Friday, July 29, 2011

Christian Movie Connect debuts

Billed as the first of it’s kind podcast to support and uphold the values of the Christian film community, Christian Movie Connect launched on July 27, 2011. The kickoff episode featured John Schneider (Dukes of Hazard and Smallville) talking about his role in the upcoming feature film Doonby. Christian Movie Connect is the brain child of my good friend Cheryl Ariaz Wicker. I’ve known Cheryl for over ten years, and she is a go-getter. She is perhaps one of the most talented people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

Cheryl is well positioned to be a host and producer of this new, exciting and innovative video podcast. She is an award-winning producer and media personality. She recently produced the feature film, Flag of My Father, starring William Devane. Cheryl tells me Christian Movie Connect will feature interviews with filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and other newsmakers in the Christian film industry both nationally and internationally.

The podcast can be found at christianmovieconnect.com and will be posted weekly on Wednesdays. Cheryl has quite a lineup of film and media personalities in future episodes. It’s quite a who’s who list in Christian entertainment, including Bobby Downs (Like Dandelion Dust), Ken Wales (Amazing Grace), Dave Christiano (The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry), Jerry Jameson (Murder She Wrote), Michael Flaherty from Waldon Media, Simon Swart from 20th Century Fox, and Jenn Gotzen (Nixon) just to name a few.

I asked Cheryl why she is so passionate about Christian media and Christian films. I wanted to know about her motivation in starting Christian Movie Connect. She stated, “As a producer of faith-based, family-friendly and life affirming films, I am an advocate for Christian movies and clean, value-based entertainment. Through positive films, we can inspire moviegoers, but greater still we can promote time-tested values to the culture at large.” Cheryl believes there are many quality movies that are not recognized and go unnoticed. She believes her new podcast will offer viewers an opportunity to find content they might otherwise miss out on.

She wants to support and encourage Christian filmmakers by using Christian Movie Connect to get the word out. We are all looking for an audience, and I’m convinced Cheryl is on to something. This is a worthy effort that has a tremendous, positive upside. Cheryl also has assembled a highly-skilled, professional team of editors, videographers, and technicians, who will bring the type of production values to Christian Movie Connect that are essential in today’s media world.

We obviously live in a culture where there are many destructive and counter-productive media messages being communicated that bombard us on a daily basis. But, finally there is an alternative. Thanks to Cheryl Ariaz Wicker and Christian Movie Connect, we now have alternatives and a positive voice within today’s media culture.

Visit christianmovieconnect.com for more information about CNC (Christian Movie Connect). For more about the work of Cheryl Wicker( host/producer), visit cherylwicker.com.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Transmedia—Is It the Last Great Idea?

We love our buzz words. In fact, every industry from business, science, manufacturing, to marketing all have their own unique set of buzz words. You probably use them in everyday language—out of the box, forward thinking, face time, core competency, boilerplate, and monetize.

Now comes along a new one from the world of marketing and media. The new buzzword that is sweeping Hollywood and the entertainment industry is transmedia. Just like all other buzz words, sometimes its meaning gets lost in the translation. Some people within the entertainment industry, especially at the studio level, are calling transmedia the last great idea. It would seem that the industry is betting the future on this new and emerging concept.

So what exactly is transmedia? It starts with a big idea or concept, which is developed into a story. The question is how do you deliver it in a form of a movie or television show that can maximize its life expectancy and profits? In other words, how do you turn it into something besides a movie or television show?

Transmedia storytelling is about creating multiple platforms and formats. The goal is to use mass media to develop a media franchise. It’s more than just merchandise. That’s been around since the days of Star Wars. The goal is to create an open source where the fans actually take ownership and help create content. You become the artist, and you add content to the original story. Or you enhance the original story.

A perfect example is the hit television series, Lost. Followers created countless websites that catered to fans of the series. The users of the sites created their own mythology, storylines and explanations of Lost. The writers of the show were amazed at the depth and the analysis that the fans brought to the discussion. In reality, the fans had gone beyond the show and created their own world, which was more entertaining than the actual television series.

