January 17, 2025
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Production is underway on the second film written, cast and directed by Smyrna High School students.
Students in the school’s Audio/Visual Production program taught by Kyle Dietz released "The Strings Attached" in the spring of 2024. Opening night included a red-carpet entrance and the movie went on to sell out multiple screenings in the weeks that followed.
Titled “REAL,” the new film explores the line between technology and humanity in a world where technological advancements often outpace ethics. Through main characters Dante and Ben, the movie offers a powerful commentary on what it is to be human.
Dietz said the new project is an “ambitious next step” for students and Rock School Studios, the film division of the AV program.
“After the incredible response to the first film, we’re excited to raise the bar and tackle a compelling new story that highlights the extraordinary talent, vision, and collaboration of our students," Dietz said.
Students lead every aspect of the filmmaking process, including writing, costume, cinematography and editing. Production began in November, with filming taking place at various locations in the Smyrna area.
The movie stars Smyrna High students Marquise Martin, Daniel Fuller and Ethar Karakira. Co-stars are students Mackenzie Stephenson, Justus McNeese, Ava Eckenrode, Kash Schleeter, Nicholas Shirah, teacher Dr. Martin Burgess and office secretary Erica Jones.
The crew is led by Gavin Averhoff, director; Aidan Jones, assistant director; Xavier Miller, cinematographer; Miley Singharath, assistant camera; Christian Keye, videographer; Noah Panek, script supervisor Mickael Nabil, sound recordist; and Nick Wise, gaffer.
Averhoff and Martin both played key roles in "The Strings Attached,” which earned honors for Best Director, Best Cinematographer and Best Actor/Actress at the 2024 Rutherford County Student Media Awards.
A two-night Red Carpet premiere is scheduled for April 22 and 23 at the Smyrna Malco Cinema. The film will screen for several weeks at Malco before heading to Amazon Prime.
For more information about REAL and ways to support it, visit shsproductions.net or on social media platforms @REAL_Movie25.
Photos by Keegan Dietz/Dietz Photography
Main photo: Smyrna High students Gavin Averhoff and Xavier Miller discuss a shot on the set of "REAL." Averhoff serves as director and Miller is cinematographer.
Photo 2: "REAL" Director Gavin Averhoff reviews a scene on set.
Photo 3: Marquise Martin acts out a scene during filming for "REAL."
Photo 4: Gavin Averhoff watches playback of a scene.
Photo 5: Assistant Camera Miley Singharath slates a scene on the set of "REAL," the second feature film created by Smyrna High students.