It all began a few weeks ago when posters went up and student teams began registering for the event. This year, six student teams signed up for this race against the clock. Nearly all 21 students were first-time participants, and many were just a couple of months into their first video production course! Prof. Chris Fletcher and I could feel both excitement and nerves when we all gathered last Friday for the kick-off event.
Film Co.'s student officers organized the event, but they asked Chris and me to develop the prompts so they could participate without knowing what to expect. Last year, Chris and I provided unique props and genres for each team. Although students requested the same approach this year, we made one small change. Groups were chosen in random order and allowed to select their genre from the options available. It was only after this choice that the accompanying prop was revealed. Once the student crews were armed with props, genres, and equipment, the clock started.
On Monday night, students, staff, and visitors gathered in Simpson Auditorium to watch the movies. After the screening, we voted for our favorites and announced the winner: Piece of Surprise, a mockumentary by Brady Geisler, Tatiana Timberg, Julian Hagblom, and Mason Graven. Several student filmmakers participated in a Q&A before the evening concluded with a reception.
We were proud of Film Co. for organizing and promoting another great event! Here's a quick summary of each film and the student crew members who worked on it:
Saving Agent 3
A missing agent prompts a physical confrontation in this surprisingly whimsical take on the action genre.
Prompt: Eidelweiss Music Box, Action
Team: Amber Franson, Kendra Kitzman, Jude Wilkins, Kenny Black
The Box
When a mysterious trunk appears with news from the future, one brave student decides to investigate.
Prompt: Vintage Trunk, Magical Realism
Team: Joshua Guo, Willow Hoff, Tytus Xiong
Before Mom Gets Home.
A first-time babysitter discovers that keeping things under control is easier said than done...
Prompt: Piggy Bank, Coming of Age
Team: Cate Knapp, Lizzie Knapp, Selah Martineau, Paul Hasford
Test 47
In an experiment that defies time and space, will Test Subject 27 finally get it right?
Prompt: Locket, Body Swap
Team: Atalie Druga, Natalia Beerman, Zach Adams
The Last Hour
A flash of red, a mysterious encounter, and a one-of-a-kind villain set the stage for this monster movie.
Prompt: Rolling Pin, Monster Movie
Team: Jonathan Dube, Noah Larson, Sam Williams
Piece of Surprise
Mishaps abound when three good-hearted roommates throw an ill-conceived birthday party.
Prompt: Jigsaw Puzzle, Mockumentary
Team: Brady Geisler, Tatiana Timberg, Julian Hagblom, and Mason Graven
Congrats to everyone who survived the weekend, and thanks to all who came to support the filmmakers. We hope to see you all again next year!
