Behind the Scenes: The Making of The Trials of Balance
This school year, the High School Studio at The Forest School has been hard at work on an ambitious film project that showcases their creativity, storytelling, and collaboration. Senior hero Oswin Thigpen, the film’s director and writer, shared insights into the journey of bringing The Trials of Balance to life.
A Story of Growth and Transformation
The Trials of Balance follows a troublesome high school class that is unexpectedly thrust into an alternate reality. Guided by mystical trials set by ancient beings, each student must confront their personal flaws to achieve growth and restore balance. It’s a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the challenges of change.
Oswin recalls how the idea took shape: “The very first idea thrown out by my group was from Sam G., who wanted the story to have disappearing in it. That prompted the whole idea for the first edition of the story. We ended up doing a full rewrite, however, and only loosely kept the original idea, mainly using the same characters.” The final concept was decided through a studio vote and expert input, ensuring it resonated with the entire team.
The Process of Bringing the Vision to Life
From the start, the filmmaking process has been an engaging challenge for Oswin and the team. “For me, the most exciting part is creating the shots to tell the story,” Oswin says. “Figuring out how to frame a character or subject, knowing how long to spend on them, how to light them—it’s all a big problem to solve, and I find that very engaging.”
With any creative project, obstacles are inevitable. One of the biggest challenges has been working within a budget, especially since the film is a period piece. Fortunately, a network of expert mentors has helped the team navigate these challenges. “Our amazing experts have been a huge help with that,” Oswin shares. “They’ve guided us on how to make the most of our resources.”
Collaboration is at the heart of the production. Roles were assigned through an open discussion and vote, allowing students to take ownership of different aspects of filmmaking. “We sat down and went over what all the roles meant, and then each person was able to put in their preference. We then voted to ensure the best fit.”
One particularly memorable moment was the day nearly ten industry experts came to support the team. “There was one to two per department, and collectively, so much learning happened for the heroes that day,” Oswin recalls.
Industry Experts Who Made an Impact
A powerful aspect of this project has been the incredible support from seasoned professionals in the film and entertainment industry. The heroes were able to work closely with over a dozen experts who generously gave their time, guidance, and encouragement. These mentors brought real-world insights that helped shape every aspect of the production—from writing and directing to costuming and camera work.
Heroes had the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with:
Katy Warren – Digital Marketing and Production Coordinator
Darren Genet – Cinematographer, Producer, Director
Keshia Knight Pulliam – Actress, Director, Producer
Brad James – Actor, Stuntman, Producer
Brennan Maxwell – Camera and Electrical Department, Cinematographer, Director
Shawn Decierdo – Actor
Christina Wren – Producer, Actor, and Writer
Demetrius Wren – Director, Producer, and Editor
Ebony Ison – Art Department
Demi Dixon – Make-up and Hair Department Head
Chloe Bernard – Director and Producer
Danielle King – 1st Assistant Director
Monique – Wardrobe and Stylist
Samuel Druhora – Actor, Producer, and Music Artist
Tatyana Ali – Actress (best known as Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
Monique Lauren Peters – Costume and Wardrobe Department, Casting Department, and Costume Designer
Dan Seith and Amanda Ray – Trilith Institute
Their guidance not only helped elevate the production value of The Trials of Balance but also deepened the students’ understanding of the film industry as a whole.
Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork
This project is not just about making a film—it’s about growth as filmmakers, storytellers, and teammates. “I personally am being challenged in that I have to relinquish important roles to others,” Oswin admits. “As the director, I can only do so much alone. I need to teach others how to do the job and then let them do it, rather than try and fail to do it myself.”
A key takeaway from the experience has been the power of networking and resourcefulness. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is from Ms. A: Ask around! So far, she has brought 15 industry experts to help us out in this project, many of whom she had never met before. Through making countless phone calls, she’s made so much of this possible.”
Looking Ahead: The Premiere and Beyond
As The Trials of Balance nears completion, the excitement is building for its premiere. The team is planning to showcase it on the big screen under the Hands in Trilith, a moment that will mark the culmination of their year-long efforts. Additionally, they plan to submit the film to festivals, sharing their work with a wider audience.
Oswin hopes that viewers walk away reflecting on their own growth. “I hope the audience leaves the film wondering what their ‘Trial’ would be—what their biggest flaw is and how it would be challenged.”
This project has been a testament to the dedication and creativity of The Forest School’s high school studio. With teamwork, perseverance, and a strong vision, they have created something truly special—one that will leave a lasting impact on both the team and the audience.