Lights, Camera, Spring Break Action

So you want to be a star...

Local campers interested in working as a filmographer or photographer, producer or director, actor or writer, showcased their talents this past week and  learned the basics of Lights, Camera, Action!

hosted Kathy Wickline’s Film & TV Camp, now in its 13th year, during spring break, offering 14 kids from age 6 and older a platform to boast and swank their creative sides.

While many families take trips during spring break, some parents scramble for babysitters. Students at the film camp found innovative and fun ways to avoid the sometime boredom-infused tedium of passive TV watching.

This experience puts kids in charge of the television!

“This is a fun week for the kids to learn how to make a music video, public service announcement, script write, or storyboard a concept,” said Jenifer Jones, a counselor from Wickline.

Kids involved in the arts gain better presentation, learn to work in teams and improve their articulation and communication skills.

And, it’s a break from the routine.

Nine-year-old Ashley Jessen, of Lumberton, was seated at the “anchor desk” of the improvised television studio in one of the rooms of Hope Community Church on Main Street. She and her partner, Samantha Riley, 10, of Moorestown, filmed a public service announcement about a robbery.

“If you see someone with a black jeep, call 1-800-CRIME WATCH, because she robbed a bank,” broadcasted Jessen, as Riley, carrying the bank loot  and criminally-disguised in a black wig, swarmed the studio as a robber.

“Speak a little more clearly for the camera,” said Jones, as Jessen and Riley nailed it the second time.

Katie Couric has some stiff competition.

Some campers raised consciousness through public service announcements targeting drugs and smoking.

But, Rocco Ruccolo threw in some fantasy.

“Look out for the Giant Spinach Monster,” screamed Ruccolo, 8, of Moorestown, as Danny Pizzi, 10, of Moorestown, the growling green monster, lurched across the floor. Both boys ended their big screen moment on the floor in a pile of giggles.

What’s up with the big spinach guy?

“I hate spinach,” confirmed Ruccolo.

“Each day we try to introduce new concepts about film. They all make videos that are three or four minutes long,” said Emily Gibson, an intern with Wickline. “The kids like to see themselves on camera."

Waiting for their turn, Tiffani Britton, 10, of Williamstown and Janna Sawyer, 8, of Mt. Laurel, definitely had the cool-girl thing happening!

“I am making a commercial for Justice clothing store because I like clothes,” said Britton, who said she’d like to grow up and be a pediatrician, an actress and a singer. Britton was dressed in her props of black tights and an animal-print tee.

Step aside ... Jodie Foster’s rise to stardom began in commercials.

“My commercial is about hair products,” said Sawyer, whose long curly hair was serving as a prop, along with some brushes, clips and barrettes.

Besides having fun, camaraderie sustains.

Pointing to Sawyer an aspiring hip-hop dancer, Britton said, “We just met, and we are good friends now.”

Until next year, that's a wrap.