The Hunger Games in 9 minutes
I took an unintended break from blogging this summer, mostly because I was busy teaching fantasy and science fiction writing courses at the Aaron School in New York City and at the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University. I had a ball with the students (and taking the whole family to New York City for two weeks was a thrill!) but I had no free time. Almost no writing got done!
I’m wrapping up my grading right now. In the meantime, I’d like to share with you something I did with the talented teens at the Schaumburg Township District Library. I show up there once a month to do theater stuff with their Teen Story Troupe. One of the regulars, Kevin, put together a script for an abbreviated fan-film of The Hunger Games. I loved the idea, so we got the troupe together and Kevin directed the movie. My role? Hold the camera steady and appear in a cameo as Haymitch, Katniss’ alcoholic mentor. Let’s just say Woody Harrelson’s job is safe.
Check out Kevin’s film above! Not only did he script it, but he also edited it himself. Pretty amazing, especially for a ninth grader! Kevin—he’s the one with the long hair and maniacal grin—manages to give himself three roles, and so naturally he has three separate death scenes (hey, there are perks to being the writer/director). Teen Story Troupe regular Angela does a hilariously deadpan Katniss (I love how she fumbles with a bow), Ian is Thresh and Claudius Templesmith, Matt and Joey are Peeta, Rebecca is Clove, and Justin is Rue. The high point for me? The buildup before the games begin at the Cornucopia. It literally goes on for a full minute, starting at 2:02 and stretching until about 3:00. Great script and editing, Kevin!
In case you want just a taste, here are Kevin’s two trailers:
Kevin’s working on a script for a short Catching Fire film, too. Truly I was born too early. It’s so great that the tools of filmmaking are so easily available nowadays. I’m looking forward to seeing how Kevin’s career develops!