Filming the 60th through the lens of local youths

Although only two-and-a-half weeks into their summer program at the Northern Marianas College, some 60 students of the Film and Television Arts Department are already faced with the monumental task of filming key moments, interviews, and various events that will take place as the CNMI commemorates the 60th anniversary of World War II Battles of Saipan and Tinian.

“This is an accelerated summer film program based on the [60th commemoration] events,” said Greg Curda, an instructor at the department. “I believe this is the first time any program of this level has been mounted here.”

The program is headed by Curda and department acting director Butch Wolf. The two will be guiding and supervising the first-time filmmakers as they take on this project in a span of three months.

“The first three weeks is directed to production, while the final three deals with putting the film together,” said Wolf. “They put in 48 hours a week, and in turn, earn 24 college credits.”

The two disclosed that the project was originally set for professional filmmakers, but the idea was soon set aside to provide the local youth with the opportunity to attain vital skills while simultaneously learning about the significance of the event.

“The overall theme for the 60th is ‘Our Grateful Islands Remember’ but in reality, majority of those who remember are the older generation. By doing this, the younger generation gets to interact with the veterans, gets to hear their stories, and gets a first-hand experience on feeling the stories. All these will lead them to better understand the significance of the event and what it has to do with them. They will get to understand what it took to get the freedoms they now enjoy,” said Wolf.

Another reason was to put the word out “that the people here are capable of getting the job done.”

“A lot of film shooting occurs on Saipan because of the beautiful sceneries, but camera crews are being brought in to do the job. Hopefully, this will show that we do have trained camera crews, extending the possibilities of taking part in future shootings,” said Wolf.

The crew’s preparation for the 60th began on May 24 with lectures on basic film instruction and history. The project, part of a work-study program, is courtesy of a collaborative effort of the NMC, Workforce Investment Agency, and Talk Story Studios.

The students were divided into four groups—camera, sound, producing/writing, and administration—and have been briefed as to what tasks each is expected to tackle.

“The students are learning. They are not a professional staff, but they are running the operations for this event. Dealing with these kids…this is a community-based project. I hope the community understands that,” said Curda. “The producing/writing team are doing research on people, events, and are scouting locations to get stories. The camera and sound crews, as well as the administration, or the production office, each have technical aspects.”

The crew is equipped with nine digital Canon cameras, most of which is courtesy of the NMC film department.

The group will shoot raw footage for the Arizona Memorial Museum Association, oral histories for the NMI Council for the Humanities, the arrival of veterans, and perceptions of younger generations.

Curda and Wolf said that, through the program, the students will learn decision-making, develop skills, learn to anticipate, and think on their feet.

“This is an excellent example of a community college program reaching out to the community,” said Board of Regents member Galvin Guerrero. “If there are any doubts about the NMC film program, this project should blow those doubts away.”

The students are also responsible for manning the media center at the Victoria Hotel across the American Memorial Park Amphitheater.

The center will host press conferences every morning, provide printed documents of events from the day before, issue press kits, and provide assistance to the press.

The center will also be equipped with four computers with Internet access.

“We are going to accommodate everyone the best we can,” said Curda.