Teens Blog It
March 09, 2010
Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest Film Premiere
It's here!
Remember a couple of months back when we held the Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting contest? We asked Franklin County teens ages 12-18 to submit an original short film script.
In January a panel of judges chose Hilary Hirtle's script "Cleaning" as the winner. This script has since been made into an ACTUAL SHORT FILM by the lovely people at Vital Film Works (a local production company) using real actors!
Come to the Film Premiere at Main Library this Saturday, March 13, at 2:00 pm. in the Auditorium.
Watch the trailer here: vitalfilmworks.com/cleaning
Can't make it out this Saturday? No problem! You can come to one of the many showings of Cleaning held at the following library locations:
Driving Park Branch: Wed. March 17 @ 3 pm
Franklinton Branch: Tues. March 16 @ 4:30 pm
Hilltop Branch: Wed. March 17 @ 4:30 pm
Linden Branch: Wed. March 17 @ 4:30 pm
Livingston Branch: Mon. March 15 @ 4 pm
New Albany Branch: Wed. March 17 @ 3 pm
Northern Lights Branch: Wed. April 14 @ 4 pm
Northside Branch: Wed. April 7 @ 4 pm
Parsons Branch: Fri. March 23 @ 4 pm
March 07, 2010
Teen Tech Week 2010
Today, March 7, is the first day of Teen Tech Week 2010. "What's 'Teen Tech Week,'" you may ask. Well, the short definition is it's a week in March when the library offers free, fun, techy programs for teens.
Check out what's going on at your nearest Columbus Metropolitan Library location! Make sure to search by program type "Teen."
February 28, 2010
2010 Winter Olympic Games: 17 Days of Amazing
Today marks the end of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and what a wild ride it has been!
From American figure skater Evan Lysacek narrowly defeating defending champion Yevgeny Plushenko, to American snowboarder Shaun White finally showcasing his "Double McTwist," to the Canadian women's hockey team beating out the U.S. for the gold, the excitement and madness never seemed to stop!
What was your favorite Winter Olympics moment?
February 17, 2010
Shiver the next Twilight?
When it comes to popular books and films it seems that vampiremania is slowly but surely giving way to a werewolf craze. I'm not talking about Taylor Lautner and his swarms of female fans or The Wolfman (2010), which was released on Feb. 12th.
Since its release back in August there has been buzz surrounding Maggie Stiefvater's fantasy novel Shiver, the first of a three book series. The story is about the complicated and bittersweet relationship between 17 year-old Grace, and Sam, a teenage boy who turns into a wolf every winter, and can only spend a few sweet months with Grace as a human in the summer. Soon the time will come when Sam will remain in his wolf form permanently, and he and Grace must risk it all to find a way for him to stay human.
You can read reviews excerpts from the book here. There even has been talk of a film in the works! Shiver's sequel, Linger, is due out in hardcover in July.
Have you read Shiver? If so, what did you think? Better question: if and when a movie is made, who should play Grace and Sam?
February 08, 2010
Winner of Teen Scriptwriting Contest Announced!
Hilary Hirtle of Westerville is the winner of our first ever Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest! Hilary’s script, titled "Cleaning," was chosen by a panel of judges from a total of 25 scripts that were submitted.
"Cleaning" is about a teen named Max who, on a seemingly normal afternoon, allows his imagination to get the better of him. Vital Film Works will film the script (using real actors!) later this month. The final short film will premiere during Teen Tech Week (March 7-13) at several library locations. There will be more info coming soon!
