HAVERFORD — Many high school students spend their time watching movies. In Haverford Township, several high school students have produced a movie that has been submitted to the International High School Screenwriting Competition. The movie “ENGRAM” was written, shot, edited and produced entirely by high school students who also played the main roles in the film.
“ENGRAM” was written by Katie Youn and Nate Drew. The film is about the length someone would go to deny the loss of a loved one. It was first written in January 2021 and produced throughout the year. “ENGRAM” is a product of Off The Script Films, a student-led organization dedicated to helping aspiring filmmakers get the resources they need to produce their own original projects. Production was partially funded by a grant from non-profit Kelly Music for Life, whose mission is to support local music, arts and community.
“ENGRAM” was created by students as an indirect result of boredom due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A debut screening of “ENGRAM” took place before a packed house at the Kelly Center for Music, Arts and Community in Havertown on Dec. 22.
Off The Script Productions was first established in April 2020 by Nate Drew and Katie Youn. Off The Script has worked on many different short films in addition to offering a platform for filmmakers around the world to submit their own short films. Although not the first finished project by the company, “ENGRAM” stands as the first film of such a scale by Off the Script Productions.
Joined by aspiring actress and producer Mikayla Pedano and future producer and artist Bella Monzo, the team was able to receive a $900 grant from the Kelly Center topping the film’s budget off at $3,000. With a full cast and crew of almost 50 local students, production began in July and continued until early September. Locations were extensive, ranging from the Haverford Township Free Library to Hickory Run State Park in the Poconos. The students involved spent almost 150 hours shooting the film.
In addition to this, the team was also able to build a full set inside the Haverford High School Auditorium with the support of the Haverford Filmmakers Club and Jeffrey Masino, an administrator at Haverford High.
Following the conclusion of production for the film, editing, sound, music, and visual effects remained the only aspects left for the few months of post-production. Besides the obvious efforts made on this front by Youn, Drew, Pedano, and Monzo, other contributors to this process included Haverford High School students Henry Allen, who scored the film, and Owen Leiberman who designed visual effects.
The film is now streaming on YouTube and will be submitted to more film festivals in the new year, with hopes of winning a few awards.
For more information on Off The Script Films, visit http://www.offthescriptfilms.org.
To view ENGRAM, visit https://youtu.be/mIq_0cufHe8.
Clifton Heights Fire Co.s volunteers
Clifton Heights Fire Co. is seeking volunteers. No experience is necessary. The fire company provides volunteers the most up-to-date equipment and training free of cost. Volunteers gain new skills and experiences that can prepare them for a possible career as a first responder or medical professional. Volunteers not only train for vehicular and fire accidents, but also for situations with hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
As a pillar in the community for 125 years, Clifton Heights
volunteers know what it means to be part of the family. The start of 2022 is an opportune time to begin saving lives as a volunteer firefighter.
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Volunteers are needed in the following positions:
Active Firefighter – Among the CHFC’s greatest needs is that for volunteer firefighters. Training and equipment are free. As a volunteer firefighter, men and women will learn how to respond to emergencies, help protect property and save lives. Volunteer firefighters must be at least 18 years old.
Junior Firefighter – Junior firefighters must be between 16 and 18years old, and will be trained to assist firefighters at the scene of an emergency. Training and equipment are free. Becoming a junior firefighter is an opportunity to perform community service, and the experience makes an excellent mention on college applications.
Cadet Firefighter — Cadets are between 14 and 16 years old and learn how to eventually become an Active Firefighter. Job responsibilities increase with experience and training, while having an experience like no other.
Fire Police — Help ensure the safety of firefighters going to and from the scenes by directing traffic and providing security and crowd control.
Administrative Volunteer – Individuals who are interested in volunteering, but do not want to answer fire calls or assist at the scene of emergencies, can take this route. These volunteers organize paperwork and plan special events and fundraisers throughout the year.
For more information on joining the team at Clifton Heights Fire Co., visit http://www.JoinCliftonHeights.org.
Krueger announces more than $475G in funding for park projects
State Rep. Leanne Krueger, D-161 of Nether Providence, recently announced $475,200 in Community Conservation Partnership Program grants to develop or rehabilitate three different parks in the 161st Legislative District.
The grants include:
Aston Township, $250,000 for further development of Aston Community Center Park. Work will include construction of amphitheater, retaining walls, pedestrian walkway and stormwater management measures; installation of lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Brookhaven Borough, $116,300 for the rehabilitation of Samson Park. Work will include construction of multi-purpose court, pedestrian walkway, parking area and stormwater management measures; installation of fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
Nether Providence Township, $108,900 for the rehabilitation and further development of Martha Burton Park. Work will include renovation of pavilion; construction of picnic area, pedestrian walkway and stormwater management measures; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing, fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
The Community Conservation Partnership Program grants are administered through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Crozer Health and Prospect Medical Holdings donate $10G to Delco organizations
Crozer Health and Prospect Medical Holdings are giving back to the Delaware County community with an end-of-year financial donation. The $10,000 contribution was divided among four local organizations: The Delco Group, The Life Center of Eastern Delaware County, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, and the Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association.
The Delco Group hosts events and fundraisers to make a difference in the lives of Delaware County residents. They positively impact a wide range of people, many of whom are going through difficult times.
The Life Center of Eastern Delaware County is a shelter for the homeless in Upper Darby that houses 30 people at any given time. The shelter serves more than 160 adult women and men per year.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at Prospect Hill Baptist Church in Prospect Park, serves more than 12,000 people and 240,000 meals each year. Clients include the elderly, the working poor, the disabled, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and single-parent households.
The Chester Panthers Youth Empowerment and Athletic Association is a youth sports organization in the City of Chester. Its goal is to provide a safe and positive environment which supports the ideals of integrity, structure, and discipline while contributing to the development of youth in the community through organized sports.
Readers can email community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.