05/06/2007
Where are the new filmmakers coming from?
My friends Henry and Nancy are unchooling their 2 kids, Ray and Ada. Ray and Ada don't attend school, but aren't "homeschooled" in the sense of a parent standing in front of a map of the world with a pointer, while the kids sit at little desks in the kitchen and take notes, with homework to do after lunch.
Henry and Nancy serve as facilitators; they help Ray and Ada make sense of the world around them, and provide access to resources. It's a great way to learn, in my opinion. Rather than be taught in a one-size-fits-all curriculum, you learn according to your own instincts, likes, dislikes, and natural curiosity. And you learn in the world, not in an educational society populated with servile children and condescending adults.
One of the directions Ray (age 10) has followed for the last few years is filmmaking, generally (but not exclusively) of the stop-action animation variety. His film company's called W M Thing, with a sizable catalogue of work as well as merch for sale.
Several of his films are posted on Youtube, and you can view them below.
TRANSFORMER TROUBLE
ANIMATION TESTS
CAR ON A CLIFF/CAT & BIRD
MAKING OF MATTIMEO
Ray's sister Ada is also a filmmaker. Her company, Falling Broken Wings, is located at http://www.jhhl.net/FBW/
Nancy's blog,
http://oswegatchie.blogspot.com/