Freeport students film production of 'It's a Wonderful Life'

The show must go on.

For Freeport Area High School students, not even the covid-19 pandemic could ruin a Christmas play. This year, a group of about 30 students filmed a movie adaptation of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which will be available to rent online.

Tom Koharchik, the movie’s producer and choir director for the middle and high schools, said he was determined to make sure students would get to perform this year, regardless of coronavirus restrictions.

“This year, because of covid and all of the restrictions and whatnot, we weren’t able to have a live show,” Koharchik said. “Over the summer, I’d been thinking about how we could still do something. Making a movie seemed like the best way.”

Last year, students got to perform the spring play only once before covid-19 forced them to cancel their remaining shows.

Koharchik didn’t want the students to have to miss out on any more opportunities to perform.

“They lost that opportunity, and they lost a lot of other things they looked forward to during their high school time,” he said. “I figured if there’s anything I can do to give a sense of normalcy and to give these students an opportunity to perform, we should do it.”

Students auditioned via Zoom and participated in several virtual practices before they began filming the movie, which took about two-and-a-half weeks.

They shot scenes around the Freeport community, including locations at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Freeport United Methodist Church, Charlton Law Office and a few homes on Fourth Street, where many buildings matched the period.

“The community came together in such a great way to allow us to film in all these spots, and everyone we worked with was so supportive,” Koharchik said. “That’s just the way the town is. It’s a very small-community, close-knit group.

“Our video’s going to do a really good job highlighting that sense of community.”

But filming a movie brought several challenges they wouldn’t normally face on a stage, Koharchik said. They had to contend with weather conditions, the fact it got dark by early evening and the sounds of cars, lawn mowers and construction.

“We were just trying to be patient with those variables that we couldn’t control,” Koharchik said. “When you’re in an auditorium, you just shut the door and you have complete control of the environment. You don’t get that outside.”

Despite new challenges, Koharchik said, students rose to the occasion.

“They were just excited about a new project. This is the first time we’ve put on a movie, so it was a learning curve for everybody,” Koharchik said.

He let the students make creative decisions and take the lead in orchestrating the film.

They also collaborated with the school’s television production program, BeeTV, for help with the technology and editing aspects. Senior Joel Wilson is spearheading the editing side of making the movie, Koharchik said.

The students are eager to share their work, Koharchik said. Having the movie available online means that anyone can access it — even those who may not have been able to attend a live show in person.

“The students worked really hard and it would be rewarding to share that with others,” Koharchik said. “The support (viewers) give by purchasing a ticket will help us do performances in the future.”

Viewers can rent the movie for the weekend of Dec. 11 through Dec. 13 for $10. Tickets are available now.

“I think it’s a good example of how, given adversity and different situations, if you think creatively and persevere, you can find a way to overcome any obstacle,” Koharchik said. “We had to approach things differently than normal, but we were all committed to it and the result’s going to be good.”