By Kimberly Wolford, Student Reporter
FilmFest informational meetings begin Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the Living Room of the Campus Center.
FilmFest is a student-run film competition at ACU. The 2009 co-chairs are Christina Johnson, sophomore English major from Dallas, and Jonathan Davis, junior marketing major from Hoffman Estates, Ill.
“FilmFest is dedicated to helping ACU students exploit their talents in film and the varying talents within,” Davis said.
Three workshops have occurred since the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, including two screenwriting workshops and an acting workshop. Johnson said the goal of the workshops is to make the acting, writing and directing the best they can be.
“If you have a film and you’re trying to go into any media career, it’s a great pad for your résumé,” Davis said. “It definitely sets you apart from everyone else.”
One major change to FilmFest this year is the addition of a control item.
“We’re going to make participants put one specific object, person or place in their film,” Davis said. “That way everyone has about the same amount of time to work on their film, and no one has an unfair advantage.”
Students are also no longer required to edit their film on the iMovie program.
“There are no restrictions on equipment this year,” Davis said.
The student staff of FilmFest wants to make the program more appealing and fun for those attending.
“The theme is a red carpet affair, like the Oscars. It’s a great opportunity to put on those old prom dresses you spent $300 on and go out with your friends,” Johnson said.
She said host and hostess auditions will be conducted in the same manner as Sing Song auditions; she also said the staff of FilmFest has received quite a bit of interest so far.
“We had about 300 students sign-up for more information at Passport,” Johnson said. “This is a great opportunity even if you aren’t wanting to go into film. It’s a great outlet and lets you spend time with your friends.”
FilmFest will be March 20 at the Paramount Theatre. The theme is “Anonymous.”