All are welcome to the Spring 2011 Cru Film Project, Kick-Off Event in Brindley Auditorium, York Hall, Jan. 31, 5-6 p.m. Those who desire to serve as crew or cast for the spring student film are expected to attend the Kick- off Event, Jan. 31. Further, for those wanting to audition for roles, they are also expected to attend an audition workshop Feb. 1 at 3:30- 5 p.m. Brindley Auditorium, York Hall.
The basic purpose of UMHB Student Film Productions is to provide students and associates hands-on experiences in the process of producing films from script to screen. UMHB film students are involved in every stage of the process. The UMHB Film Program involves student participation in authentic film production processes so that they are prepared to work on film sets and on film productions in real-world work.
This script-to-screen process begins in the UMHB screenwriting course in which each student produces a short screenplay. UMHB Film Faculty then select screenplays for production. Currently, they have selected a comedic, short screenplay, Choice Decision (working title) written by Sadie Meador, UMHB Film Student. UMHB Film Faculty has identified Senior Film Student, Ashley Ramirez, as the Student Director. At the Kick-Off Event, Jan. 31, 2011, the film production process will be outlined, expectations explained, and the following materials will be distributed: calendars, job descriptions, crew applications, sample resumes for auditions and applications…
Choice Decision is about college student, Dan, who on a Murphy's Law type of morning, runs into his own personal fairy godfather with a proposition to continue in his own chaotic life and be responsible for fixing his problems or use the godfather's magic to live his dreams in an instant. Dan chooses magic and begins a journey not unlike James Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life.
Here is the character breakdown for Choice Decision:
DAN is a male in his 20’s. He has an average build, preferably with long enough hair to make it messy. He doesn't have to appear ultra-fit, but the role will involve physical challenges such as running and light stunts. The actor playing Dan should be equally comfortable with physical comedy and touching dramatic moments. Dan is a good guy, but must see his life as it affects others in order to understand that laziness and irresponsibility keep him from his dreams.
DOUG is a male in his 50’s to 60’s. This is a character role. He has character physicality. He could be short and round, heavy and bald, super tall and thin… He appears in the story as a college janitor. Like a guardian angel, he has been sent to help Dan with a lesson about taking the easy way out. The actor playing Doug should be comfortable with physical comedy. He should be able to show a Santa Claus-like gentleness. He often has a twinkle in his eye.
LINDSEY is Dan’s girlfriend. She is in her 20’s with average physicality and possibly wears glasses. Lindsey first appears in the script at the end of her rope, when Dan is apathetic as to what is important. The actress playing Lindsey should have the ability to portray both ultra-realistic connection with another actor. She also needs to play someone who is completely distant, vacant-faced, robotically disconnected (when her emotions are removed).
PROFESSOR Preston is a male or female in late 40’s to 60’s or more. Physicality is open. He or she plays a Ph.D. in English Literature. and is seen in the story giving Dan both an F and an A. The actor playing Dr. Preston should have the ability to play the educator not afraid of tough love, as well as the passionate subject expert who can light up when others get it.
SUSAN is in her 20’s to 30’s. She is peppy and a people-pleaser.
COLLEGE STUDENTS extras of various ages, ethnicities, and types are needed for the campus and the classroom.
For more information see http://dianehoward.com/UMHB_Film_Program.htm
Key Dates in Choice Decision Production Schedule:
1.31.2011 (Mon. ) – KICK OFF – 5 p.m. in Brindley Auditorium, York Hall, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, TX- for all involved in the spring film project (Project explained. Calendars, job descriptions, crew applications, sample resumes… distributed)
2.1- Audition Workshop- 3:30- 5 p.m. in Brindley Auditorium- Read script, practice slating and auditioning with a reader
2.7 (Mon) – 4 p.m. – Auditions – Brindley
2.8 (Tues) – 3 p.m. – Deadline for Crew Applications
2.9 (Weds) – Cast/Crew announced
Week of 2.7.2011 – Directors/Producers/Technical Advisors/Crews - All staff, crew positions filled. Work assignments coordinated.
TRAINING: 2.24-25.2011 (Thurs/Fri) [times/locations TBD]
SHOOT: Weekend of 2.25-27.2011 – Filming
2.28-4.2011 – Transition footage to post production. Photos to Art classes.
