Would you (or your robot) like to take part in a movie shoot this summer?
An **independent filmmaker **will be **shooting scenes **for a family drama this summer in **Ambler, PA **at Wissahickon HS! The movie uses a robotics competition as part of the plot line and Team 341 has been asked to act as a technical advisor for the film.
On **Saturday July 7th **and Sunday July 8th, the production company will shoot competition and pit crew scenes in our Circle Gym.
The main characters will be played by professional actors, but we are looking for experienced FIRST members to play secondary roles or simply be in the crowd.
We also need teams to supply operational or non-operational robots for background scenes. There are also a variety of other needs that will be listed on the pages that follow.
If you are interested in participating, please send a PM through the Delphi forum.
Please read the threads that follow for more details.
The story line follows a young teen that falls in with the wrong crowd and quickly goes astray. The plot centers on the effort to bring him back and his relationships with friends, family and coaches. A major focus of the film is his experience on a robotics team and his relationship with the girl that draws him into joining the robotics team.
This production is the first venture by a local independent filmmaker to create a feature length film. He has tremendous support, professional actors, and an experienced technical crew. The film is registered with the PA Film Commission and has a very positive message.
Although this film is not sanctioned by FIRST, it certainly is in the spirit of the competition and has the FIRST mission at heart. Please help us support the director’s vision for this film. We welcome your participation in this project.
**Extras **are needed to play close-up team members in competition and pit scenes or just be a part of the cheering crowd.
**Robots **that are operational or non-operational are needed for competition and pit scenes.
Technical & Logistical Positions: Final Cut Software Editor, Set Operator, and Runners. (Some work is paid, some work is for movie credentials only)
Understudies to several professionals for the following roles: 40 year old mother (main character), 18 year old girl (main character), 16 year old girl (lead character)
Important: Students under 18 must have a parent or guardian present during filming. (Pennsylvania Law) If you are 18 or over you must sign a release form to be in the film.
This sounds like a terrific and unique event. We are checking to see if any MOEboteers are available. I would encourage local teams to check into this.
Are there any requirements other than a willingness to participate? I and my team (375) would be interested but we need to see about technical details such as travel. How soon would we need to respond by?
If you just want to be in the crowd scenes or background pit scenes , there will be release forms available at the door on the day of the shoot.
All participants will need to sign an industry standard release. Students under 18 that are in major scenes (speaking parts etc.) will need a release and a parent or guardian present during filming.
If your robot is used in the background pit crew scenes. You will either need a release from any organization listed on your machine or the production company may produce fictitious panels to place over the existing artwork. (not sure which)
Those robots that are in the filming of onfield action will have fictitious team designations , panels, and uniforms.
One major clarification that will help everyone participate.
If you are in a team scene and don’t have a principal speaking part you will only need to have a designated adult. One adult with the permission of the parent can act as the guardian for the filming.
I made a spreadsheet with available activites and the associated time obligations & permissions, but the producer needs to approve this sheet before I can post it.
I am starting an email list to update everyone at the same time. If you are planning to participate, please send an email to [email protected]
The production company has not budgeted for transport or repair of robots. This is an independent film on a limited budget. Of course if repairs are needed Team 341 will do its best to assist you.
We are counting mostly on local teams bringing machines. If a team wants to bring their machines from farther away they are welcome. We will help with whatever we can. All the production company can offer is a fun time and a credit in the movie for you or your team.
Attached is a general table showing the *type of movie positions *by level of involvement. Please read the attachment and consider the types of positions that you would like to fill. Please contact me quickly if you would like to be added to the list. I am assembling a contact list this weekend.
A clarification to the movie participation requirements for those under 18. You will need a signed parent permission and a responsible adult (i.e. a coach) to be with you during shooting. You do not have to have your parent physically present.
Please let me know if you have any questions after reviewing the document.
I just wanted to highlight a casting need that is unfilled. We need an experienced FIRST MC for the competition floor and an experienced FIRST play-by-play announcer. (regular or off-season)
We are also looking for regular or off-season referees.
The producer did not hire professionals for these roles because we thought it should be someone with FIRST experience.
Before reading these instructions, please note that if you just want to be in the crowd you can show up that day and sign a release at the door. The info below is for people that would like to be in close up team shots, etc.
For individuals that are interested in the movie filming that will begin in Ambler starting Saturday July 7th. There is a set of instructions below. If you would like to take part please do the following.
