Shaker
Junior Research Program
Sawyer Zak
The Experience of Filmmaking
Sawyer Zak developed an interest in films about a year ago and saw a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into his interest through the Fellows program.
Sawyer Zak developed an interest in films about a year ago and saw a perfect opportunity to delve deeper into his interest through the Fellows program.
For his project, Sawyer created an entire movie, from start to finish. He wrote his own script, auditioned and recruited his actors, then shot and edited the whole film. In other words, he was producer, writer, director, casting agent, cinematographer, costume designer, and editor for his movie.
One of the hardest aspects of filmmaking is the camerawork and lighting, so we concentrated on getting Sawyer a mentor in that area. We were fortunate to find Mr. Michael Barry, an alumnus from the class of ’69. Mr. Barry lives in New York City. He has been a cameraman for film and video for?around 35 years, and he said his career all started when he worked on the Mabian and the Camera Club at US. Mr. Barry travels often to various locations for shoots, but he generously took time out of his schedule to help out. He gave Sawyer many good tips about pre-production set up, microphone use, wide shots and close ups, and indoor lighting.
Sawyer shared his newfound knowledge with the middle school audience, then showed his film, Santa’s Revenge. He is our latest Junior Research Fellow.
Back
One of the hardest aspects of filmmaking is the camerawork and lighting, so we concentrated on getting Sawyer a mentor in that area. We were fortunate to find Mr. Michael Barry, an alumnus from the class of ’69. Mr. Barry lives in New York City. He has been a cameraman for film and video for?around 35 years, and he said his career all started when he worked on the Mabian and the Camera Club at US. Mr. Barry travels often to various locations for shoots, but he generously took time out of his schedule to help out. He gave Sawyer many good tips about pre-production set up, microphone use, wide shots and close ups, and indoor lighting.
Sawyer shared his newfound knowledge with the middle school audience, then showed his film, Santa’s Revenge. He is our latest Junior Research Fellow.
Shaker Heights Campus JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122Phone: (216) 321-8260
Hunting Valley Campus GRADES 9 – 12
2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022Phone: (216) 831-2200
© 2025 University School. All Rights Reserved.