Students feel ready for Hollywood after meeting filmmaker
By Eileen Oldfied Staff Writer
When film director and writer Sebastian Moreira visited sixth-grade students in Rachel Lopa’s Language Arts and Literature class Jan. 24, the students left the class knowing big-screen dreams begin in their own Alexander Batcho Intermediate School classroom.
”I’m ready for Hollywood,” said one student after Mr. Moreira’s presentation.
Ms. Lopa invited Mr. Moreira, whom she met during college, to speak to the students about life as a filmmaker and how writing applies to films. During his career, Mr. Moreira worked as an editor on “Men in Black ll,” and also worked for Home Box Office Inc. (HBO), MTV’s “The Real World,” as well as producing his short films, documentaries, and music videos through his production company, 359 Productions.
”I wanted the kids to have more of an inspiration behind their writing and to see where their writing can take them in the future.” said Ms. Lopa. “A lot of speakers they had in the past were authors, I think this one is a different avenue.”
Ms. Lopa cited the technology component of the presentation, including Mr. Moreira’s presentation of his pieces, which included two short films and a music video, and explanation of the equipment as a draw for the students.
Mr. Moreira focused on applying story structure to various projects, including short films, music videos, and documentaries, as well as focusing on the importance of convincing writing.
”I get to make movies, I get to meet famous people because I had a teacher who said, ‘you’re good at this, stick with it,’” Mr. Moreira told the class. “You can’t do anything without writing. If the writing’s not done well, you’re not going to persuade people to make it.”
In addition to explaining the process of writing, producing, and directing a piece, Mr. Moreira gave the students a taste of Hollywood by letting them film a scene from a play they read for class.
Support from his parents and teachers helped him develop both his writing and his interest in films, Mr. Moreira told the class during a question-and-answer session. Though several of the students concerned themselves with the stars Mr. Moreira met while filming, the students focused on Mr. Moreira’s inspirations and difficulties he’s faced as well.
”It’s cool to get to come and show them something they really don’t get to see,” said Mr. Moreira. “When you’re a kid, you don’t think you’ll get into movies. It gives them a chance to see if it’s something they’re into.”
”It takes time to be a good writer,” he added. “If you start putting pressure on them to get better, they’ll be better earlier. There’s more of a chance that you can get to college knowing what you want to do and knowing that it has something to do with writing.”
While the kids haven’t reached the big screen yet, Ms. Lopa hoped the presentation helped students see different careers that use writing.
”I think they saw that there is a purpose behind writing, and they can use it,” said Ms. Lopa. “You don’t just sit and write a paper and never see it again.”