Reply to [email protected] by Tuesday 6/26/07 confirming what level of participation you would like. (Level A, B, C, or D, see previously posted attachment)
Please use this subject heading “Movie Participation (Individual)” so that we can organize the responses.
Please review, sign, and return the attached Individual Release Form by Friday 6/29/07. Please mail, hand deliver, or fax to:
Alan Ostrow, Wissahickon HS, 521 Houston Road, Ambler, PA 19002 Fax # 215-619-8113
Please note that you must submit a signed release to participate.
We will shortly send instructions about exact meeting times and shooting locations.
Generally most scenes will be shot in the WHS Circle Gym in Ambler on Saturday 7/7 and Sunday 7/8. You may also be asked to attend a brief training session prior to filming if you are given a larger role, such as a speaking part.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Thank you so much for your participation! We look forward to seeing you all in July!
For teams that are interested in the movie filming that will begin in Ambler starting Saturday July 7th. There is a set of instructions below. If your team would like to take part please do the following.
Reply to [email protected] by Tuesday 6/26/07 confirming:
a) The number of Students and Mentors that would participate in the film.
b) The number of operational and non-operational robots that you can provide. (any year is OK)
Please use this subject heading “Movie Participation (Teams)” so that we can organize the responses.
Please review, sign, and return the attached Team Release Form by Friday 6/29/07. You will only need one form for your team.
Please mail, hand deliver, or fax to:
Alan Ostrow, Wissahickon HS, 521 Houston Road, Ambler, PA 19002 Fax # 215-619-8113
Please note that you must submit a signed release to participate.
We will shortly send instructions about exact meeting times and shooting locations.
Generally most scenes will be shot in the WHS Circle Gym in Ambler on Saturday 7/7 and Sunday 7/8. You may also be asked to attend a brief training session prior to filming if you are given a larger role, such as a speaking part.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Thank you so much for your participation! We look forward to seeing you all in July!
We are still in need. We have one MC and one play-by-play but there are two fictitious seasons in the movie. We have to make things look like two different years. The director can get professional actors, but I think an experienced FIRST person would be best for these roles. We’re open to anyone that is interested.
I just wanted to answer some frequently asked questions about the movie.
**What if my whole team can’t participate? **
You can be placed in the team scenes or crowd scenes without a full team. All 7 fictitious teams will be filled with players from multiple teams. So if you only have a few people, thats OK.
Can I participate as an individual?
Yes. We just need notice and the release forms and you can be placed in a team or classroom scene.
I will not know if I can go until the last minute. Can I still show up on July 7th?
Yes, there will be release forms at the door. You would be able to participate in the crowd scenes and have the fun of watching the film being made. There will also be a nice community carnival going on in the parking lot after we are done.
I want to bring my robot but its not a 2006 model?
Thats OK the game is fictitious and any year’s robot will work.
What if my robot does not work at all?
Also OK! We can place it on a pit table for the background scenes.
Can my robot be in the film even if I can’t stay?
Yes. We will take delivery starting on July 6th at 7AM and will take good care of your machine.
Will my team be paid or have its expenses covered?
Unfortunately not. But any team that contributes significant numbers of team players or robots will receive a credit line in the movie.
Has FIRST approved or sponsored this movie?
This is an independent project about a fictitious robotics competition. However the filmmaker has a son on a FIRST team and the script is well within the spirit of FIRST principles. He plans to communicate a very similar and very positive message.
I hope this answers a few questions that seem to be repeating and clears up some areas of misunderstanding.
We hope everyone can make it and we think it will be, at the very least, great fun.
The director has scheduled two meetings to prepare for the upcoming movie shoot.
Principal Actors and Secondary Actors (non-competition scenes)Tuesday July 3rd at Wissahickon High School from 11 AM until 1 PM (room TBD)
Team Players, Referees, and other Competition Scene Players
Friday July 6th at Wissahickon High School at approx. 4PM (after the completion of the playing field)
in the Circle Gym
The purpose of thses meetings is to review the scenes being shot and the role that each person will play in the scenes.
On Thursday evening I will send out a document stating whether you are in category 1,2, or both.
We are still waiting for final numbers from teams and confirmations from role players. So your quick response will help us to get the list out on time.
Thank you for your participation.
If you have any further questions please contact me.
