Shout it Out

The Voices Project Movie
To begin fifty town tour of Vermont beginning late June 2008!
Please check back in late May for summer schedule of tour dates
For more information call Bess at 802-592-3190

History of "Shout it Out"-the Voices Project Movie

Kingdom County Productions is proud to announce that it will be producing "Shout it Out" The Voices Project Movie. The film is based on the acclaimed and successful Voices Project theatre production that toured Vermont during the fall of 2005.

The film was shot this summer in Jericho Vermont, primarily on location at Mount Mansfield Union High School. Approximately 100 Vermont youth were involved in the film shoot. The feature film is based on the original musical that toured to thirteen towns across Vermont and was based on writings by Vermont teenagers with original music by teens. The stories and characters were developed during an intensive, yearlong statewide research phase in which more than 1000 teens participated.

The touring production of Voices garnered rave reviews and a feature story in The New York Times. Comments included:

"The Voices Project is insightful, evocative and remarkable in scope."
--- The Burlington Free Press

"Enlightning! The Voices Project is a slice of life in rural Vermont high schools, brilliantly articulated and authentic."
--- Seven Days

The Voices Project also won the prestigious 2005 Vermont Community Award from the Vermont Agency of Human Services for excellence in transforming and improving the lives of Vermonters.

The Voices Project tour deeply affected audiences and created a palpable sense of empowerment for teens.

KCP believes that a powerful film, based on the play, can reach a broader audience.

We believe that the stories told in the film express universal themes that open up dialogue between adults and teens. By touring the film, the stories can affect change in the overall perception of teens and their concerns. Ultimately, the movie will be a vehicle for teen voice and empowerment-a testimony to the authentic stories and artistic expressions of young people.

The film will tour to fifty Vermont towns during 2008. Beyond Vermont, KCP will submit the film to national film festivals and tour the film into New England. KCP will also work to acquire a national theatrical distribution deal. The film and discussion guide will be made available to all Vermont schools and New England schools and teen centers.

Distribution of the film and study guide to schools and teen centers:
Teenagers in Vermont are overwhelmed with negative and inappropriate media messages regarding youth. Many teenagers rarely see their own lives portrayed in the media, through film and television. Teens growing up in Vermont rarely see their rural lives reflected in the media of MTV, Hollywood movies and pop culture.

Through the Voices, teens will be given a platform to speak the truth of their lives. By giving voice to local teens, other teens watching the film will feel empowered, bolstered and empathize with the stories told.

The film was shot during the summer of 2007. Editing of the film will be carried out during the fall of 2007, with release and distribution starting in the spring of 2008. The film will be about 90 minutes long and tour to fifty towns in Vermont during summer and fall 2008.