Lodge Hill is known for its breathtaking landscapes and heart-warming hospitality; however, not many people know that every year it becomes overrun with vicious brain-eating zombies. Year by year a team of brave and fearless film and media students go to Lodge Hill to document these magnificent creatures and learn from their zombie-like behaviour.
As the coach started to ascend up the almost vertical hill, anticipation was high. We quickly unloaded our film equipment, luggage and weapon of choice. Mine was a can of lynx deodorant. All was well until the bell for dinner rang. We were told the food was the remains of bodies found in the woods but, to our surprise, we had toad-in-the-hole and fruit salad. After dinner everyone had hope in their step as we headed for zombie training. After countless hours of learning zombie dialogue we proceeded to learn how to film the beasts. The full moon gazed upon the hill tops and cast shadows on the forest floor. This was their feeding time so we grabbed a camera and ran outside to see what we could document. After one group remembered, finally, to take off the lens cap we filmed some amazing shots of the moon. Midnight came and the teachers finally turned off an epic zombie series we all started to become tired. That night all was quiet as the wind howled through the gaps in the windows. As the wind died down all was silent until the 3 boys in my room realised they had had beans for dinner.
Next morning we were given a zombie survival kit that told us what shots were needed and taught us techniques to take them. We headed for the zombie clans outdoors but the zombies strangely resembled students on the trip. It was almost like they had put on make-up and were pretending to be zombies, as learnt in zombie class, and that what we were documenting was a staged film sequence. Still, armed with camera and my deodorant I started filming. As night fell we headed back to base and edited this remarkable footage. The final day dawned and I was amazed at how well the finished products turned out.
When the coach arrived many of our hearts sunk in disappointment to see our stay at Lodge Hill come to an end. Although only a short time, the trip allowed me to learn and practice filming skills that hopefully I can incorporate into later life and future coursework. I believe that when leaving Lodge Hill I left a piece of me there….maybe a foot!
By Roberto Oliveri 12SW
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