We at Columbus Metropolitan Library would like to give special thanks to the guys at Vital Film Works and to the judges for all of their hard work. Also, thank you everyone who submitted a script. There were some really impressive scripts submitted and picking just one winner proved quite a challenge! Read what two of the judges had to say about the experience:
"It was an honor to participate in judging the many talented submissions that came through the CML Script Writing contest. These young minds contain a great deal of creativity. Opportunities such as this contest allow these students to obtain feedback from multiple sources within the film industry that they may not otherwise have been exposed. My support is always available." - Amber Mikesell, President Mid Ohio Filmmakers Association
"I believe it is the responsibility of civic partners like Vital Film Worksand The Columbus Metropolitan Library to foster ambition and creativity among youth in our community. Programs like the "Script-to-Production" contest provide an invaluable mentoring opportunity and teach young adults what it means to realize a project from idea to completion. As a writer, director and college-level educator, I was very impressed with the range of scripts submitted for consideration. Each script I read was thoughtful and had a distinctive point of view. I would recommend the future continuation of this program and am excited to follow its path." - Jennifer Reeder, Filmmaker, Associate Professor, and Director of Graduate Studies, School of Art and Design, University of Illinois at Chicago
"The Vital Film Works CML Scriptwriting Contest is an exciting opportunity for students to receive hands-on experience from industry professionals. It allows the students to gain the necessary skills required to build a strong foundation in scriptwriting. Through learning various aspects of this discipline including proper formatting, production feasibility, character development, and effective dialogue, students are provided with the understanding of the key elements that are essential to creating an effective script. As a production veteran having worked in this industry for over ten years, I recognize the value in a program of this nature and hope to see it continue grow in the future. - Christina Grozik, Producer/Director of "And The Winner Is..."
January 29, 2010
Author JD Salinger Dies
Well known author JD Salinger has died of natural causes at the age of 91. His best known novel, The Catcher in the Rye, has been required reading for high schools students across America since its publication in 1952. The story is narrated by the character Holden Caulfield, an angsty and rebellious 17 year-old who leaves his prep school to wander around New York for three days. The book is often challenged due to the main character's use of profanity.
Have you read The Catcher in the Rye? If so, what did you think?
January 23, 2010
"Hope for Haiti"
Last night (Friday, Jan. 22) MTV, CBS, NBC, and eight other major television stations aired "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," a global telethon that raised money to help the victims of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on January 12th.
George Clooney, Anderson Cooper, and Wyclef Jean, a native of Haiti, hosted the event, while many other A-list celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Selena Gomez, and the Jonas Brothers took calls for donations. The two-hour long special was jam packed with moving performances by artists such as Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Jay-Z.
Are you doing something in your school or at home to help the people of Haiti? If so, we want to know! Please feel free to comment.
January 04, 2010
Last Day to Submit Script!
Today, January 4, 2010, is the last day to submit a script for the Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest. You can E-mail your script to johnd@vitalfilmworks.com or drop off a printed copy at Main Library or any of our 21 branches. Remember, Main Library and all library branches close at 8:00 p.m. tonight. Good luck!
December 09, 2009
Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest Submission Deadline Extended
Attention:
The deadline to submit a script for the Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest has been extended to MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2010.
Scripts can be submitted in printed form to staff at Main Library or any of our 21 branches. Or, they can be e-mailed to johnd@vitalfilmworks.com. Either way, make sure that you include a signed application form, which which can be found HERE.
Good luck!
December 03, 2009
Scriptwriting Workshops
Don't forget!
This SATURDAY, DEC. 5, we are offering two separate scriptwriting workshops for those of you interested in entering our Vital Film Works/CML Scriptwriting Contest.
This contest is open to Franklin County residents ages 12-18. The workshops are:
Sat. Dec. 5 at MAIN LIBRARY, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Sat. Dec. 5 at LIVINGSTON BRANCH, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
These workshops are not mandatory for entering the contest, but they will be very helpful (and fun!). Remember, the last day to submit scripts is Sat. Dec. 19!
November 20, 2009
Announcing Teen Scriptwriting Contest!
We are excited to announce our first ever Vital Film Works/Columbus Metropolitan Library Scriptwriting Contest!
Here is the quick and dirty:
- The contest is open to teens ages 12 to 18 who are Franklin County residents.
- The deadline to submit scripts is Monday, January 4, 2010.
- Scripts can be dropped off at any Columbus Metropolitan Library location or e-mailed to johnd@vitalfilmworks.com. Make sure to drop off a completed and signed application form.
- The winner(s) will be announced January 15, 2010.
- In February, 2010 the winner's script will be filmed by Vital Film Works (a local production company) using real actors!
- The winner gets to go on location with the guys at Vital Film Works to see the taping of their script.
- The final film will premiere for all to see during Teen Tech Week in March.
Click HERE for more information, including the application form.
Questions? Ask here!
