Dolly. Reflection. What do these words have to do with WJ? Zoom. Wide angle. Starting to get the picture? The students in Mr. Drew Marquard’s Multimodal Composition senior elective English course not only know those terms but gain experience using them.

After learning the filmmaking techniques and watching a short film that uses them to create specific effects and moods, the students paired up to try them out.  Sound interesting?

The Multimodal class focuses on media technology.  When asked why he took the class, senior Andrew Ramicone claimed, “It’s different than all the other English classes, and I love learning how to make movies.” They learn how to film videos and work with them on their iPads or computers, perfecting camera angles, lighting, and audio.  The students also learn to write screenplays (movie scripts) which include dialogue, acting instructions, and scene directions.  The students hone presentation skills as they showcase their final work. When asked how students can handle so many tasks, Mr. Marquard, who created and has taught the class for four years asserted, “Basically, all you do in an essay is converted to a movie.”

Some of the projects assigned include a documentary, narrative, and commercial. Students must often rise to the challenges some of these projects present, but  one stands out. The narrative has to be a student fan favorite.  When asked to describe the project, Mr. Marquard stated simply, “It is a silly and fun project.” The narrative is fictional so students are able to open their minds and use their imaginations.

Ramicone insisted that his narrative is the definition of silly and fun.  His story line takes the viewer into a world where a high school boy persists in asking a girl out despite her repeated refusals. Nevertheless, his pickup lines only get worse and worse as he goes along.  Maybe some of you boys can relate?

Enjoy the winning student-created videos provided below.

Best Documentary and Best Editing – “Triplets” by Sam Johnson

This documentary shows the life of a triplet and all that it entails. I created this video to reminisce on our past and to see how we have grown through the past years and before we part for college.

Best Cinematography – “Leadership at Walsh Jesuit” by Gavin McIntyre, Sophia Rossi, Andrew Ramicone, Evan Morckel

Walsh Jesuit is known for its academic excellence, stellar extracurriculars, and outstanding service work. To achieve all these great successes, there must be great leadership. Listen to three leaders at Walsh Jesuit talk about their success and how to get there. Do you have what it takes to be the next great Walsh Jesuit leader?

Best Sound Editing – “A Venture of the Feline Nature” by Charley Antol

A lot of people have cats, and let’s be honest, cats do some pretty strange stuff. I decided to make a documentary poking fun at our fuzzy companions. Despite their quirks, sassy attitudes, and questionable behaviors, cats will be part of society a long time, for better or for worse.

Charley’s video

Most Entertaining – “Why College Football” by Quinn Saluan, Spencer Foley, David George, Nick Herideen

We decided on college football as our topic because it is something we four in the group are passionate about. Our real motivation was to provide an argument and information on why college football is one of the best spectator sports to watch. As a group, we are especially proud of the cinematography we were able to produce in the film. A mix of original footage with game film really set the scene for a good picture throughout the film.