Proposal for “Happy Initiative”

A project has presented itself to the Boys High choir, one given to us by Radio
Jacaranda, and one with which we could use the help of the Film Club. A project
such as this would likely be beneficial to both societies.

This project is known as the Happy initiative (I think), and the basic outline of the
project is as follows:
There is a well-known song called Happy, by Pharrell Williams. The choir is
required to learn and sing an arrangement of this song. This needs to be
recorded, as it will serve as the background music for the video montage that we
would like the Film Club to put together. The aim of the montage itself is to create
a clip, synched to the recording of Happy, that will look much like the Connor
Henry video broadcasted a couple of years ago, as well as the official Happy music
video itself. The short clips that will make up the montage will consist of various
people singing along, and dancing, to this backtrack. These people need to be
from Boys High, be it staff or pupils, and this needs to be done within the grounds
of the school. Some examples I would like to see in the montage include:

 An underwater clip at, say, a waterpolo practice, or simply boys that want
to be part of the video.
 Any other sports practices that come to mind, preferably ones such as
rugby, hockey, and other larger, field sports.
 A classroom of boys dancing along to the song might be worth taking a look
at.
 Groups of boys at break times might be inclined to take part in this project
as well.
 I also think it would be quite successful and humorous if a clip was taken in
the staffroom involving teachers dancing.
 And last, but by no means least, I am sure the Headmaster would be
delighted to contribute to the making of this film with a dance at his office
chair.
There may be more ideas you may stumble upon, and by all means, go with the
flow. This is, after all, as much your project as it is ours. It shouldn’t be a problem
to get staff and coaches’ permissions to film them or their players, or students.
Obviously, they do have the right to refuse being filmed, which is perfectly within
their rights.

When you are out doing all of this, you will obviously need to tell people how they
should act in front of the camera. It is quite simple: they should act like they are
well and truly happy. Dancing along to the music, clapping, snapping fingers,
whatever they feel the most comfortable with. Even bobbing about on the spot
for the more awkward of participants is absolutely fine, provided they look happy
whilst doing it. Also, if they feel comfortable, and possibly know the song, tell
them they can sing along if they wish. The rest is up to them.

The filming itself should not be that difficult. The characteristics of the shot will
vary based on the number of people in the shot. The angle should be straight, and
level with the participants, and at least half of their bodies must be seen at all
times during the shot.

Once you feel you have sufficient footage, we will meet again and discuss which
clip will go where, what we can take out, etcetera.

Should you have any problems regarding any aspect of this project, please do not
hesitate to contact me or Caleb Kinimi, the choir Chairman. We are responsible
for this initiative, and will thus need to make sure it runs smoothly.

Lastly, the choir and I thank you for your willingness to contribute to this
initiative. It should be a worthwhile experience and eventual outcome, and we
appreciate the work you will put in to make this project work.

Yours sincerely

M-J Reeler