A Mountain View musical production placed students inside a professional film studio as they created an original performance using industry equipment and collaborative production roles.
Mountain View High School students from several academic programs participated in a full-scale studio production Feb. 23 at Silver Dream Factory Studios. The project served as the annual Red Camera Training experience for the school’s Viking Informational Systems Technology Academy, known as VISTA.
Students from VISTA, theater, choir, and dance joined forces to produce an original project titled “Life is a Musical.” VISTA seniors wrote and directed the production while classmates handled performance, camera operation, lighting, sound, and stage design.
The training placed students on a professional soundstage where they used Red digital cinema cameras, studio lighting grids, and advanced sound equipment. Film industry professionals worked alongside teachers to mentor students during the shoot.
“This experience shows students what’s possible when they collaborate at a professional level,” VISTA instructor John Mann said. “They are not just learning about film production. They are doing the work in a real studio environment with professional expectations.”
Industry mentors included a director, director of photography, sound designer, and lighting specialists who guided students through each stage of the filming process.
Hands-On Studio Production Experience
The story follows a man who leaves home one morning and encounters townspeople who suddenly break into song. Each musical number moves him through different locations across the town.
Students from the stage technology and advanced theater programs wrote the songs featured in the film. Choir students joined the production for the first time this year and performed live musical numbers on camera. Dance students also contributed choreography to support the performances.
“It feels really nice to have a lead role,” Mountain View sophomore Robert Pascual Cano said. “I had no idea what I would play when I said I was interested, but I stayed open to the opportunity.”
Pascual Cano said the experience allowed students to work with equipment rarely available in a classroom.
“It has been a long day, but I am grateful to be on set learning with my peers and working with movie-level equipment,” he said.
Students also helped design sets and props used in the production. Several items were created using 3D printing technology as part of the art direction and production design process.
Preparing Students For Film Careers
The film concludes with a staged rain sequence that required coordinated lighting, sound design, and camera work. The scene tested the students’ ability to manage complex production elements in a studio setting.
Mountain View alumni who previously participated in the VISTA program returned to assist with the production. Their involvement allowed current students to see how the program supports future careers in film and media.
Through projects like the Mountain View musical production, the academy aims to prepare students for college programs and entertainment industry careers.
“This production highlights the power of collaboration and hands-on instruction,” El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “Our students are developing technical expertise, creativity, and confidence that will serve them well in college and their future careers.”
The story was reported with assistance from VMA Communications. Photos are credited to VMA Communications.
More information about the district’s career pathways is available at https://www.emuhsd.org.