Transmedia storytelling involves the concept of creating multiple platforms such as video games, books, websites, and spinoffs. But it goes beyond that to include social apps, messaging, phone apps, media plug-ins, and social networks which help create a sense of community. These days, the average Hollywood film costs about $103 million to produce and market. For that kind of money, the industry expects big returns. Although there is a danger in promoting an open source concept, such as transmedia, Hollywood believes it’s a necessity in our current business environment. They are convinced they can create an overreaching narrative structure by implementing the principles of multimedia storytelling.

Today’s “tent Pole” movies are an example of where Hollywood and the entertainment industry is headed. It’s clear that the end game is all about creating the next media franchise, whether that’s Captain America, Thor, The Avengers, or Twilight. Hollywood is interested in creating the next media sensation. Who will step up and fill the shoes of Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Star Wars?

For better or for worse, transmedia storytelling is not only today’s reality but the future. The days of stand-alone movies without the prospects of a sequel or franchise may very well be a fading memory or a distant view in our rear view mirror.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Christian media professionals gather for the 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference

By  Cheryl Wicker, Christian Movies Examiner

The 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, set for August 6th – 11th at LifeWay Conference Center in Ridgecrest, NC, once again will give Christian media professionals an opportunity to learn and share talents, knowledge and expertise with each other. Whether new or well established in the area of Christian media, Gideon is for anyone interested in honing their skills in entertainment, whether it be film, television, music, theater, radio, or writing.

Several movies are scheduled to show at Gideon’s Film Festival, including the acclaimed film “The Grace Card” starring Michael Joiner. A Q&A with Joiner follows the August 9 film showing. “Pitching Hope” director Tony Mendoza is the sponsor of Gideon’s opening night. Other films screening are “Cutback,” “Courage New Hampshire,” “Jamaa,” “Decision,” “The Lamp,” “The Shunning,” “Beware of Christians,” “All For Liberty,” “Pendulum Swings,” and “My Finish Line.”

This year’s conference will also feature a short film contest. Prizes are awarded for categories such as best short film, best actor/actress, best cinematography, and best sound.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Christian media professionals gather for the 2011 Gideon Media Arts Conference - National Christian Movies
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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How Christians Warmed to Harry Potter

As the final movie opens, many ex-doubters now see the boy wizard as a good egg

By SARAH PULLIAM BAILEY

After praising the "Harry Potter" books in 2001, author Connie Neal said that she opened her inbox to see death threats scattered among the reactions from fellow Christians. The one time the California-based writer found her book, "What's a Christian Got to Do with Harry Potter?," at a Christian bookstore, it was on the occult/New Age shelf.

In its early years, "Harry Potter" was a litmus test of orthodoxy for some conservative Christians, who expressed concern over its portrayal of witchcraft. A Christian lawyer sued a public library for encouraging young readers to check out the series. Texas Pastor John Hagee called the books a "precursor to witchcraft." In 2005 a Canadian website published a letter opposing the books written by Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Ratzinger. (In 2009, the Vatican's newspaper L'Osservatore Romano published a favorable review, seeming to reverse course on the series.)

The hysteria has largely died down, and not many religious leaders asked their flocks to avoid the final movie, which open on July 15. Potter observers cite a few possible reasons for the waning concern, including a natural desire to move on to other entertainment issues, but also an interest in the themes that unfolded.

Christians today are certainly not universally enchanted by the series. Over time, however, more readers have begun to express praise for its honest depiction of fear, loneliness and sacrifice as Harry faces the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Many Christians have cheered the portrayals of loyalty, courage and love, as the main character repeatedly risks his life.

"These books are not written for people who have a mechanical faith," says John Granger, author of "Looking for God in Harry Potter." "For Christians who are consumed with moral elements and symbolism, Potter mania was ironic beyond words." Spoiler detail about the movie aside, the idea that sacrificial love conquers power, including magical power, is strongly suggested in the final book.

"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling, a member of the Church of Scotland that has Presbyterian roots, initially avoided talking explicitly about her faith. "To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Ms. Rowling said in 2007. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it, because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going."

Ms. Rowling is hardly the first author to face misunderstanding from a religious audience. Before C.S. Lewis became well known as a Christian, he noted that most British reviewers missed the underlying theology in his science fiction "Space" trilogy. Christian writer Madeleine L'Engle was criticized by some for the magic elements in "A Wrinkle in Time." On the other hand, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" appeared to escape similar scrutiny despite his characters' use of magic.

