My name is Samuel Cadbury. I have been a film lover for years and aspired to become a filmmaker. I haven’t had much professional experience other than a film class at Pratt Institute. I started a film minicourse at the SLA Beeber middle school because I felt that younger students need more film experiences. As a class we made a storyline for a Star Wars fan film called Star Wars Fallen Kin. The story is about a brother and a sister who grow up on opposite sides of the force. The story had to be cut down due to our lack of resources and time. At the time of me making this, I am currently still working on the credits. The full project will hopefully be released soon, but below I will attach a link to the current state of the video. The credits have been taking longer than I expected, but I want to make sure that everyone that had a part in this project gets to be credited. all together, I am incredibly proud of the work I accomplished and the progression I have made.

Here is the current link to the film: https://youtu.be/h8rJ65AriQw

For my senior Capstone project, I chose to create a visual novel type game. I wanted to create something that anyone could interact with online, that would have some kind of impact on the person. The biggest struggle I ran into is my own ambition. I wanted to create the best thing that I possibly could, and be really proud of my work, so I ended up spending way more time than I had planned on finalizing the story. I went through many different ideas, before arriving at the one that I currently have, and this was a large setback for me. This has also caused this project to become an ongoing project instead of a finished one, which isn’t what I originally planned. However, this gives me a lot more time and freedom to do what I want with the project, and removes the stress of deadlines from me. Throughout the process, I’ve learned how good it can feel to create something that is relevant to myself as a person, and my experiences. I’ve also learned how hard this is, and how easy it is to get caught up questioning if every little thing is perfect.

The link below goes to the current version of my game, which will keep updating automatically as I continue working on it. If you feel like it, please check back every so often to see what I’ve done. Thanks!

https://cloudnovel.net/seaotter/novel/into-the-abyss-and-through-the-mirror

Hi, my name is Ty’ona Crocker and for my capstone I decided to combine the topics of mental health and photography. The reason why I chose to do this is because when I wasn’t in the best place mentally during my sophomore year, I wanted to find something that would give my mind an outlet. I ended up finding this amazing hidden passion for photography. It helped me to capture moments in the world through my eyes and how I perceive them. The point of my project is that I understand that when you are not at your best mentally it’s hard to find yourself to be interested or engaged with anything. Finding something you truly enjoy that will put your mind at ease and help you through your rough times can make such the difference.

On my capstone, I wanted to find a passion or a major I could do for college so that once I go into university, I can be able to focus on it without wasting the time trying to find what I want to do. I want to do 3D visual arts and animations which is why during this capstone I decided to spend time learning about it more so that it can be a little easier and less competitive when I attend college. I checked many youtube videos and Instagram for inspiration and to learn more about it. I was going to make an animation for SLA’s logo but my pc kept crashing due to low specs and I decided just to make a render only.

With my capstone I aimed to find a middle ground between the artist behind a piece of media and the audience that receives it. Specifically, I looked to find the answer to the question, “How can I entertain a wide group of people while also focusing on my own creative input?”. This inquiry question is relevant to me as an aspiring film student going into Temple University’s Film and Media Arts program next year. I felt that having a deeper understanding of artistic philosophy might better help guide my learning and career. Linked here is the video clip that I produced that responds to my inquiry question as well as the writing piece that accompanies it.

For my Capstone, I partnered with Terrell Smith to learn how to use the Computer numerical control (CNC) machine. In more simple terms, a CNC is like a laser cutter mixed with a 3D printer. My partner and I first began with the basics by researching, and learning the machine. Once we were comfortable, we started working on random projects, then individual projects. Finally, we sent out a survey to the whole school to fill out, asking them what they would like us all to make. With the responses, we were able to make plenty of things for the students in our school.

My capstone was the yearbook for the class and school year of 21-22. The picture that I linked below was the cover that I designed for the yearbook as our theme is Netflix. In addition to working on the design of the yearbook itself, I have also organized photo days, collecting photos and information. The yearbook committee started by collecting pictures and working on getting information from the class of 22’. We all had a role and I was working on organizing all of it. I feel that I have learned so much about myself as a student, a creator, and a worker. Balance has been something that I have worked to improve during this project as a quality that is important as I am working on making a book and still finishing my schoolwork. Another thing that I have had to work on is control. I have a sense of wanting things to be perfect especially when I have a lot of responsibilities involved in the project, my want for perfection kicks in. Having control but not using it to the extent of perfecting every single little detail is something that I have had to work on, and keep a sense of balance. This project has been important to me because it is something to commemorate the class of 22. The class that was the first to come back from covid. A class that deserves a book of memories.

Hi, my name is Sahiba Saini and I am class of 2022. For my capstone, I decided to make an information website about the 2020-2021 Farmers Protest. I chose to do my capstone on this topic as it is very relevant to me, my community, and society. As the only Punjabi who is a part of the Sikh community, in the SLA student and staff body, I believe it is my responsibility to share and spread awareness about the issues taking place in Punjab, India. Over the year and a half, I have been constantly gathering information to put together and upload to the website. I want this website to be a platform where anyone can learn about the Farmers Protest, which also happens to be the largest protest in history. I have gathered information from primary and secondary sources to make sure I display the most accurate information I can while giving credit where it’s due. The website includes everything from the start of the protest to the middle and the end. From this process, I have been able to learn and apply many important skills such as time management, research, and communications. I used these skills to create a website that is easily accessible and easy to guide through. After months on this capstone, I’m proud to finish and publish my very own website about an issue I care deeply about.

For my final project at SLA, I chose to expand upon an activity that I have been doing for the past four years, which is playing the piano. However, this year I wanted to do something more than just “playing the piano”. I wanted to truly capture the essence of utilizing music to augment our school’s atmosphere. I foresaw this through playing instruments throughout the school during transitional timeframes, such as lunch. I would play the grand piano at the entrance of the school and have students gather around and chill. Additionally, I would play my guitar or ukulele and fill the school hallways with music as students would walk by and listen. I also used my music to fulfill the creative aspects of class projects. Furthermore, I participated in the school play by being the music scorer. In the process of executing my capstone project, I feel as though I learned that music is one of the most essential methods for creating a sense of harmony within a community.

https://youtube.com/shorts/GUeJJuTVQrc?feature=share

For my Capstone, I partnered with Victoria Williams to learn how to use the Computer numerical control (CNC) machine. In more simple terms, a CNC is like a laser cutter mixed with a 3D printer. My partner and I first began with the basics by researching and learning the machine. Once we were comfortable and aware of how to properly use the CNC, we started working on random projects, then individual projects. Finally, we sent out a survey to the whole school to fill out, asking them what they would like us all to make. With the responses, we were able to make plenty of things for the students in our school.