April 18, 2001 - And they're off!
A yearlong whirlwind of activity propels the project into high gear as the real production work begins.

During the fall 2000 semester we were introduced to the Easy Breathers project, its goals and objectives, and to our professional mentors from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Media Makers, Inc. Through a series of classroom visits, we learned a great deal about the complexity of such a huge project ranging from all that has to be agreed upon in client meetings to the research about the topic that is necessary to develop a script treatment. The WDNR presented information about air quality and reinforced the need to educate young people about making wise choices, specifically about transportation options, to keep the air that we breathe clean. We met the scriptwriter and learned a bit about the research and creative processes that lead to getting working ideas on paper, also known as the script "treatment."

So far during the spring 2001 semester, Media Makers explained how the pre-production process thoroughly readies us for actual production. A necessary step is having a first draft of a script so that talent auditions can be scheduled and production needs identified. We heard from a professional on-camera talent (an actor) about that side of the business. Information was provided on budgeting. It was very clear that you may think you have a great idea for a production, but if it isn't "produce-able" and can't be afforded, that idea is not so great after all.

Marshall students turn the tables on their mentors and guide us through some 'body loosening' exercises they've learned from their acting teacher, Heather Sattler.

Next we examined the various crew positions necessary and began to break-out the script in terms of locations, props, technical requirements and everything else required to know and have before we roll tape. While all of this was going on, we also had meetings to determine how best to publicize the production and work with the media. We then met the students from Milwaukee's Rufus King and North Division High Schools who will assist us as reporters on the project. Finally, we established partnerships with schools in the San Francisco Bay Area and Houston and started making travel arrangements for our shoots in those areas.

On April 3rd, 2001, an event was held at Marshall High School that announced the project to the world. Everyone from the Secretary of the WDNR and his key staff to officials from the Milwaukee Public Schools and Media Makers was there. The students chosen for the on-camera talent roles in the project put on a skit at the event about how it felt for them during the auditions.

Giovanni Riley, Sherita Mason, and Jennifer Zahn act out an original skit to show us what it really felt like to audition for Easy Breathers.

Behind the scenes (from left to right): John Holmes, teacher, Marshall High School; Al Stenstrup, education outreach coordinator, WI DNR; Darrell Bazzell, Secretary, WI DNR; James Crain, Principal, Marshall High School; Laurel Steffes, Director, Bureau of Communication and Education, WI DNR; Lakshmi Sridharan, Air & Waste Regional Leader, WI DNR; Sara Burr, air education/project grant manager, WI DNR; Mittsy Voiles, educator/project coordinator, WI DNR; Jenny Pelej, communications/project publicity, WI DNR.

As soon as a final script draft is ready, the real work will begin and the pace will get intense.

By John Holmes, Teacher, Marshall High School

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