Just last issue, there was a guest column talking about the lessons learned from ACU’s FilmFest.

So now it’s my turn. This is the first time I’ve ever participated or attended a festival like this, and I have a few things to say about it.

Firstly, take any opportunity you can to dress up nicely. In general, there should be more events to show off our wardrobe’s finest attire. FilmFest was a great excuse to put on a suit and tie and act like a celebrity. I felt sophisticated, classy and confident, and I’m sure that the ladies felt the same way in their beautiful dresses. I’d hope that ACU will have more occasions for students to look like royalty, but that may alienate others who don’t have an interest in formal wear.

Before committing to anything, know what you’re getting yourself into. I committed to a small part in a short film as the wise, old guy who gives the hero a quest. It was a very insignificant part compared to the rest of the film. With only thirty seconds of airtime, I thought I’d be easily forgotten, but days after the premiere, I was still getting a few comments about the movie and my character too. It was flattering the first few times I received compliments, but hopefully it dies down. There are other things I hope to be known for at this college besides “Sir Ancient”.

To end on a more serious note, storytelling is a very difficult art to master, and praise should be given where it is due. Whether it is in writing, speech, art or film, we often get caught up in the story and forget how much work had to be done beforehand. Technically, a great story will manipulate your emotions for events and characters that may or may not exist. The funny thing is that we have started to pay to have our feelings manipulated by a movie, song, book or art piece.

So the next time you feel happy about a hero saving the world, be sure to acknowledge what goes on behind the scenes. No matter how big their camera, how perfect their script or how big their budget was, be sure to remember the cast and crew that had to learn how to tell a good story.