The future of the film club looks bright
Posted by The Skyliner on March 25th, 2009Leasy Sandal
Staff Writer
On Feb. 23, the film club at North Greenville University held an exciting meeting. Using the convenience of Skype, a free internet source that allows friends to communicate with each other regardless of any distance, they interviewed their first guest speaker.
Scott Derrickson, director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and The Day the Earth Stood Still, informed the students about Hollywood directing and excitement. Kimberly Robinson, alumni, contacted Professor Shur Gopal, the faculty advisor and facilitator for the film club, and helped him contact Derrickson.
“Derrickson spent an hour talking face to face with the students on the importance of storyline, pitching and career prospects in Hollywood,” Gopal said. “It was so nice of Scott to give an hour of his time to the NGU Film Club, answering every question the students had.”
Carmen Miller, president of the film club, is looking forward to the future of the club. The club allows all students interested in film to learn more information and technology, as well as enables them to pursue their goals for a future career.
“Hollywood is a very small, elite community that is very hard to get into unless the person has connections,” Miller said.
The conversation with Derrickson allowed students to understand the difficulties Hollywood possesses for those interested in feature films.
“There are many aspects to work in a feature film, the hardest is becoming a director,” Miller said.
The meeting began with Miller announcing plans for the club’s future meetings. Gopal accessed Skype and Derrickson held an hour long question and answer session with the eager students.
The film club’s next meeting was held on Monday, March 23. Miller is anxiously making plans to interview Dr. Phil Cooke via Skype.
“We are most likely going to be having a workshop on shot compositions,” Miller said. “Mostly this semester, we will be working on putting stories together and scripting. In the fall, our goal is to start producing short films.”
Miller’s enthusiasm would lead one to believe that she has been the film club president for a long time now. In reality, this is the film club’s first semester. Shawn Stom came up with the idea of a film club for the University last semester. Unfortunately, he is unable to be here this spring. Miller has headed up the club and Chris Timmons and Brad Cole serve as vice-presidents.
Towards the end of the semester, the film club will hold a film festival. Formal dress and a live band will provide an atmosphere similar to the Oscar’s. Anyone over the age of 18 was invited to submit one five minute, ten minute or 30 minute film by Monday, March 23, 2009.
The films will be judged and evaluated on March 30 and 31. The top five winners of each category will be open to the public.