By Meryl Lim (25S05A), Chairperson

We are Light. We are Sound. Omnipresent and omnipotent, we are behind every school event but rarely seen — the unseen force that amplifies your favourite school events. 

More than that, we’re also storytellers, turning stories into reality — one frame at a time. 

We are Raffles Crew, and we don’t just work behind the scenes to bring every school event to life, we also breathe life into stories, visions, and ideas. 

Raffles Crew brings you the best of the worlds of Audio Visual Unit (AVU) and Raffles Film Society: From behind the scenes to behind the camera, our CCA lets you blend the technical and the creative. Now you can make an impact behind the stage and in front of the cameras, all in one CCA! 

On the more technical side…

Look up into the control rooms, and you’ll find us managing the lights and fine-tuning the sound. Look behind the stage and you’ll see us setting up equipment or micing up your favourite school band, perfecting every detail for a smooth performance. 

From National Day to Morning Assemblies, Raffles Crew provides support for almost every school event! Be it a symposium in the PAC, or a Teachers’ Day concert in the MPH, we’re always there behind the scenes ensuring the event runs smoothly. 

To shed more light on our role, Raffles Crew has a service component that provides technical support like lights, sound, and backstage to various school events.

Joining Raffles Crew gives you an exclusive backstage pass to your favourite events, and free tickets to your friends’ performances, adding a special touch to your experience.  

Along with our regular CCA sessions, we offer a flexible sign-up system, letting you choose which events you’d want to take on duties for. However, we do have a small minimum requirement (which can be hit really easily, trust). Any hours beyond that are counted as VIA hours!

On the more creative side…

The sky’s the limit! 

We hear of auteurs like Hitchcock, Tarantino, and Nolan, but their cinematic visions can only be brought to life with those whose names scroll past long after the theatre has been emptied. And between these people–no matter how small their roles–a shared invigoration and passion for filmmaking is borne, fed and flamed. 

You don’t need to aspire to be a great filmmaker or director to join us — We welcome film enthusiasts, amateur or professional, as long as you have a passion for film! 

More importantly, these two years in Raffles Crew with us will induct you into an everlasting community of friends, whose ties are strengthened through the shared undercurrent that is a love for all things film.

If you’re someone who thrives on creativity and action, don’t fret! You’ll learn the art of capturing fleeting moments, transforming your visions into film. You’ll also be empowered with the necessary skills and equipment to take your shots to the next level. 

 But we don’t just stay cooped up indoors, listening to film analysis for hours on end. While there is the occasional classroom theory lesson, more often than not, you’ll find yourself doing hands-on practice based on mini scenarios. 

Scripts are open to interpretation, and the world behind the lenses is your oyster to explore. Rest assured, you will be guaranteed creative liberty, along with the space, skills, equipment, and community to empower you, supporting you every step of the way.  

Sound enticing enough? 

Are you resilient, adaptable, and a team player? Do you have a passion for films? Then, Raffles Crew wants YOU!

Well, to be clear, you don’t have to like both the technical and creative side of our CCA. Whether you’re more drawn to the technical or creative aspects, one thing’s for sure: you’ll get a customisable experience that promises you the best of both worlds. While you’ll engage in both aspects, it’s up to you to find your balance.

Be it backstage or in a film set (hopefully both!), you’ll have a platform to let your talents and passions shine. 

So, if you want a Creative, Riveting, Extraordinary and Wonderful 2 years in RI, join us at Raffles CREW! 

Ultimately, even if the control rooms are freezing, you’ll get a warm and unique experience in Raffles Crew. Raffles Crew offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to better appreciate the intricacies of events and film as you witness rehearsals and tireless planning culminating into final spectacles. 

As TWICE once said, we’ll make you feel special —’ You are my shining light/ That’s what you do.’ (Yes, you can literally be the shining light in the PAC, MPH, and in a film set.) 

You can catch a glimpse of what we do on our instagram @raffles_crew and if you have any queries don’t hesitate to email us at raffles.crewri@gmail.com.

Special thanks to our AVU and Film Society seniors for their references, and Raffles Photographic Society for the Y5 batch photos.