Firstly I have to mention that I’m the ESL teacher and I’m writing on behalf
of the HSC ESL class. The students are all busy studying for their exams. We
discussed what we’d like to ask the authors and I’m relaying the questions.
Also before I start, have you seen the new ads on TV “Teach your children
well”? It’s a new campaign playing in prime time to promote public
education. Well, some of the footage was shot last week at Moorefield.
[Sandi Butler (ex Moorefield student), are you reading this?] The Moorefield
students are the seniors in white shirts. Also the art teacher shots, the
assembly with blue tartan uniforms and the mechanical engineering classes,
that’s us too.
Questions for Brian and David in regards to Only the Heart
1. We’re all wondering about the film. Will it include all the minor
characters such as the twins, Lex and grandpa and aunt Loan?
2. Will the film be told in different voices or will it be presented as
action as it is happening. We watched an episode of The Wonder Years
yesterday. In this show the central character Kevin is an adult reflecting
back on his teenage years. The storyline is presented as a mixture of an
adult voice-over and authentic images and words as they actually happen. We
feel something like this could be successful in the film.
3. Generally films have one central character but Only the Heart has several
equally important characters. Will you have to modify the storyline to focus
more on one or two characters?
4. Will you have to introduce new characters to broaden your film audience,
say an Australian- background ally who will support the family?
5. Also who will be your target audience? Will you go primarily for the
younger viewers?
6. Will David be starring in the film himself, for example as Minh?
7. Will you have to delete sections of the story to keep up the action?
8. Two weeks ago we role-played the scene where Mai sacrifices herself –Fair
Exchange. So do you need 4 Chinese background, one Samoan, one Ghanaian and
an Aussie teacher to be extras in the film? We know all about the characters
different perspectives!
9. Lastly, some students have heard that you are speaking in person about
the book at The Powerhouse Museum on 8th April. Is this true?
Participating in this bookrap has been a great teaching and learning
opportunity. We’ve never experienced anything like this before.
Congratulations to all the classes ( Cherrybrook, Tempe, Blacktown,
Singapore and the rest) who have sent in their very thoughtful and useful
responses. I think this bookrap has given us all an excellent head start
into the HSC. Just think of all those other schools struggling through the
text without our brilliant shared efforts.
Good luck to all
Noel Grannall
ESL teacher
Moorefield GHS
v
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