Chase Oliver '16 Receives 'Best Documentary' Award

Chase Oliver ‘16 received The Silver Tripod Award for Best Documentary at the University Of North Florida and placed in the top 16 films out of 72 submissions. His documentary "Hand Out Of Pocket" follows a college band, led by guitarist and vocalist Matthew Flynn, who only has one hand. Chase, who took film classes while at Benjamin, says he has been interested in filmmaking since the time his parents bought him a camera when he was twelve.
 
“I always have made films for fun, but about two years ago I really started to dive more into video production. I changed my major over Christmas break this year to Multimedia for Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship,” Oliver says. Oliver says his experience as a Benjamin student prepared him for life in a multitude of ways.

“I learned discipline and responsibility. I learned how to effectively communicate with professionals and build relationships with my professors. Taking Mr. Archer’s classes really helped me get a background in production. I have always made videos for fun but I have just recently realized I want to make a career out of it,” says Oliver. He says his dream project would be to travel the world making videos, and one day direct/produce a movie.

Director of Multimedia Productions Ken Archer says Oliver displayed a unique passion for TV and filmmaking that was evident very early.

"His ability to not just grasp the storytelling and filmmaking concepts, but to expand on them led to him producing a short film that was far above anything seen in the beginning TV class.  To this day, his first project in that class is used as a positive learning tool for the students in the program. The fact that Chase is using the skills he acquired here at Benjamin and is putting them to use in the 'real world,' with such great results, makes me a very proud and satisfied teacher.  I can honestly say I am not surprised of the accolades he is receiving, and look forward to seeing what lies ahead for Chase," says Archer.

Archer says the television program at Benjamin is so much more than preparing students for a Broadcast/Film major in college.

"We are preparing all students, regardless of their major, for life in general.  We incorporate a 21st Century skill set into a hands-on, project based, fun curriculum that serves to teach each student what is being called the key components to functioning in today's workforce (Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Collaboration and Teamwork).  Students leave this program and Benjamin with the skills needed to not only function in today's college environment or workplace, but to be successful as well," says Archer.


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A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
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