New Movie Shows Life of US Teachers　(1/3)

The teachers' world came to life in an actual Austin high school with students playing the roles of students and even a few teachers and administrators mixing in with the actors playing teachers.

Two former Austin high school teachers, actor Chris Mass and director Mike Akel came up with the idea for the film and developed the characters together.

The film begins with the statement that 50 percent of teachers leave the profession within three years, which is the issue Mike Akel wanted to explore. "Chris and I had always heard, 'If you can make it past your third year, you might have a chance.' You know, veteran teachers would tell us that."

The film shows the challenges that confront" class="hjdict" word="confront" target=_blank>confront teachers, but it does so with a subtle and wry humor. "It is painful and funny. As an artist, I think that is what we are called to do is expose truth in a loving way."

"Chalk" was shot in documentary style with actors improvising most of their lines. Akel says this style of acting required the crew to improvise" class="hjdict" word="improvise" target=_blank>improvise as well.