Need help writing your script? Come to the free Vital Film Works Scriptwriting Workshop on Saturday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. at Main Library. Registration is required.
UPDATE: This past summer Vital Film Works and library staff hosted "Vital Film School," a program in which local teens wrote scripts and filmed their own short films. Check them out!
November 15, 2009
Teens Re-Design Their Favorite Books
Last month Southeast Branch held an art contest for teens ages 12-17 called "Re-design Your Favorite Book's Cover." Winning entries were framed and displayed in the branch's teen area, and winners received free art supplies!
Check out how teens took their favorite books and gave them a new look! Which one is your favorite?
November 10, 2009
He Came. He Spoke. He Inspired.
As you might already know, popular teen author and hilarious vlogger John Green spoke to crowds of fans at Main Library and 7 branches during Teen Read Week (Oct. 18-24) 2009. AND HE WAS GREAT! In case you missed him, this is what people had to say about the experience:
" . . .15 CAHS students came to Linden Branch on the morning of Tuesday October 20th to see author John Green. The students listened to John Green read from his books, discuss becoming a writer (including his stint at Children's Hospital in Columbus), share his opinions about Balloon Boy and the Twilight series. John also swore the room to secrecy after he accidently divulged one very big secret (Sorry I'm not going to be the one to let the cat out of the bag!)"
At Parsons Branch "he gave lots of advice to students about what it takes to be a writer, as well as offered many funny John Green-isms. His views on life, superficiality, love, etc."
At Dublin Branch those who came to see him "left the building feeling that they knew the author just a little bit better than when they walked in . . . His sense of humor and total "class" as a person both contributed to a wonderful experience for all."
A middle school media specialist who brought 60 students to Southeast Branch to meet John wrote this to library staff: "'thank you once again for giving our students at Groveport Junior High School the opportunity to hear, see and talk to an author. I thought John Green did a great job in his presentation and related well to our students. You guys are always top notch. On behalf of our students and staff thank you for everything you do.'"
Did you get to see John? If so, what did you think? We want details!
October 31, 2009
New Moon: Welcome Werewolves Party at Main Library
Attention Twilight enthusiasts: you are invited to a howling good time at our New Moon: Welcome Werewolves! party. Join us as we celebrate the release of the newest Twilight saga movie based on the books by Stephenie Meyer . There will be New Moon/werewolf trivia, snacks, and prizes! Ages 12-17. November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
October 14, 2009
John Green is Coming!
Teen Read Week is October 18-24, and we are celebrating with none other than award-winning author and vlogger extraordinaire, JOHN GREEN! That's right, the John Green.
Among some of John's best-selling titles include An Abundance of Katherines, Looking for Alaska, and his newest, Paper Towns.
You might also know John from "Brotherhood 2.0," a hilarious year-long online project in which John and his brother, Hank, communicated only through video blogging every weekday for the entire year!
And, if you're a hardcore John Green fan, or "Nerdfighter," then you've definitely been to "Nerdfighters.com," an online community (created by John and Hank) where nerds everywhere gather to "increase awesomeness and decrease suck."
Make sure to check out John's current Web site and blog, Sparksflyup. There is also an entire YouTube channel dedicated to everything John (and Hank) Green. Check it out!
Don't miss out! Come see John Green in person as he talks about his books, vlogging, and life.
UPDATE:
A total of 215 people came to Main Library last night to see John Green speak! If you haven't been yet, there's still time! John will be at Hilltop Branch Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., and Reynoldsburg Branch Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
Dates/times:
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Linden Branch: 10 a.m.
Main Library: 6:30 p.m.
Dublin Branch: 1 p.m.
Hilltop Branch: 7 pm.
Thursday, Oct. 22
Northern Lights: 10 a.m.
Southeast Branch: 1 p.m.
Reynoldsburg Branch: 7 pm.
October 05, 2009
Teen Art Contest
Listen up all you artsy people! Our very own Southeast Branch is holding an art contest for teens ages 12-17 called “Redesign Your Favorite Book’s Cover.”
As you've probably already guessed, the idea is to take your favorite book and design a new cover for it.
Here are more details:
- Entries must be able to be framed (no 3-D entries accepted) and the artwork should be 8X10 inches in size.
