Film Club
- gissmedialab
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
If you’re looking to learn more about writing, acting, camera work, digital art, and film, this club could be a great fit for you!
by Nadia Cooper
There’s a new club at GISS, and it’s all about film. The Film Production Club recently started when three passionate Grade 12 students decided the school needed something for those interested in all things cinematography. As described in their sign-up sheet, members will have the opportunity to learn more about acting, script work, creating original short film ideas, and much more. The description also stresses that the club is welcome to everyone, and they want to push for equal ideas and voices all around. As they also say in their description: “This club is not about being perfect or professional - we're all here to learn, grow, and create together.” So how did it all start?
After talking with one of the co-founders, Laurel, she described how she and her sister Emma are both passionate about filmmaking: “We really wanted to make films together.” They decided that if they wanted to make movies, they wanted more than just the two of them, and that’s where Zach Barr came in. Laurel described the funny way they found out Zach also wanted to get into filmmaking, which was through an overheard conversation at lunch. “Emma messaged him and said that we wanted to start a club; that’s how he got involved.”
When talking with Zach, he described how he went to the Club event during lunch and discovered the Cinema Club. “It's cool, but we really want to make movies, not just watch them.” He connected with the two sisters, and now the three of them are spearheading the film club, which is a first for Gulf Islands Secondary.
When asked where she got her inspiration from Laurel said, “For me, it was this one movie called Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl (2015.)” For those familiar with the story, the main character makes short, funny, films with his best friend. “I wanted to do what the main character does.” She talked about how her sister and Zach are the real film fanatics, but she’s excited to learn more through the club. Zach also described some of his favourite movies, and how they’ve inspired him to create his own. Some of these films being Pixar’s Cars, Toy Story, Dune 2, and Blue Velvet. “I really liked the use of different colours, contrast, and the music.” Zach has always been passionate about making his own movies and hopes to continue the work after high school. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in films, ever since I was a wee boy.” This club is a great place to start.
Throughout the year, members of the club will work hard to have their short movie shown at the Salt Spring Island Film Festival, an event that takes place annually at GISS. When asked if they had any ideas for what the film will be about, Zach said, “no, some of the most fun parts are the creative process. We want everyone’s ideas and voices.” They’re hoping to get around twenty people in the club over the year to produce the film, including music, visuals, acting, and their own original script. Laurel also said that “the first meeting was on Monday, October 6th, and we had a good turnout of people.” Most of which were in grade 12.
The three also want to reach out to local filmmakers and directors and have guest speakers come in. Keep tuning in for updates on what this club’s doing, it’s obvious that these three are passionate about the filmmaking and already have amazing ideas of what’s to come.
