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BRONXVILLE, N.Y. Bronxville High School Film Club President Vincent Preti didn't say what motivated one of his most critically acclaimed films, "Flipped," which was taped and first broadcast last year. But the nearly four-minute short film challenged 15 Bronxville High School teachers like Peter Royal and Beth Gillen to channel their inner high school kid, while putting student Charlie Diserens in front of the class to try to get the "kids" to pay attention to a lecture on photosynthesis.
"It was great, the teachers were flying around paper airplanes, passing notes and at the end, it was just a dream Charlie was having," Preti explained.
Preti credits the 30-plus members of the film club for supporting the concept, in writing, directing, editing and finally unveiling that film.
But perhaps, some would say the credit should go to Preti, who will graduate from Bronxville High School in the spring.
"Four years ago when I first started going to film club, we ate pizza and watched a move," Preti said. "Now we have done animation, stop animation and have even begun to use films to interpret and present our homework assignments."
The club produced two films last year under Preti's leadership and will produce several this year as well.
"Right now we are working on a film called "President for a Day," he said. "It will be finished before I graduate."
Preti said he almost always has a book, a camera or a sketchpad in hand.
"I am always doing something, chronically something," he said.
After high school is over, Preti said he plans to pursue an education in film, but said he has not made a commitment to a particular school yet.
"I want to go to a school that can keep me going," Preti said. "I really want to focus on film and there are so many different ways to do it."
To check out Preti's work, along with the rest of the films put together by the high school kids, go make some popcorn and check them out on YouTube.
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