Teen's documentary to tackle weighty local issue

When teachers give Will Means a choice, they can guess how he'll complete a creative project or report. "I'm just about always the one who will do a short movie," Means said.

Friends know this about him, too, having helped the Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School senior create fun and silly films during bouts of boredom. Now they've joined Means' latest effort. Only this time, he is serious.

"I'm kind of going into adulthood, taking on responsibility. I thought, 'Why don't I use the talent I have and try to help people out?' " Means said. "I kind of felt like doing something really good for the community before I graduated high school."

Born was Project H.A.P.I.N., which stands for Helping Athens People In Need.

Means and of his fellow students - Shelley Killeen, Zeb Taylor, Michael Wright, Sarah Casso and Mary Kate Fetch - have joined him in outlining goals for the independent film they hope will present a genuine picture of homelessness in Athens. Additionally, they want to document the construction of a children's shelter. Fundraising for the shelter is one of their aims, as well.

"We have a goal," Means said. "We're saying, "This is what the homeless situation is like; this is what you can do to help out.' "

Means, 18, was inspired to make an issues-oriented documentary after watching "Darius Goes West," a critically acclaimed film about an Athens teen with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and his cross-country journey with friends.

Fellow filmmaker and volunteer Killeen, along with a former religion teacher, led Means to consider homelessness as an important subject to document.

They didn't rush in with cameras, however. To prepare for the project, Means and his team members met resident activists, volunteered for food deliveries and became acquainted with some homeless people. Several have agreed to participate in his film as a result of his effort.

Their openness shocked Means, who already has completed several interviews on-camera.

"I'm as dumbfounded by it as you may be why they chose to open up to me," he said.

"The first couple I interviewed, t

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