Movie stars for a night

Published 6:47 pm Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sixth-grader Bryce Mclane plays to the crowd as he walks the red carpet into Brandywine Elementary School Wednesday for the premiere of an original movie made by Brandywine sixth-graders. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Sixth-grader Bryce Mclane plays to the crowd as he walks the red carpet into Brandywine Elementary School Wednesday for the premiere of an original movie made by Brandywine sixth-graders. Leader photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Brandywine sixth-grade students got the movie star treatment at the debut screening of their new original movie.

“The Mystery of the Haunted Library Notes,” a grade-school thriller, played out in front of parents and students at Brandywine Elementary School Wednesday evening.

Each sixth-grader — there are almost 80 — appeared in the 45-minute movie, which was written, directed, acted and edited by the school’s sixth-graders with the help of technology teacher Char Everett. Students performed music, shot scenes and did special effects.

“The entire sixth-grade class had some part in it,” Everett said. “They got to use technology in an everyday fashion, and they got to work together. It was really nice to see them help each other out.”

Brandywine sixth-grader Tovanny Apple played the role of Selena, a main character Apple described as mysterious and gossipy.

Hours before the debut, Apple couldn’t wait to see herself on the big screen.

“I am just basically looking forward to having fun and having a lot of people cheering for me,” she said. “It is going to be amazing — I will feel like I’m a famous person.”

The sixth-graders were dropped off at the elementary school in cars loaned by Tyler Automotive and Campbell Ford, both of Niles.

The sixth-graders walked into the school on a genuine red carpet while paparazzi — played by fifth-graders — snapped photos.

Fourth-graders made movie posters and third-graders ushered the audience inside.

“It’s is basically a whole school thing,” said Everett.

Every year, Everett said she has her sixth-grade students do a large assignment together. The movie was this year’s version.

The movie will be shown again May 29.

Shelton’s Farm Market also sponsored the event.