AMAZED: Year 10 drama students Megan Harrington 15, teacher Vanessa Shultz, Sarah Hinitt 15, Utah Edgerton 15, Sharni Russell 15, Emma Crispin 15 and Michaela Mason 15. Picture: Nathalie Craig.
A GROUP of drama students from Bulahdelah Central School have won the Oovie Schools Film Project, sending them to Cockatoo Island to produce their film with industry experts.
The project involved more than 7000 schools across NSW and Victoria with only three schools being picked to participate in the Cockatoo Island Film Festival.
The drama students said they thought their teacher, Vanessa Shultz, was joking at first when she told them they had won.
"We are all so amazed," Mrs Shultz said.
She said it was a "fantastic opportunity" which would give some of her students experience in acting and others experience in technical skills.
During the four-day intensive film workshop next month the students will be producing their three minute film from their pitch titled 'The Island Speaks'.
The storyline follows a man arriving on an island full of women during a sailing exhibition and the outcomes of his love affair with one of the women.
Later this year the final three minute film will be premiered at the Cockatoo Island Film Festival.
Deputy executive director Allanah Zitserman said the project was focused on unearthing the next generation of filmmakers by teaching them the tools of the trade.
"Hundreds of schools from across NSW and VIC entered inspired film pitches making it a tough decision," she said.
"I want to congratulate all the schools but especially the final three who are now deservedly embarking on an unforgettable journey."