Reaching Higher NH teamed up with Boston area filmmaker, Julie Mallozzi, Souhegan film students, and staff, to document the journey of three Souhegan seniors as they move through their project over ten months. Hear what Ms. Mallozzi, has to say about the project in this video.
It would have been easy to have Ms. Mallozzi film the three seniors on her own, but when we heard about the media arts students at Souhegan and their budding passion for film production, we saw an opportunity for all of us to learn.
Having a field expert who is also a college professor, provided a unique opportunity to expose Souhegan film students to the rigors and expectations of college-level instruction. It also allowed them to explore the difference between film as a hobby and as career -- where expectations, deadlines, and storylines are guided by the client.
Learn about the film students below.
Jared Burnett
Filmmaking and photography have been a passion of Jared's since early middle school, when he bought his first DSLR. Since that time, he has been taking photos and shooting videos for school, work, and just for fun. He has used the skills he acquired over the years to start a photo and video business with his friend Nate. They have produced a range of work often focused on biking, skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Jared is also an active member in the community, working as a bike mechanic, and volunteering for an adaptive sports program to help children and adults with disabilities. These experiences have helped him learn a lot from others, meet new people, and further inform his craft. Jared says this project with Reaching Higher NH has really helped him hone his skills and learn how to work with a "client". He is looking forward to taking what he has learned from this project and using it to create more appealing, informational, and entertaining videos in the future.
Jacob Hoerhold
Jacob was introduced to filmmaking sophomore year. He continued taking advanced video production classes and working in Souhegan's broadcasting club, Sabercast Studios as a junior and senior. During this time, he also produced several pieces for private clients. Jacob says he was thrilled to work with Julie Mallozzi and Reaching Higher NH to make documentaries. Being a senior himself, while making the documentaries, he enjoyed the challenge of juggling his busy schedule along with working in a more professional environment. He is now a film production student at Emerson College, hoping to work in the industry after graduation.
Paige Karavas
Paige started making small movies on her very first phone when she was in elementary school. Once in high school, she found it thrilling to work with more technical equipment in Souhegan's video production classes. Paige said that the Reaching Higher NH project this year has given her a chance to further develop her skills. She hopes to attend college for video production, with the ultimate goal of becoming a producer.
Adam Theriault is an English and Media Arts educator at Souhegan High School. He was the teacher lead for this project. In the video below, he offers his reflections on the experience.
Nate Sodders
Nate first became interested in photography and filmmaking the summer of 2016. He now has a small business through which he takes photos and produces videos for clients. He says the opportunity to collaborate with Julie Mallozzi was a great way to express his passion for filmmaking and apply his skills to a project that connects to a bigger picture. Nate is planning on majoring in visual arts in college.
Sarah Bader
Sarah enjoys writing, photography, and videography. Her films vary from original work that she has written, to documenting mission trips. In addition to Sarah's passion for film, she enjoys operating the lights for theater productions, participating in mission work, helping others, and being able to tell stories in an impactful way. Sarah is currently part of a team working to restore the Souhegan video studio.
Michael Beck
Michael first became interested in filmmaking during sophomore year when he took video production. Working with a team of friends, he helped to set up the school’s broadcast studio and has done a few broadcasts. He recently started working at Amherst town hall, broadcasting the town meetings. He feels he is in a good place to further his career as a filmmaker and plans to go to Keene State College for film.
Anna Waldron
Anna began her filmmaking journey in her freshman year. Since that time, she has been immersing herself in all aspects of video production and photography. She works as a freelance videographer, as well as a freelance photographer. She spends her free time volunteering on local movie sets and watching old movies. She loves to study techniques used and try to emulate them. She said that working with Reaching Higher NH has helped develop her client base and expand her knowledge. She hopes to pursue film making studies in college.
