Shout it Out

2008

History of "Shout it Out" - the Voices Project Movie

Kingdom County Productions is proud to announce that it will be producing "Shout it Out" The Voices Project Movie. The film is based on the acclaimed and successful Voices Project theatre production that toured Vermont during the fall of 2005.

The film was shot this summer in Jericho Vermont, primarily on location at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Approximately 100 Vermont youth were involved in the film shoot. The feature film is based on the original musical that toured to thirteen towns across Vermont and was based on writings by Vermont teenagers with original music by teens. The stories and characters were developed during an intensive, yearlong statewide research phase in which more than 1000 teens participated.

The touring production of Voices garnered rave reviews and a feature story in The New York Times. Comments included:

"The Voices Project is insightful, evocative and remarkable in scope."
--- The Burlington Free Press

"Enlightning! The Voices Project is a slice of life in rural Vermont high schools, brilliantly articulated and authentic."
--- Seven Days

The Voices Project also won the prestigious 2005 Vermont Community Award from the Vermont Agency of Human Services for excellence in transforming and improving the lives of Vermonters.

The Voices Project tour deeply affected audiences and created a palpable sense of empowerment for teens.

KCP believes that a powerful film, based on the play, can reach a broader audience.

We believe that the stories told in the film express universal themes that open up dialogue between adults and teens. By touring the film, the stories can affect change in the overall perception of teens and their concerns. Ultimately, the movie will be a vehicle for teen voice and empowerment-a testimony to the authentic stories and artistic expressions of young people.

The film will tour to fifty Vermont towns during 2008. Beyond Vermont, KCP will submit the film to national film festivals and tour the film into New England. KCP will also work to acquire a national theatrical distribution deal. The film and discussion guide will be made available to all Vermont schools and New England schools and teen centers.

Distribution of the film and study guide to schools and teen centers:

SHOUT IT OUT EDUCATIONAL PACKAGE FOR SCHOOLS

THE ACCLAIMED FEATURE FILM BASED ON THE LIVES OF VT TEENAGERS IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH AN EXTENSIVE STUDY GUIDE FOR SCHOOLS!

If you work with youth this film is a tremendous tool for discussion and dialogue between teens and adults

Shout it Out Educational Package Order Form

Praise from educators and teens:

--"Shout it Out is the first film that I have ever seen that allows students to portray themselves in a way that makes sense and is real to the issues at hand. We showed the film to our freshman class at Essex High School. The students were totally focused and engaged and had great feedback on the movie. This is a must-see for all high school students!"
Michelle Rath, Ph.D., Director of Guidance- Essex High School

--"Bess O'Brien's Shout it Out is the one of the most real-life looks into the lives of high school students that I have ever seen. I believe that this movie will help people be able to recognize when a loved one or a student needs help, and that is why this film is so important.
David Baker, age 17, St. Johnsbury, VT

--"A must see. We are so proud to be supporting this movie about our youth!"
Angelo Dorta, Vermont National Education Association

Synopsis of Film :

Shout it Out tells the story of a group of teenagers making their way through high school. The film follows them through some of the more tumultuous moments of teenage hood: academic pressure; friction with peers, teachers, teen pregnancy, sexuality, cutting, class issues, body issues , relationships with parents; trying to fit in, trying to find one's self, fear of the future; nostalgia for the past; friendship; and first love.Shout it Out is based on eight months of research with Vermont teens, all songs written by VT teens and acted by local teens

FOR EDUCATIONAL USE IN SCHOOLS, TEEN CENTERS, COLLEGES:

• $150 for the Educational Package: Includes 1 DVD of the film, 2 study Guides, 1 CD soundtrack
• Starting at $500 for the Educational Package, plus Director/Producer Bess O'Brien will lead a writing workshop with teenagers focused on the issues of the film, or a planning discussion with faculty, or a workshop on filmmaking with students, and others.
• Public Screenings for your community, town, or institution. Director Bess O'Brien is available to screen the film and lead audience discussion. In many cases a teen member of the cast would also be available. Prices to be negotiated

Shout it Out Educational Package Order Form

For more information call Bess O'Brien at Kingdom County Productions
802-592-3190 or bobrien@pshift.com