PDS Short Film - HoS Announcement Film

About

For Princeton Day School’s announcement of their new Head of School, Skynine produced a charming (and let’s face it, downright adorable) short film in which actual PDS students from all grade levels—lower, middle, and upper school—”interviewed” Dr. Nicholson-Flynn, as though they were leading the Head of School selection process. The questions ranged from lighthearted topics like “What’s your favorite superhero?” to more serious inquiries about how she plans to use data to improve instruction and student learning. This approach allowed Dr. Nicholson-Flynn to engage with the students in a personable and educational way, showing both her sense of humor and her vision for Princeton Day School. What a fun way to introduce her to the PDS community!

We transformed the Head of School’s cozy office into the perfect setting for an interview, creating a welcoming yet professional atmosphere. For this production, we used three cameras, each equipped with the ideal lenses for capturing a mix of medium shots and close-ups throughout the session. The third camera, mounted on a motorized slider with a wide-angle lens, added dynamic movement to keep things visually engaging.

The real challenge was lighting. With a need to shoot 360 degrees around the room, we had to carefully design a lighting plot that was versatile yet unobtrusive, ensuring no stands or gaff equipment ended up in the shot. This creative approach allowed us to maintain a clean, polished look while maximizing the space and adding depth to the film.

This short film masterfully balances a cute, lighthearted tone with its primary function: showcasing Dr. Nicholson-Flynn’s educational philosophy and plans for the future of Princeton Day School. This project is one of our favorites as it taps into our storytelling and filmmaking roots, blending creative direction with purposeful messaging to create a memorable, engaging piece that truly captures the essence of the school and its leadership!