The Wisconsin Film School, in partnership with the Waisman Center of UW-Madison, will produce a 30-minute documentary on a unique spring fashion show at Monona Terrace -- the Fashion Show for All Abilities -- featuring more than 40 models with disabilities. Thanks to a special grant, scholarships were provided for 12 students.

They are  currently shooting the documentary, for release at year's end.

Three of the models are being profiled as they prepare for and participate in the climactic runway event May 27. The film is being made entirely by students under the supervision of professional documentary filmmakers and social workers for the disabled. Our thanks to our generous sponsors:

Monona Terrace

Neighborhood House Madison

The students were divided into three production teams. The teams received intensive, hands-on training in making documentaries, including camera, sound and lighting.  Each team includes one student with a disability. The Waisman Center, a world-class center for the study of human development, and producer of the fashion show,  consulted on ability issues. Over the course of a month the three teams followed three models into their daily lives. The schedule included three days of workshop training and three days of field shooting.

In its five years, this extraordinary fashion event has never been filmed. The  workshop and film will broaden understanding of disabilities and capabilities and affirm the common human story of overcoming obstacles and making dreams come true.

Dates

May 1-2,  9a-4p   Classroom instruction (Neighborhood House)

May 3   5p-10p     Classroom instruction (Neighborhood House)

May (2-3 days TBD)                                          Location Filming

May 27                                  Fashion Show (Monona Terrace)

 

 

Details

On May 1, 2, 3, a dozen students will attend a three-day workshop in documentary filmmaking at the Neighborhood House Community Center in Madison. This will include training in camera, sound, lights, interviewing techniques, and legal and disability issues.  They will be instructed by Kelley Baker, USC film school alum, Hollywood sound designer and independent filmmaker, and veteran film workshop teacher.

            As three teams are assembled (each team comprised of a field producer, camera operator, sound and light technicians), they will learn how to film in a similar style to produce a uniform look in the final film. During the workshop, the three models will meet their team and schedule film segments.

            Over the next two weeks, the teams and models will produce film segments that will include: interviews with the model, family and professional aides; the person’s daily life, including travel, work, eating, etc.; a visit to a retail store to try on and choose clothes; and one dress rehearsal. Students will capture the models, their networks of support people and loved ones as they discuss personal challenges and illustrate their lives.  In the field, the students will be supervised by two film professionals, and support staff for those with disabilities.

            On May 27, the student teams will film their models as he/she dresses, gets hair styled and makeup applied. The film teams will then follow their models during the show itself, including backstage and runway activity.  A “fourth” crew chosen from the teams will set up and shoot the show itself at Monona Terrace in downtown Madison. The film will climax on the fashion runway.

            The film will be edited in the weeks to follow, with a goal of a fall release. An optional class will be offered to students, for a fee, to learn film editing. Copies of the film on DVD will be provided to all participants.

Personnel

    Producer: Jessica Haven - Professional Support Broker for adults with developmental disabilities in Dane County, Wisconsin Film School graduate.

    Director: Kelley Baker - Hollywood sound designer, independent filmmaker, veteran workshop instructor.

    Team supervisor: Robert Lughai - Filmmaker, WYOU educational director and program coordinator.
    Team supervisor: Jim Carrier - Filmmaker, writer, founder of Wisconsin Film School.

    Training on Disability Issues: Paul White, MA -Program Director of Waisman Center University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

For more information or questions, email us.