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Student Film Creates Awareness About Cyberbullying
Reno, NV (Dec. 15, 2011) - An anti-bullying film created by Washoe County high school students will be shown for the first time in public at a special event Friday, Dec. 16 at Comm Row in downtown Reno. With the help of musical artist Parker Roads and the band Rigorous Proof, the screening of the film Over the Wire will be an exciting night as students convey a strong message about the impacts of cyberbullying and bullying.
Over the Wire tells the story of Samantha, a high school student who is the new target for the school bully. Samantha gets bullied from all directions - at school, on social networks and even on her cell phone. Another student named Mathew, who was the previous target of the bully, watches what happens to Samantha and decides to make a stand. Over the Wire shows that it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of another.
"I felt it only takes one person to make a difference. I wanted to make a movie that will make a difference and help bring cyberbullying to attention," said Richard Bullard, the writer, director and editor of Over the Wire and a Spanish Springs High School student.
The idea for the nine-minute film began in January 2011 when Bullard wrote a script for a film that addressed the issue. Students in Bullard's media class at Spanish Springs High School had been discussing bullying and the best ways to communicate with their peers. Many felt they needed to reach out in new and inventive ways if they were truly going to make an impact.
High school students from across the District auditioned for roles in the film in June 2011 and filming happened in August 2011. Roads partnered with the students by writing a song for the film called White Flag.
Clinton Swaim, a Reed High student and one of the leads in the film, said the film's message touched him personally. "The important thing to keep in mind about Over the Wire is that everything that happens in it can easily become real. My treatment at school has always been kind of poor, so it just made sense to me to put in time during my summer to help spread the message the film conveys - be the change you want to see."
The film will be shown to all middle and high school students in the District in February with the launch of a cyberbullying program at WCSD schools.
"I am so pleased to be part of a campaign that is going to make a difference in our schools and our lives. Bullying affects us all, but we can all be pro-compassionate and take a stand," AACT student Delana Pennington said. Delana also plays a lead role in Over the Wire.
Event Details
What: Screening of the anti-bullying film Over the Wire and performances by Parker Roads and Rigorous Proof
When: Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Comm Row at 255 N. Virginia St.
Who: The free event is open to all ages.
Additional Information: Attendees will have the opportunity to be filmed for Parker Roads' new music video. Attendees are asked to bring a white t-shirt and a signed release if under 18 years old if they want to participate in the filming. For a release form, e-mail overthewirefilm@yahoo.com. For further information, contact producer Kelli Blincoe at 775-846-0855.
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About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready.
For more information visit: www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89512
