Zenith. By definition, it means “the time at which something is most powerful or successful.” In this case, Zenith is meant to represent how much a senior has grown and challenges them to put effort into something they are passionate about with the techniques they have learned.
My Zenith project focuses on a pilot episode. I personally have a great passion for screenwriting, especially for writing television show episodes. Thus, my Zenith comes in the form of a full written pilot with one filmed scene (even television shows take a long time to film).
I have never actually finished a screenplay myself before, nor took initiative in filming for myself (I often considered myself a follower). I had to teach myself to push forward in handling the most crucial tasks (writing the screenplay, arranging with actors, figuring out locations and props, etc.), most of the time trying to be multiple steps ahead so I can work efficiently.
Film had taught me the fundamentals of creating a film from the preproduction, production, and postproduction perspectives. I had to take on many roles, such as screenwriting, cinematography, directing, and editing. Overall, it is thanks to my film lessons that my overall Zenith became successful in end despite the many challenges I ended up facing.
While I sadly aforementioned to actually take photographs of the shoots, I did manage to take pictures with my dedicated crew and actors who were willing to sacrifice their time to help me out with this project. A shout out to all of them for being great helpers!
Here is the process of creating my pilot episode so you all may get the idea of my preproduction.
American Roulette is the product of multiple story changes over the past four years. It has gone through an amazing evolution, and I hope that it will be made into a future television series. To see the scene I wrote come to life with these amazing actors has never made me so happy. Zenith has truly given me the opportunity to shine and stand from the crowd of many Freestyle Students!