationships. He was also thrilled to connect with educators from various states, with plans to facilitate feedback on their films from peers nationwide.
Star-Studded Judges and Exciting Moments
The judging panel comprised film industry professionals and celebrities like Dylan McDermott, John Legend, Kristen Stewart, and Henry Winkler. Combs recalled that in the midst of the suspenseful award ceremony, he “wasn’t nervous about winning; I was trying to guess which one of our teams would take home the trophy.”
A Glimpse into a Bright Future
As the students experienced the hustle and excitement of the festival, they gained invaluable insight into the filmmaking industry. The lessons learned during their time in New York City will serve them well as they continue to pursue their passions. With a big win under their belts and unforgettable memories to cherish, the future looks bright for these aspiring filmmakers!
