Film Club Interview

By Megan Wong

Afterschool Film is Templeton’s advanced film program where students pitch, write, direct, and edit their own films. The class meets off-timetable, usually in the drama classroom or in the auditorium. Students put over 200 hours into the class working on their films with mentors. Ms. Browne, the film teacher and sponsor for the program, runs workshops for different roles in film. She also reaches out to Templeton graduates who now work in the film industry to ask for their help in mentoring directors and running workshops. After the films have been completed, they are screened at the Templeton screening.

Before becoming the film teacher at Templeton, Ms. Browne was a community-engaged artist who worked in Film and Television.  She suggests joining after-school film if you are interested in learning about filmmaking. She also recommends taking a film class on-timetable first before committing to making a film outside of school. During the first few years in the club, students often take secondary roles such as arts department, assistant camera, or lighting, but in grades 11 and 12 students usually take major roles such as director and cinematographer. Some of Ms. Browne’s favorite parts of film are pre-production, when students are brainstorming ideas and coming up with stories, and the editing in post-production, where the stories come together.

Bracken Hanke joined afterschool film last year when she was an actor on Vermillion, directed by Calla Berube.  Her favorite part of pre-production is all the excitement and positive energy that comes with getting into groups and planning a film. This year, she is acting and directing her own film, which is called Anemoia. She is excited to learn how to make a film for the first time and to watch her story materialize. Bracken’s advice to people who want to join film is to talk and collaborate with people and explore roles you're interested in. She also recommends pitching a film, even if it doesn’t get chosen, because creating and brainstorming ideas is a lot of fun.

Felix Stockner directed his first film, Heir, last year in afterschool film. His favorite parts of pre-production are discovering new things and developing a story. He is directing his second film this year, and he is excited about working with his friends. His advice for people who want to join film is to make friends and get involved with things.