The Global Search for Education: Behind the Scenes of Best Summer Ever with Lauren Smitelli and Michael Parks Randa

Posted By C. M. Rubin on Sep 11, 2024

This month, audiences can screen Best Summer Ever on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.

Best Summer Ever, directed by Lauren Smitelli and Michael Parks Randa, follows aspiring dancer Tony (Ricky Wilson Jr.) and shy Sage (Shannon DeVido) at Zeno Mountain Farm. Their summer romance leads Sage to a new school where she must overcome social challenges and win over Tony. This feel-good film celebrates love, friendship, and inclusion.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Lauren Smitelli and Michael Parks Randa.

Michael, your extensive background in special needs education is impressive. How did this experience influence your approach to working with the actors with disabilities in the film?

Michael: Growing up at The Life Experience School, which my parents ran at my childhood home from 1971 to 2022, was instrumental in shaping my worldview and recognizing the power of inclusion. I learned to adapt to the specific needs and personalities of each individual, similar to growing up with a sibling or best friend. Tapping into the strengths of an individual while creatively problem-solving around areas that may require support is the job of a director when working with any talent, so working with our talent with disabilities on Best Summer Ever was really no different.

The film’s style resembles a Disney Channel musical with a unique edge. What were your main artistic influences in creating Best Summer Ever?

Michael: I came from a background of directing music videos, so I’ve always loved the intersection of film, music, and choreography. Best Summer Ever paid homage to great musicals like Grease, Footloose, and even High School Musical. My favorite musical as a kid was A Muppet Christmas Carol, so the trolling football announcers Phil and Eric were a nod to the cantankerous duo of Statler and Waldorf from The Muppet Show who were always heckling from the orchestra box.

Portraying disabilities with such normalcy is rare in films. How did the concept for this inclusive project originate?

Michael: When I first linked up with Zeno Mountain Farm back in 2006, they were already spearheading a range of inclusive projects. From producing guerilla-style short films to writing and recording music, they created this infectious community that radiated positivity and integrated inclusion into literally everything they did. Best Summer Ever was the product of building upon what they had already been successfully doing and trying to bring it to a wider audience.

Lauren, given your involvement with Zeno Mountain Farm prior to the film, how did you pitch the idea of shooting a movie within this community?

Lauren: My previous involvement with Zeno Mountain Farm provided a strong foundation and understanding of their inclusive mission. When we decided to shoot Best Summer Ever, we pitched the idea by highlighting the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and spirit within the community. We emphasized that the film would not only entertain but also serve as a powerful statement on the normalcy of disabilities and the beauty of inclusion.

Thank you Lauren and Michael!