3.14 (Mon) – Rough Cut finished
4.18 (Mon.) – Screening on campus, Brindley Auditorium, York Hall, 4 p.m.
4.19 (Tues.) – Screening on campus, Lord Conference Center, Parker Hall,11a.m.
2011 Spring Film Production, Staff & Crew- Job Descriptions:
Co-Producers -Dr. Howard is responsible for the budget, staffing, and pr;
Professor Teel- is involved in all aspects of the filmmaking process.
Film Supervisor (Step Rowe) (Christian Welch- intern P.A. to Step Rowe & Script Supervisor)- development of shooting script with director, training for actors before the shoot, and coaching actors during the film shoot.
Student Director (Ashley Ramirez) is responsible under the guidance of their supervisors for making creative filmmaking decisions and translating the screenplays into the images and sounds of short films. The student director makes up the Shot Lists and Shooting Schedules with the assistance of the 1st AD and under the supervision of their professional mentors.
Script Supervisor (Christina Welch)- Keeps records of details of the scenes being shot. Reads the script and makes notes about action that needs to happen in a scene and what cast members, props, costumes or other elements are required . Notes changes to the script. Finalizes changes to a script during production, retyping the script, and distributing it. Watches for continuity of script and filming.
First Assistant Director, 1st AD (Stephen Webster) works with the student director (and professional mentors) to assistant them to be more efficient. The A.D.s plan shooting schedules by breaking the script into sections for filming in single days and in the most efficient order. During filming, the A.D. s manage the set, help line up shots for the director, and call for quiet on the set. They coordinate the extras.
Second Assistant Director, 2nd AD (open to applicants) works with the tasks delegated to the 1st AD. The 2nd AD may also direct background action and extras, as well as assist the 1st AD with scheduling. The 2nd AD may create Call Sheets that clarify to crew the schedule and details about shooting days.
Director of Photography or Cinematographer (Dan Parsons) creates the look of a movie. The D.P. directs the lighting for each scene, helps frame shots, chooses lenses, selects film stock and ensures that the visual look of the film conforms to the director's vision.
Editor (Coley Taylor ) works with the director in editing the film. The director has the primary responsibility for editing decisions, but the editor often has significant input in the creative decisions involved in putting together a final cut of a movie. (Assistant Editor- Trey Hazelton)
Cameraman is usually is a member of the camera crew and runs the camera as instructed by the director and the cinematographer. The camera operator is responsible for keeping the action in frame, and responding quickly to the action as it unfolds. (Keilani Middleton- First Camera Operator, Lizzi Covert- Second Camera Operator)
Gaffer (Lauryn McCoy- Dan's P.A. and intern) is the chief electrician on the set, and is responsible for lighting the set according to the instructions of the cinematographer.
Grip (Lauryn McCoy- Dan's P.A. and intern) creates shadow effects with lights and operate camera cranes, dollies and platforms as directed by the cinematographer.
Location Manager (open to applicants) decides what locations are necessary for the film, then scouts for them. The location manager visits possible locations and takes pictures to help the director find the best setting. After locations are chosen, the location manager acquires all the permits and permissions necessary for filming. The Location Manager can also serve as the Base Camp Manager.
Powder/ Wardrobe Crew (open to applicants) keep faces powdered during shooting and supervises wardrobe.
Production Assistants (open to applicants) often called a runner on the set, the production assistants (P.A.s) perform small but essential tasks for the cast and crew...we'll need plenty for our project. (Christian Welch- intern P.A. to Step Rowe)
Sound Crew- work with DP (open to applicants) on set to assure good sound coverage.
Composer (Jonathan Pederson) writes original music to be heard in the film.
Craft Services (open to applicants) responsible for coffee, beverages, snacks, and meals as needed on the set. They also perform various small chores. They will work with Dr. Howard on the budget and funding.
Transportation- Mrs. Teel usually arranges a 15pax van or smaller as needed to transport students.
Credits- Mrs. Teel watches on set to see who is performing what tasks to assist in updating the crew credits
Post Production-
Editor- DVD author to create the DVD for the finished movie
(Editor- Coley Taylor, Assistant Editor- Trey Hazelton)
Open to Applicants- Graphic Artists; Behind Scenes Videographer, Editor; Still Photographer
Contact Dr. Diane Howard or Professor Donna Teel at UMHB with questions.
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