Since the seventh Potter book came out in 2007, Ms. Rowling—who acknowledged the influence of Tolkien and Lewis on her work—has drawn more explicit religious parallels. She suggested that the two Bible verses found on tombstones in the final book almost epitomized the whole series: "And the last enemy that shall be defeated is death" and "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The author put a little damper on some enthusiasm when she said that she always thought of one of her main characters, Albus Dumbledore, as gay (after which Pat Robertson's Christian Broadcasting Network called for a ban on the books.) And she did distance herself somewhat from C.S. Lewis when she told Time magazine in 2007 that "I did not set out to convert anyone to Christianity."

Christians are still somewhat divided on "Harry Potter," with lingering concerns. "We're not monolithic on this," says Bob Waliszewski, a media specialist for Focus on the Family. "The major issue for the faith community is all packed in that simple word: witchcraft."

Many cite biblical passages, such as Deuteronomy 18:10-11, that warn against witchcraft and sorcery. "But the literary witchcraft of the Harry Potter series has almost no resemblance to the I-am-God mumbo jumbo of Wiccan circles," Christianity Today said in a 2000 editorial.

Mr. Waliszewski suggests that Christian families whose children express interest in the books use them as a teachable moment. "When you see self-sacrifice, heroism, the strong power of friendship, applaud it," he said. "I am more concerned about non-Christians reading the books because I do think it puts witchcraft in a light that is more favorable and positive than it deserves biblically."

Ms. Neal, for her part, is not worried about anyone reading the books. Rather than being a means for corrupting the youth with witchcraft and the like, she says, "The Harry Potter phenomenon was the greatest evangelistic opportunity that the church has missed."

Ms. Bailey is online editor for Christianity Today

Monday, July 25, 2011

The Adjustment Bureau

Why are movies like The Matrix and The Truman Show so successful? Is it because we think that reality is not as it seems? Is it possible that we are not the master of our own fate? Are there forces beyond our control at work in our lives? The Adjustment Bureau joins a long list of films that explore these issues.

Marketed as a romantic thriller, The Adjustment Bureau stars Matt Damon as David Morris, a rising political star, who is running for a Senate seat from the state of New York. After a breaking story about a past unflattering incident in his life, Morris’ political career is put on hold. On the night of the election, he meets a mysterious woman who will forever change his life. After a romantic kiss from Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt), he is inspired to give a compelling and honest concession speech that will position him as the front runner in the next election.

After returning back to the public sector, he once again bumps into the mysterious Elise. He realizes that they have some sort of connection and gets her phone number. Arriving at his office, he finds his best friend, Charlie Trayor (Michael Kelly), in a state of suspension surrounded by unfamiliar men all wearing hats. In fact, everyone at the office is unresponsive as if they were suspended in time. The strange men are examining and appear to be probing Charlie’s head.

After a quick chase, David is apprehended by the men in hats. Here’s where things get to get even stranger if that’s possible. They inform David they are from the Adjustment Bureau and warn him to speak to no one about what he has seen. If he does, they will reset his memory, and it will be erased. Furthermore, they will not allow him to have any further contact with his potential love interest Elise. Apparently, David saw what is behind the black curtain. His fate is not in his hands but is controlled by the men in hats. They talk about The Plan, which has been written by the chairman, whom we never meet.

One man, Harry Mitchell (Anthony Mackie), from the Adjustment Bureau takes a liking to David. He offers assistance and tells him he has met the chairman and knows him by many names. There is the implication in this film that the men who wear hats could be angels, and the chairman is God.

By the director’s own account, he has left that up to the viewers to determine how they will interpret this film. In a rather broad sweeping manner, The Adjustment Bureau deals with rather complex theological issues, such as free will and predestination. Is the chairman omnipotent and involved with the affairs of men?

The real question in the film is will David and Elise find a way to be together? What about David’s political career? And why is the Adjustment Bureau so determined to keep them apart.

I love movies such as The Matrix and The Truman Show that deal with the concepts of reality, control, fate, and choice. The Adjustment Bureau may very well exceed both of these films in terms of it’s heart, compassion and optimism for the future.

