For four student filmmakers in Justin Harnden’s high school classroom, it was all about the plot twist, leaving viewers to decide if it is murder or an accident.
The five-minute film, by Mason Francis, Jacob Meredith, Josh Allen and Max VanderMeulen, is titled “The Dock.” It features a chase scene through a snowy woods, into a remote cabin, along a swamp and onto an icy dock. Eerily creepy music is accompanied by strange voices and even a few screams during the pursuit.
The video film class was given free range to create a film and to use the camera to highlight how to use focus and angle, said Josh.
“We chose to film at Howard Christensen Nature Center,” said Mason. “We wanted it to be suspenseful, and filming out in the woods gave us that feeling.”
The film-making experience was unique and gave them opportunity beyond taking videos for school news, said Jacob. Cedar Springs offers television video production classes, including one responsible for producing school news broadcasts.
“It was a great experience for all of us,” added Max. The film can be viewed on the Cedar Springs High School YouTube channel.