- Sketch paper with the correct size marked on it is available for contestants to use at the Southeast Branch Information Desk, or contestants may use own paper or canvas.
- Entry media types can include pencil, pen, charcoal, or pastel sketches, watercolor or oil paintings, computer generated art, original photography, or collage ---as long as the entry is flat, 8X10, and ready to be framed, it will be accepted.
- Make sure that you read and complete the entry form (attached below) and return it to Southeast Branch when you submit your work.
So, if you love to create art, or just really think that your favorite book could use a new look, bust out your pencils/paints/camera/whatever and go to it! Winning entries will be framed and displayed in Southeast Branch's teen area so that everyone can see how talented our teens really are! Winners will receive art supplies as well.
The deadline is October 22, 2009. Good Luck!
October 01, 2009
GH5 is Here!
Guitar Hero 5 was released September 1st and it's getting good reviews. It features 85 new songs by 83 artists, including Coldplay, The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Nirvana.
The game introduces new multiplayer modes that are sure to please fans of social gaming. “Rockfest” mode allows up to 4 local players (or 8 online players) at one time. Another mode, "Party Play," allows players to jump in and out of songs without interruption.
New playable characters include Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, and Shirley Manson. Even Kurt Cobain is available as an avatar, which has caused some controversy with fans of the former Nirvana frontman.
Love gaming? Then check out Teen Gaming at your nearest library branch. And, if you want to see GH5 in action come to our special Guitar Hero 5 Tournament at Livingston Branch on Monday, Oct. 19 @4:00. Remember, if you want to compete then you need to register ASAP.
Back to the game itself: has anyone played it? What did you think?
September 23, 2009
Thank you, VolunTeens!
As we head in to fall we at Columbus Metropolitan Library would like to take this moment to give a great big THANK YOU shout-out to our VolunTeens.
During Summer Reading Club these special teens dedicate countless hours at Main Library and each of our 22 branches promoting the program, signing people up, awarding prizes, and much more. From helping out at animal programs to straightening the children’s area when it looked like a tornado blew through, they have been there for us. And we appreciate it!
Also, let’s not forget our year-round VolunTeens. These teens are truly great: they put up with us all year!
Anyway, VolunTeens, you guys rock! For real, we couldn’t do it without you.
P.S. check out some of the awesome people that made up our VolunTeen program this past summer:
September 17, 2009
MTV Video Music Awards
Anyone catch the MTV Video Music Awards show on Sunday night? I did, and all I can say is “WOW.” The drama! The fashion! The fake blood! The “New Moon” preview!
I thought that the opening Michael Jackson tribute was really impressive. The other performances weren’t bad, either. If you didn’t watch, Beyoncé took home the Moonman for Video of the Year and Lady Gaga won Best New Artist. Haven't checked out Lady Gaga's latest album yet? Reserve it here!
BTW, what were your favorite moments?
September 14, 2009
Discover My Discoveries!
Have you checked out one of newest things in our catalog? It's called My Discoveries and it's all about you! You can now review, rate, tag, and create lists for books and other materials in the catalog. If you noticed that reviews are gone from the Express It page, it's because of My Discoveries -- which is SO MUCH BETTER for reviewing, etc. Trust me, once you start using My Discoveries -- you won't want to go back to anything else!
Learn more about it by watching this video.
What's my favorite thing to do with My Discoveries? I LOVE being able to create private lists of items that I want to eventually checkout or request. For example, let's say I already have five DVDs on request, but I know there are more movies I'd eventually like to request. I simply add them to my "to watch" list and as space frees up on my card -- I take DVDs from this list and move them over to my request list.
I also enjoy the tagging feature -- I really like seeing how other people tag stuff. The most hilarious and abundant example is for Twilight. Some of the tags for this book are pure comedy gold:
- awesomeness (haha!)
- baseball (that one small scene in the book warrants this tag???)
- dumb (obviously a different opinion than whoever tagged the book "awesomeness")
- klutz (a nod to Bella's clumsy ways, I'm sure)
...and the list goes on & on.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the catalog and set up your My Discoveries account today -- start adding even more crazy tags to Twilight or any other book. Go crazy with list making, write a ton of reviews. Do whatever you want! Remember it's all about you and your discoveries. Enjoy!
