NEWBURGH – Lauren Budd has made her story, “Hidden,” into a film at Windover Art Center. She is the winner of the Windover Filmmaker’s Prize. “Hidden” is a story about aliens who crash on earth and the children who help the aliens to return to their world. That may sound similar to another story, but Budd’s story has a twist.

The Windover Filmmaker’s Prize is a writing contest. Each year one story is chosen based on originality and made into a film.

Using Windover’s equipment and under the guidance of the Windover instructors, Budd experiences all aspects of making her film. First, it’s get the script ready and schedule auditions. Twelve students signed up to try out for the parts. By noon the decisions are made. Everyone gets a part.

Tuesday morning, it’s costume time. Budd is able to find some costumes that work and others that can be modified. Plans are made for masks and props.

By Wednesday they’re ready for filming. First period: film scenes one and three. Second period is the scene where the kids meet the aliens. Footage is imported into the computer and will be ready for editing.

Thursday morning brings the job of cutting all unnecessary footage and piecing together scenes in the right order. In the afternoon scene two has to be re-shot, imported and added.

Friday morning sound effects and titles are created.

The art show at Windover is Friday afternoon. Parents arrive and fill the Birch Tree Theater. Budd is introduced and her movie is shown to the parents and Windover students.

River City Cinema will show Budd’s film this fall in Bangor for the general public, date to be announced.

Budd had done some filming with her cousin using her grandmother’s camera, but this was her first experience working with deadlines and editing. Budd seemed calm and focused. She said that she probably won’t make a career of filmmaking but would like to continue to write screenplays.

For more information about Windover, visit www.windoverartcenter.org or call 234-4503.