Film Club Proposal

Proposal for “Happy Initiative” A project has presented itself to the Boys High choir, one given to us by Radio Jacaranda, and one with which we could use the help of the Film Club. A project such as this would likely be beneficial to both societies. This project is known as the Happy initiative (I think), and the basic outline of the project is as follows: There is a well-known song called Happy, by Pharrell Williams. The choir is required to learn and sing an arrangement of this song. This needs to be recorded, as it will serve as the background music for the video montage that we would like the Film Club to put together. The aim of the montage itself is to create a clip, synched to the recording of Happy, that will look much like the Connor Henry video broadcasted a couple of years ago, as well as the official Happy music video itself. The short clips that will make up the montage will consist of various people singing along, and dancing, to this backtrack. These people need to be from Boys High, be it staff or pupils, and this needs to be done within the grounds of the school. Some examples I would like to see in the montage include:  An underwater clip at, say, a waterpolo practice, or simply boys that want to be part of the video.  Any other sports practices that come to mind, preferably ones such as rugby, hockey, and other larger, field sports.  A classroom of boys dancing along to the song might be worth taking a look at.  Groups of boys at break times might be inclined to take part in this project as well.  I also think it would be quite successful and humorous if a clip was taken in the staffroom involving teachers dancing.  And last, but by no means least, I am sure the Headmaster would be delighted to contribute to the making of this film with a dance at his office chair.

There may be more ideas you may stumble upon, and by all means, go with the flow. This is, after all, as much your project as it is ours. It shouldn’t be a problem to get staff and coaches’ permissions to film them or their players, or students. Obviously, they do have the right to refuse being filmed, which is perfectly within their rights. When you are out doing all of this, you will obviously need to tell people how they should act in front of the camera. It is quite simple: they should act like they are well and truly happy. Dancing along to the music, clapping, snapping fingers, whatever they feel the most comfortable with. Even bobbing about on the spot for the more awkward of participants is absolutely fine, provided they look happy whilst doing it. Also, if they feel comfortable, and possibly know the song, tell them they can sing along if they wish. The rest is up to them. The filming itself should not be that difficult. The characteristics of the shot will vary based on the number of people in the shot. The angle should be straight, and level with the participants, and at least half of their bodies must be seen at all times during the shot. Once you feel you have sufficient footage, we will meet again and discuss which clip will go where, what we can take out, etcetera. Should you have any problems regarding any aspect of this project, please do not hesitate to contact me or Caleb Kinimi, the choir Chairman. We are responsible for this initiative, and will thus need to make sure it runs smoothly. Lastly, the choir and I thank you for your willingness to contribute to this initiative. It should be a worthwhile experience and eventual outcome, and we appreciate the work you will put in to make this project work. Yours sincerely M-J Reeler