In senior English teacher Carrie Schlatt’s film and literature class, students are stepping into the role of directors, screenwriters, editors, and actors as they create their very own movie trailers. Instead of simply watching films and analyzing cinematic techniques, students are now applying those skills firsthand.
Each group is developing an original trailer inspired by a variety of existing sources, such as songs, short stories, news articles, etc. The groups will also adhere to professional cinematic skills with the use of different angles, lighting, costumes, and sound/editing techniques.
The project gives students time to plan, film, and edit their trailers before presenting them to the class. From brainstorming story lines to choosing music and filming dramatic scenes, every group is responsible for transforming an idea into a 2-to 4-minute attention-grabbing trailer.
For many students, this assignment is unlike anything they have done before. Isabella Isenberg shared her enthusiasm about the creative opportunity, saying, “I’m really excited to create a movie trailer in Mrs. Schlatt’s class because it is fun and something I’ve never done before. Developing this trailer really allows me to see all the thought and effort put into films today!” By working through the filming process themselves, students are gaining a new appreciation for the amount of planning, detail, and creativity that goes into professional film making.
Collaboration is another key part of the experience. Since the project is completed in groups, students must divide responsibilities, share ideas, and problem-solve together. Annabelle Humphrey highlighted how teamwork has made the process even more meaningful: “I’m really excited to create a movie trailer in my film class because it’s a fun way to bring our ideas to life. Working with my friends in class makes the project even more enjoyable since we can share creativity and learn from each other. I love the song we’re using, and I think it fits perfectly with our group’s creativity. I can’t wait to see how our trailer turns out and show it to everyone!” Her excitement reflects how the project blends creativity with friendship, making it fun and memorable.
In addition to being fun, the trailer project challenges students to think critically about storytelling. Because trailers are made to pique interest without revealing too much information, students must carefully select which scenes to include. They are learning how to build suspense, create emotional impact, and use music and editing techniques to shape the mood. Even small cinematic details like angles, lighting, and color theory can play large roles in the trailers.
Maya described the experience as both new and exciting: “The whole process of writing and filming our trailer has been an exciting and different experience. I’m very eager to see how it all turns out!” For many students, stepping behind the camera has opened their eyes to the many roles involved in film making, from directing and acting to editing and sound design.
As presentation time approaches, anticipation is building throughout Schlatt’s classroom. Each group’s trailer reflects its own unique creativity and inspiration, whether it is based on a powerful song, an imaginative short story, or a nonfiction news article. While the final products may only be a few minutes long, they represent hours of filming, planning, and group coordination.
Schlatt’s film and literature class is proving that film making is more than just watching movies. It is about understanding the art, effort, and dedication taken to bring these stories to life. Through this hands-on project, students are not only learning technical skills but also discovering the power of creativity and teamwork. When the lights dim and the trailers begin to play, the class will get to see just how much can be accomplished in one exciting week of film making.
