Writer-director Phineas Stanfield, left, discusses the filming of “Justice” with fellow cast members Elijah Shaffer, Jennifer Molton, Dariess Lanier and Austin Eldridge.
Move over, Arnold Schwarzenegger, filming of an action movie is underway at Mansfield Senior High School.
The film, a project of teacher Mark Morich’s advanced digital media students, has all the elements of a Hollywood plot – a corrupt police office, a drug deal gone bad, an investigator bent on revenge.
“There are lots of twists and turns,” said senior Phineas Stanfield, who wrote the script and is the director. He also has a lead role in the film, which has the working title of “Justice.”
Morich said the film is the “capstone project” of his interactive media II students.
“Producing the film should be student-driven,” Morich said. “I have pretty much tried to keep out of it unless they need my help. This work embodies all elements of digital media – video, sound, lighting, special effects.”
Filming is done both indoors and outdoors during class time and after school.
“We’ll get shots downtown before snow falls,” said Stanfield, who has been accepted to attend the School of Advertising Art in Dayton, ranked as one of the top design schools in the nation.
“There are a lot of indoor scenes,” said senior Elijah Shaffer, who has assisted Stanfield in development of the project.
A drone camera will be used for aerial shots above a car on school property, Morich said.
Stanfield said the completed film will run 45 minutes to an hour. Before the end of the school year he plans to premier it before the student body in the Senior High auditorium, then post it online.
“I attempt every year to have students produce a movie,” Morich said. “The project requires vision from students. It’s an opportunity for them to apply the skills they’ve learned in the classroom.”