This is an exceptional film, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Everything is totally believable and plausible. One thing for sure, The Adjustment Bureau will give you plenty to think about. Are we as much in control as we think we are? However, you are in control to make the decision to see this movie. So exercise your free will.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Bobette Buster on the Commons of Storytelling


Encounter 11: Bobette Buster on the Commons of Storytelling from International Arts Movement on Vimeo.

Bobette Buster provides a background to the Hollywood Screen Guild's approach to film marketing. Using examples from Star Wars and Toy Story, Bobette draws upon some of the most memorable characters from film and explains the means by which Hollywood insures that its viewing audience cannot forget them.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

2011 ICVM Catalyst Conference honors Christian filmmakers at the Crown Awards

By  Cheryl Wicker, Christian Movies Examiner

The 2011 International Christian Visual Media (ICVM) Catalyst Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 6-9, ended with a bang with the announcement of winners at its culminating event, The Crown Awards.

Among the Gold Award recipients are “Torchlighters: The Amy Carmichael Story" for Best Children’s Film; “Clancy” for Drama Under $250,000; “The Frontier Boys” for Best Youth Film and Best Drama Over $250,000; and “Finding Hope Now” and “The Lost Medallion” tying for Best Picture.

With this year's theme of "For Such a Time," the 2011 ICVM has, indeed, encouraged Christian film professionals to use their talents and resources to impact the world with a Christian world view in a day and time when the culture suffers from a lack of values and spirituality. Speakers throughout the conference re-iterated the importance of reaching the world through media.

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Friday, July 22, 2011

Comedy Is For The Dogs


This is a scene created for a workshop for the media missionary school film camp students to observe set protocol and production efficiency.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Super 8

These days, most of the movies I see are either on DVD or Blu-ray. Nothing wrong with that. Home theater has brought the theatrical experience to our doorstep. But, frankly, nothing beats going to see a movie on the big screen, especially during the summer months. Of course, that’s when the big blockbusters are released. I have one that is worthy of your time and money. Regardless of whether you see it on the small screen or big screen. J. J. Abrams’ newest film, Super 8, is a winner. It’s everything that we expect to see at the movies.

J. J. Abrams, who directed the film, knows how to tell a good story, especially when it involves mystery and intrigue. If you were a fan of Lost, you probably know he was the creative genius behind one of television’s most successful TV series. Although Super 8 might be billed as an action/adventure movie, it essentially is more of a character-driven film. That is a refreshing change considering the usual fair of material that is released during the summer.

Super 8 takes place in the fictional town of Lillian, Ohio, set in 1979. Joe Lamb a thirteen year-old, played by newcomer Joel Courtney, is recruited by his best friend, Charles Kaznyk, played by Riley Griffiths, to help him make his low-budget zombie movie using his super 8 film camera. Yes, there was a time before the digital video camera was invented. You actually had to shoot film and wait 3 days to have it processed.

Joe’s main job is to recruit Alice, played by Ellie Fanning, for the movie. Charles realized that he needed more than just special effects to make his film, and Alice will provide the dramatic affect necessary to tell a good story.

The wannabe filmmakers shoot a critical scene at a remote train station where a spectacular train wreck occurs. They drop the camera and run for safety. Unknowing to the young filmmakers. the super 8 camera continues to roll capturing what appears to be a creature emerging from the destruction. There are also strange cubes strewn throughout the wreckage.

Soon the kids are converged upon by military units. They grab the camera and make a hasty escape. Over the next few days strange phenomena starts to occur throughout the town. All of the dogs from the town for no good reason are found miles away in neighboring towns. Kitchen appliances, car engines and power lines start to disappear.

Soon the military invades the peaceful town of Lillian. U. S. Air Force Col. Nelec (Noah Emmerich) plays the heavy as he searches for his missing cargo. This is just the beginning of the mystery and suspense that is about to unfold. And, of course, our heroes are in the middle of it all.

As I said, Super 8 is a superior film. I felt I was in a time warp and transported back to the 1970s. It was like I was watching Close Encounters of a Third Kind and ET all over again. One of the reasons why this film works is certainly the nostalgic angle. The man behind this film is none other then producer Stephen Spielberg doing what he does best.

