Overview
Turn Around is the story of a high school softball player, Kate. On the varsity team as a freshman, Kate struggles to find herself in a sport that often scrutinizes player's and their sexuality. There’s a stereotype in softball: If you don’t wear a bow in your hair, you must be gay. As ridiculous as that sounds, its a perception of the sport that persists, especially in the south.
Our story begins when a new girl from out of town named Jamie joins Kate's high school softball team. Jamie's inexperience to southern culture and its rigid views on femininity makes Kate begin to question the gender norms she has always gone alone with and the absurd role a hair accessory has come to play in her and her teammates’ lives.
Fall in the south brings two things: Hot weather and the infamous Homecoming ask. With the dance quickly approaching, Kate anxiously waits for someone to go with. Thankful for Kate, her best friend Madison has high school on lock, and the perfect date in mind. Flawless eyeliner, killer confidence, and a starting position on the team is all Madison ever needed to take Kate under her wing. But when Jamie enters the picture, Kate begins to see Madison for who she truly is. The closer Jamie and Kate become, the farther Madison and Kate drift. Unlike the other girls on the team, Jamie doesn't wear a bow in her hair. Nor does she see a problem with asking Kate to homecoming...Do you?
Turn Around seeks to shed light on a perspective that is often overlooked in the typical high school drama. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to sexuality, and no hair accessory can even begin to tackle the complex nuances of desire. It is in these everyday experiences, like those in Turn Around, where girls work to understand who they are, and who they are not.
The Impact
Filmmaking is expensive, and to tell this story, our student run crew needs your help! Budget categories include props and costumes, actor travel, crew meals, and festival entries, and location permit fees.
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If you are able to contribute to our production, we have some awesome perks for you. See the sidebar for more info.
Crew
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Kelsey Schmitt is the Writer and Director of Turn Around. She is a senior Creative Media major and general business minor at the University of Alabama. Having played softball for 8 years, this story is near and dear to her heart. She has a passion for authentic storytelling and supporting women in any way she can.
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Mack McCollum is the Director of Photography for Turn Around. He is a Senior at the University of Alabama who works at the Center for Public Television. His most recent project won three gold Addys, including the judges choice for cinematography.
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Caroline Moore is a Co-Producer of Turn Around. She is a Production and Business Management major. She will be going to a grad school of choice in the Fall, for Creative Producing. She enjoys positivity and stories that shake things up.
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Kylie Long is a Co-Producer of Turn Around. She is a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in Creative Media. She has worked on a number of films with her peers, and is excited to bring the story of Turn Around to life.
Timeline
Shooting Dates: April 16 - 19, 2020
The film will reach completion in Fall 2020
How to Help
We will take support in any way that is offered! Whether that be through sharing this page, sending us encouragement, or supporting our production financially, anything you are able to give is sincerely appreciated! We hope you will join us in making this film a reality!
