By Linda Shepard
C & G Staff Writer

ROCHESTER HILLS — Film writing, acting, directing and editing became a dream fulfilled for 50 teens and pre-teens attending a recent film camp at Oakland University.

The camp was specifically designed for children with autism. Entertainer and filmmaker Joey Travolta led the two-week session, which concluded Aug. 22.

On the last day of camp, a rough cut of the student-produced film was shown. Each camper was interviewed on camera and asked a series of questions.

“What profession would you not like to do?” was answered by “grocery store clerk,” “policeman” and “soldier.” A question about “one wish” sparked humor like “living in Teletubbyland” and “unlimited tacos,” in addition to “Be like everyone else so I won’t be left behind.”

“If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?” elicited a response from one teen who said he’d like to hear, “Good job — thank you Bradley, I’ve really been proud of you and what you have done.”    

Travolta, the brother of John Travolta, said he used interview questions based on those asked by James Lipton on the television program “Inside the Actor’s Studio.” A final-cut camp film premiere is scheduled for Nov. 1 at OU. Tickets for the red carpet event will help support programs for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

According to the OU Center for Autism Research, Education and Support, which developed the film camp as an outreach effort, one in every 150 children in the United States is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“The film camp is pretty popular,” said Jenny Cloutier, center administrator. “This is our third year. We can only take 50 students; we always have a waiting list.”

Travolta said he became involved in the effort four years ago, when two women who had sons with autism approached him. They had heard about his former profession as a special education teacher. “They wanted to make a film from an autistic kid’s point of view,” Travolta said.

The idea grew, and Travolta said he has conducted seven separate film camps across the country this summer. “All the camps are for special needs children — mainly autism,” he said. “It’s about building confidence and giving kids the opportunity to express themselves.”

Luke Virgin, 14, of Dexter has attended Travolta’s OU film camp for the past three years. “I pitched a script” to Travolta last year, the teen said. “He did a version of it.”

Nancy Brooks, Luke’s mother, said she encouraged her son to attend the camp after seeing short films he made on his computer while in elementary school. “He likes to be behind the scenes and wants to work on editing,” Brooks said. “Joey has been an excellent mentor for him. They have a really nice relationship.”

“So many people tell (these students) that they can’t do something,” said film camp counselor Dale Oprandy. “Here, they step up to the plate and they perform. They do it all — on camera, editing. By the time they get out of camp, they are doing the job. We’ve seen some wonderful things happen.”

“These kids go for it,” Travolta said.

For more information about the film camp or the OU Center for Autism, research, Education and Support, visit www.oakland.edu/oucares or call (248) 370-2424.

You can reach Staff Writer Linda Shepard at lshepard@candgnews.com or at  (586) 498-1065.