J. J. Abrams has certainly embraced Stephen Spielberg’s filmmaking philosophy as it is present throughout the film. Super 8 is in the tradition of Goonies, Hook, Jurasic Park, AI (Artificial Intelligence) and other Spielberg classics.

Spielberg loves to do movies about ordinary people in ordinary places facing extraordinary circumstances. Super 8 meets all of that criteria with Weirton, West Virginia, my wife’s hometown, filling in for the fictional Lillian, Ohio. Another trait of Spielberg are films told with a childlike, naive sense of wonder and faith. I think Joe, Charles and Alice are classic examples. Spielberg also loves themes that express coming-of-age. Super 8 also offers an innocent love story between young Joe and Alice.

And, finally, many of Spielberg’s movies revolve around parent-child relationships, especially reluctant, absent or ignorant fathers. In Super 8 Joe and his relationship to his father, Jackson Lamb, (Kyle Chandler) is strained due to the recent death of Joe’s mother. Jackson has emotionally shut down and is nonresponsive to his son.

Sure, there are plenty of other movies that might offer more action, special effects and CGI. But if you are looking for a real story with strong themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, then Super 8 is for you.

This is one you will want to purchase when it becomes available that you will play again and again. It is currently playing at your local megaplex.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Have Faith

Imagine being lost in the woods. Your girlfriend has just broken up with you and you don't know where you stand spiritually. This is the story of John Maxwell ( Harison Bingam ) in this epic story of transformation, one learns that miracles do occur.

Media Missionary School Film Camp 2011 Short Film. Created by Chelsea Carter, Josh Helbling, Chris Kuhne, Sean Montgmery, and Grant Stiles.
The team was supervised by Thomas Green.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

The Antagonist

Infamous for a life of crime. The Antagonist is faced with the ego-shattering dismissal from the prestigious Brotherhood of Evil. Fueled by his desire for re-acceptance and accompanied by his rabbit Fluffy, he sets out to design a plan more dastardly than ever before. However, after a series of fortunate events, he is forced to make a decision that could change his life forever.

Media Missionary School Film Camp 2011 Short Film. Created by Edie Alexander, Madeline Burke, Jesse Cupp, Marcus King, Griffin Roberts, and Daniel Timko.
The team was supervised by Kyle Hamilton.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Ballooniverse

When a young girl named Susan finds her precious balloon missing, she discovers three heroes to help her find it. As they journey through the park they uncover a disturbing truth that maybe the balloon is not as it seems to be.

Media Missionary School Film Camp 2011 Short Film. Created by Jarett Engeseth, Hannah Goodwin, Will Haussler, Elise Knuckels, Caleb Smiley.
The team was supervised by Ron Calhoun and Travis Thompson.


Ballooniverse from Media Missionary School on Vimeo.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Film Camp Day 5—It’s a Wrap

Wow! What a week. We’ve reached the final day, and it’s a mad rush to the finish line. With only five hours to go to a 2:00 p.m. deadline, all three of our teams are in high gear to complete their films. Friday morning is when reality starts to set in. Choices must be made, and compromises are the order of the day.

One team started the day with an 8 and a half minute rough cut. They will have to get it down to 3 minutes. Not an easy thing to accomplish. There are sound tracts, sound effects, dissolves, and cuts, which will all have to be taken into account. Some teams haven’t even decided on a title for their movie. And don’t forget, your project requires end titles and credits. So many choices and so little time.

But that’s really the whole point of the camp. We want to create a real world experience. What would it be like to work professionally in the media, television or film industry? Well, the truth is there are real deadlines and consequences. Tough choices. No one ever gets all the resources, budget or personnel that they would like to have. We design our film camp so that our students face the same choices and decisions as in real life.

It seems like the next five hours takes place in a blink of an eye. Everybody has a job to do, and the clock become our opponent. Is the DVD cover finished? What about the poster? Who’s doing the pitch? At 3:00 p.m. the world premier will take place. There will soon be a room full of people waiting to see your movie. That’s what makes this final day so exciting.

