Students from the University of Newcastle tackle Short Films course in Corlette Corlette Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 23, 2023 Newcastle University students Chris Wares, Isabella Bascan, Sam Harris, Jack Khoo and Lucy Youman with Emily Johnston, St Phillip’s Head of Creative Arts and performer Reece Pooley. WHILE most residents of the Tomaree Peninsula spent the weekend basking in the glorious, beach friendly weather, five students from the University of Newcastle worked overtime to complete their group project – making a short film. “Most of us study media of some sort, though we’re not all doing the same degree,” said Isabella Bascan, who provided the location for the shoot at her home in Corlette. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “I’m actually in I.T.,” said the shoot’s sound technician, Chris Wares. Lucy Youman became the group’s production designer. Sam Harris, studying a double degree in Law and Communications, has taken on the role of producer for the project. It was his idea to advertise on the website StarNow to find an actor for the main part, which led to Newcastle resident Reece Pooley becoming involved. “I’m not actually studying anything at the moment,” said Reece. “I’m interested in exploring all kinds of opportunities in film production.” Jack Khoo, the director of this assignment, says that none of the group had met one another prior to commencing this particular unit – Short Film Production. “Finding a time when we could all get together to actually do this was a challenge, since we all have different classes and jobs outside of uni,” Sam shared. This made it all the more difficult when the supporting performers cancelled on the group at the last minute. Sam roped in his housemate, Amber, and an urgent Facebook post to a Port Stephens community group resulted in the Head of Creative Arts at St Philip’s Christian College, Emily Johnston, agreeing to lend a hand. “Short Film projects are something that I have introduced to my students. “So it’s something I’m quite passionate about.” This assignment was for the group to mount a production of a few scenes from a screenplay provided by their lecturer. Later this year the group will reconvene to embark on a bigger project. By Lindsay HALL
