In development for several months the Essex Roots project premiered at the Thameside Theatre in Grays on Friday 12th September with an audience of councillors, students, parents and of course the cast.

Working with Groundwork our involvement was the responsibility for the post-production (motion graphics, graphic design, PR, marketing and editing) of the films.

 

 

Challenge

To produce two films with two groups of students of different age groups (one 15-16), the other (13-14), covering the history of their region but making both movies interesting and fun for all involved. 

Solution

The concepts behind the films were entirely developed by the students working with a script developed by the Smile Group. The aim of the project to let the students understand the business of film production and the work that goes into a film as well as producing a final piece of work that involved both sets of students learning about the history of their region.

With post production going on for longer than anticipated (due to our teams need to experiment, refine and perfect  the graphics..and a slow summer (!) we think the final animations and visual look of the films (particularly The Rochford Files) shows a quality that gives the impression that the budget was way more than it really was !

 

TAGS - THURROCKS AWESOME GAMESHOW

A gameshow concept developed by students in Thurrock with two sets of rival teams The St.Muckings and The Chavwells. With a set built in the school (on an extreme budget), the graphic design incorporated a “mascot” (voiced by our very own Kev believe it or not !) and typical gameshow style music and graphic style.

THE ROCHFORD FILES

Taking a completely different style we shot this movie on a green screen with 2 cameras, in a large school hall. The main issues being the graphic backdrops we needed to create for the various elements of the film. From KE.TV to Anne Bling to RochWatch, all completely different styles. The overall image we were after was of a TV station (King Edmund TV) with various program styles scattered throughout - from a “Crime Watch” inspired show to a news style show, but once again with an educational angle, this time looking at the  history of Rochford from Anne Boleyn to the witch trials and smuggling of the 1700’s.

Results

Two films, one approx 15 minutes and one shorter one at approximately 10 minutes the films feature great acting by the students (with no experience or prior training), an amusing script (developed by the Smile Group) and graphic design that really works with the whole concept. 

 

The Full Versions

TAGS ( running time :15 mins / 110mb)

(click to play)

 

The Rochford Files ( running time :9 mins / 80mb)

(click to play)