By 2:00 p.m., the teams are finally near the end. But, like in most years, we are now in the overtime period and sprinting toward the finish line. There are always unforeseen problems that pop up. Not only do you have to finish your movie, but you have to compress your files to a format that can be used for a DVD. That adds extra time to the process.

By 3:00 p.m., the house was full, and my partner, Isaac, was back in the edit bay finalizing the DVD to be used for the screening. Our students are learning firsthand about the importance of schedules and deadlines. Luckily, the DVD finally arrives at 3:10. p.m.

For the next hour, we get to enjoy three amazing films. I’m absolutely stunned with what they accomplished considering the restraints that they had to face. Of course, we could have given them more time. And we realize their films could have been better, but I’m convinced they learned more by having to make the hard choices. Just like in real life, we have to learn what to leave in and what to take out.

The first film reviewed was The Ballooniverse, a story about a young girl named Susan who discovers her precious balloon is missing. She finds three heroes to help her on her journey through the park. They soon uncover a disturbing truth that maybe the balloon is not as it seems to be.

The second film reviewed was Have Faith, a story about John Maxwell who has just broken up with his girlfriend. As he stumbles through the woods, he will soon have an encounter that will change his life forever.

And the last film reviewed was The Antagonist. This is a story about a man infamous for a life of crime. Dismissed from his prestigious brotherhood of evil, he sets out to design a plan more dastardly than ever before.

The critics are in. All three films were a rousing success. After talking to several friends and parents afterwards, this year’s camp was clearly a very satisfying experience. In our final session, we shared ten tips on what you can do now to prepare for a career in film, television and media. We talked about film schools, how to break into the industry, and other future projects.

We want to thank everybody, especially the students who worked so hard and put everything they had into this week. Thanks to the parents for their support as well. And, of course, we want to thank all of the instructors who gave up their time to participate in this year’s camp. And finally much appreciation to Isaac Stambaugh and the Vineyard Community Church in Springdale, Ohio.

Sean, Josh, Grant, Chelsea, Chris and Thomas

Elise, Jarrett, Caleb, Travis, Hannah and Will

Kyle, Daniel, Griffin, Madeline, Edie, Jesse and Marcus

Madeline and Edie working on final edit

Deadline nears

Jarrett at work


Friday, July 15, 2011

Film Camp Day 4—Fade to Black

Something special starts to happen by the fourth day of camp. Students who did not know each other when they started on Monday are now beginning to come together and think and act as a team. I saw friendships and bonds beginning to develop. It’s an amazing thing to see.

We started the day off with a workshop that I lead. Media literacy is a subject that is dear to my heart. I believe it should be taught in every school in America. None of us could imagine trying to function in our society without the ability to read and write. But in this day and age, it’s just as equally important to understand how media functions and influences us on a daily basis. Media has a language of its own with it’s unique subtext, structure and design.

At mid-morning, we started a two-hour editing class lead by Jonathan Marasco, who works professionally as an editor in a major production house. We edited with Final Cut Pro, which is an industry standard. In fact, many Hollywood films are edited on this system. It’s a complex piece of software and takes many years to master. However, Jonathan did a good job going over the theory of editing and the basic tools that will be needed for the teams to complete their projects.

After lunch, it was time to get down to business as each team started the process of editing. There was a lot to accomplish in a short span of time. The editors had a ton of material to go through and many choices to make. The goal was to complete a rough cut by the end of the day. A rough cut is a version of your project with all of the edits you want in the right places. It doesn’t include music, titles or color correction nor does it correct audio issues.

However, not everyone could edit at the same time. So some team members were responsible for designing a DVD cover and a movie poster using Photoshop, while other members used social media and other forms of communication to promote tomorrow’s world premier at 3:00 p.m. in the Vineyard’s healing center. This is open to the public, and you are welcome to attend.

Each team also designated a writer who was responsible to come up with a pitch and synopsis for tomorrow’s screening. As you can see, this kept everybody busy throughout the remainder of the day.

I was pleased to see all the teams having fun and really tapping into their creativity. At this point, they were absolutely into it and could see the possibilities of what their project could become. I guess that’s what this week is all about—discovering your passion and unlocking your potential. Are there future filmmakers and media makers in this group?