Every year, the theater program creates many different works spanning multiple kinds of formats, challenging students and pushing them and make something special that they can call their own. As the theater program continued to create these projects throughout the year, two students took it upon themselves to fully self-direct projects, during their film unit, which went on to win notable awards.
Juniors Tess Neilsen and Nate Motes both won Best Director awards for their films created with the theater program. Winning an award like this gives recognition to the work and dedication that a student director put into creating their film.
“It really was a memorable moment because it made me realize, this is what I want to do,” Motes said. “It was like a click moment for majoring in film, a way of making me believe I can do this.”
Students working on these projects were challenged by their teacher Matthew Humphrey to give their work a personal touch as the director to help their work stand out among other short films created.
“I’m super proud of both of them,” Humphrey said. “They both worked so hard on their films and really deserve these awards.”
Both Nielson and Motes found creating their own work to have its difficulties, however, they persevered in order to create work they were proud of.
“Winning this award was really cool, I think it validated what I did a lot,” Nielsen said. “We had to fully direct a small project completely on our own, and it was really nice just being able to make it how I wanted.”
When pursuing a career in film, any recognition received for creative works goes a long way, especially when making something that colleges or employers will see.
“Winning an award like this really gives you something for a good resume and a portfolio, because it’s really good to create things and just build that portfolio up,” Motes said. “I’m actually making something with my friends right now to also try and build up my portfolio before sending it off to colleges.”
As the students are the creators of the projects, the majority of the praise and recognition has gone to them individually, rather than the entire theater program.
“It’s been more focused on the individual rather than UIL or just the Bowie Starlight program as a whole,” Motes said. “It definitely could bring some recognition to Bowie but this award is more for us, the students.”
