Film & Media Studies Trip to Lodge Hill

The first evening we gathered for a film, ‘1408’. It was a memorable evening watching nearly full grown men shriek at the sight of an 80 something year old 3-D woman jump out of a high rise building. The atmosphere was intensely funny and left us wondering what we will face in the morning when we awake to begin the film projects.

After breakfast a flood of fake blood descended upon the peaceful woods and 1980’s décor of the odd numbered bedrooms as filming began. As the hours passed and the light started to fade groups, which were scattered, reunited as the uploading commenced. Wandering to dinner we all reflected on the harsh realities which we will face in tomorrow’s editing sessions.

Post a simple banquet we watched ‘Shaun of the Dead’, then a late hour excursion to the woods for the midnight walk… well to be honest, there wasn’t much walking involved, more like blindfolded children walking in circles. It was this which brought individuals together, it created communication no one had ever thought possible, thus making it a great success and worth a repeat!

Editing began after breakfast, people in their small groups, laughing at the products which they didn’t want anyone to see. Several hours later as all shorts and trailers were screened the teachers disappeared to decide on who was to win what.

Lunch, the final meal which we had in this peaceful location was followed with the awards being handed out. A few tearful acceptance speeches were delivered (not really – but I wished there were) as boxes of chocolates were given to the winners. Smiling (or sleeping, I wasn’t sure), we had packed up and left to return to a civilised community, that sadly did not revolve around films.

By Ben Rider, Year 12