More than 100 students from St Ives High School in Sydney have released a feature-length musical film titled PLAN BEA, which is now streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime Video. Getthewordout.com.au reported that the project took three years to complete, exceeding its original one-year timeline, as it was created through COVID-19 lockdowns with little funding.
Award-winning composer Sean Peter wrote, composed and directed the production, engaging students as actors, musicians and crew members at a time when singing was banned in schools. The source indicates that teaching staff, the school principal and the P&C Committee provided essential support to make the ambitious production possible when resources were extremely limited. Parents also contributed professional skills and labor to manage costumes, sets and logistics throughout the extended production period.
The narrative follows a teenager forming an underground show choir during a pandemic singing ban. According to the report, the film has secured international festival awards including Best Picture and Best Musical, while earning a nomination for Best Score at the APRA Screen Music Awards. Peter stated that the primary achievement was the continued participation of students who maintained their creative efforts despite global disruptions. The soundtrack was also recognized as a finalist for Album of the Year at the Australian Kids Music Awards.
For more information, visit getthewordout.com.au.