Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting called “cut” on their biggest project to date on May 18.   

Known simply as the Senior Movie Project, the 17-member graduating class of BMB seniors began producing a short film in early October. In the months since, students have engaged in all aspects of film production, from writing, directing, scheduling, and budgeting to catering for the cast and crew on shoot days. 

The Senior Movie Project is the culmination of years of planning by faculty members Matt Russell, Lisa Kalish, and Stu Stein, as they sought to add narrative filmmaking to the list of skills taught through the wide-ranging program, which also emphasizes digital storytelling, broadcast journalism, sports broadcasting, and graphic design, to name just a few. 

“The three of us have all had great experiences working on movie sets, and we really wanted to be able to give our students a taste of that world,” recalled Russell. 

After being introduced to the project in class, seniors Claire Arnoff and Nicole Saraceni took on the task of pitching an idea. Once it was “green lit,” they began writing the film’s script. Emma Santiago served as director, assembling a production crew made up of fellow BMB seniors as well as select underclassmen. 

Jake Maxwell acted as casting director, seeking out actors for the film from Mepham’s renowned Skull and Bones Drama Club, while Hallie Gillison served as the film’s location scout, identifying locations across Bellmore that matched the film’s vision. 

Senior Allison Redican, who had previous experience working on an earlier sophomore movie project, took on the challenge of producing the film, giving her unique insight into the difficulties involved in production. 

“The teachers created a scenario where we were responsible for every aspect of getting this movie across the finish line,” noted Redican. “Between band trips and AP exams and part time jobs it was just a challenge getting all of us in one place and never mind trying to make a movie.” 

The Senior Movie Project stars BMB freshman Elizabeth O’Toole and senior Oliver Mattes. It tells the story of a young girl’s trials and tribulations as she starts at a new school. 

All three BMB teachers make cameo appearances in the film, which will premiere at this year’s BMB Awards, scheduled to be held on Friday, May 29, at Mepham. 

The film will then be available to view on the BMB YouTube channel. According to Emma Santiago, the film’s director, plans are already underway for next year’s Senior Movie Project. 

“I know we learned a lot and a lot of the lessons are going to make next year's SMP even bigger and better. I can’t wait to see what they create,” she added. 

Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting is the Central High School District’s broadcasting magnet program. Housed at Mepham High School, the program began in 2016 and has grown into the top-ranked scholastic broadcasting program in New York State.  

The Senior Movie Project stars BMB freshman Elizabeth O’Toole and senior Oliver Mattes. It tells the story of a young girl’s trials and tribulations starting out in a new school.   

All three BMB teachers make cameo appearances in the film which will premiere at this year’s BMB Awards scheduled to be held on Friday, May 29 at Mepham.   

The film will then be available to be seen on the BMB YouTube. According to Emma Santiago, this film’s director, plans are already underway for the next year’s Senior Movie Project.  

“I know we learned a lot and a lot of the lessons are going to make next year's SMP even bigger and better.  I can’t wait to see what they create,” she added.