Gleneagles Secondary College student and budding film maker Josh Janssen has produced a short film based on the life experiences of World War II veteran Eric Neil.By Rebecca Fraser
GLENEAGLES Secondary College student Josh Janssen is helping keep a record of Australia’s past.
The yearnine student has produced and edited his own video capturing the experience of World War II veteran Eric Neil.
Mr Janssen’s 10minute DVD was entered in the Victorian History Challenge, where he was judged state runnerup in the war and peace category. Entries were judged at local, regional and state levels.
The budding filmmaker said the best thing about making the short film was learning about Australian history such as the air raids in Darwin.
“I think it is important to keep a record of our past because otherwise all our history will be lost.
“Before this I did not have a great understanding of what the war was like,” he said.
Mr Janssen is a member of OPEN ChannelIndependent Filmmakers Victoria and has participated in many of the OPEN Channel’s young filmmaker courses.
This he said had helped him grow as a filmmaker.
“If there is ever a chance to make a film in class I take up the opportunity,” he said.
Janssen has also been able to sell copies of his DVD to Mr Neil’s family and friends.
The money he raises will go towards his filming and editing passions and the goal of setting up his own production company.
He has recently registered Josh Janssen Production Company as his business name and earlier this month gained parttime employment with Channel 31 program Rodders Life, a car show that is now the highestrating program on Channel 31.
“One of my recent opportunities with Channel 31 was filming and editing a cruise night at Calder Park raceway.
“It was fantastic experience and I am looking forward to developing my film production skills.
“My aim is to air my DVD of Mr Neil on Channel 31 one day,” Mr Janssen said.
The Gleneagles Campus of Eumemmerring College was also able to celebrate the success of two other students who were commended by judges for the extremely high standard of their entries.
Yearnine student Jodi was the state winner in the Weary Dunlop category and yeareight student Michael received an honourable mention in the years seven and eight category.
