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The newest addition to the catalog of Marblehead High School student films has been in production this summer. "Harmony," a short film, is directed by rising seniors Max Kane and Piper Browning.
The story follows a student band in the days before a major performance.
"It's about a student band and they are getting ready for a big performance, and they go through a couple things that cause a lot of tension, testing their relationships and priorities," Browning said.
Kane said the script also examines what pulls the characters apart.
"It's a lot about how different forms of isolation and self-isolation can lead to disconnect from others," Kane said.
Both directors credited "Gilded Lily," a student film that premiered at the Warwick this summer, as a major inspiration. Kane joined that production as its social media manager, drawing on a longtime interest, and later moved into the cast when the team was short an actor. Browning worked on set with audio, visual and other tasks, and described the experience as a way to meet and work alongside new people.
The production classes offered as electives at Marblehead High School are where both directors found their interest in directing. Browning took Advanced TV last year, and Kane has the course on his senior year schedule. Advanced TV is the final step in the production sequence at the school, giving students wide creative liberty and access to the filmmaking equipment on campus. Prerequisites include Studio Production or Field Production.
"I took Field Production my sophomore year," Kane said. "It's really those classes that, at the beginning for me, got me into this hobby, for now. I do want to go to film school, so it has turned into a little bit more than that."
The two directors assembled their own cast and crew, relying on close friends to act in the film and assist on set.
"Getting to write this story and do something that I've loved for so long has been really great," Browning said. "And seeing it come to life as we shift to editing has been great as well."
Browning also pointed to the access students have in Marblehead, and the opportunities available to young directors there.
"I feel really lucky that we are able to do this, because it is something not a lot of towns have, but it's a great way to build a community and make friends," Browning said.
Local businesses have opened their doors to the production as well.
"It is a little bit intimidating going and asking businesses if we could film there or where to film, but the community of Marblehead is so open to it like they always have been," Kane said. "It feels like the town has our back on this project."
Browning and Kane plan to keep working on the film through their senior year. "Harmony" is expected to premiere in 2027.
