South Kent School students recently had the unique opportunity to step behind the camera and into the world of professional filmmaking, as our Photography & Digital Media class, along with members of the Advanced Media Group, participated in an immersive, hands-on course led by Emmy Award-winning alumnus John Miller ’08.
Now based in Houston, Texas, Miller returned to the Hillside with a meaningful purpose: to film footage for an upcoming documentary on fellow South Kent alumnus Isaiah Thomas ’08, a professional basketball player and 2x NBA All-Star. The project not only brought real-world filmmaking experience to campus but also created a powerful full-circle moment for both alumni and students alike.
For Miller, coming back to South Kent was about more than just the project.
“The Hillside had a profound impact on me, and this was just one way I could give back,” he shared.
Throughout the experience, students were not simply observers; they were active collaborators. Miller encouraged them to think creatively, contribute ideas, and engage in the storytelling process.
“The students actually helped me a lot in the storytelling experience. I provided them the opportunity to have creative input, and in return, I received several great shots of the campus that I wouldn’t have captured otherwise.”
In addition to gaining hands-on experience, students’ contributions may extend far beyond the classroom. The on-campus footage they helped capture, through camera operation, shot composition, and creative direction, positions them for inclusion in the film’s credits should the documentary be picked up by a major distributor such as ESPN or The Players’ Tribune. It’s a rare and meaningful opportunity for students to see their work recognized on a professional stage.
Moments like these highlighted not only the students’ growing technical skills, but also their confidence and creativity; qualities that are continually nurtured on the Hillside. Above all, the experience reflected the joy of the creative process and the supportive environment that makes it possible.
“We had fun. It’s fun to be creative, and I think SKS provides an environment where it’s safe to be yourself.”
By blending professional-level work with student collaboration, this immersive course exemplified the kind of hands-on, meaningful learning that defines the South Kent experience, where alumni return to inspire, and students are empowered to create.
