 "Photo: Tiffany Kaiser / For The South End")
Friday the 13th has quite an unpleasant reputation, yet no bad luck was experienced by Wayne State student filmmakers who showcased their short films that night in Manoogian Hall.
The Armenian Room was filled to capacity with friends, family, actors and students eager to watch the premiere screening of new films created individually by 13 students.
Filmmakers included: Nicolas Boileau, Richard Crowe, Aaron Dimick, Donald Dyson, Carlos Hall, Sarah Himes, Marija Makeska, Stephanie Phillips, Kayla Porvaznick, Crystal Staffney, Lauren Warkentien, Heather Watson and Caitlin Yamada.
These screenings are held once every semester for film majors who are completing their capstone course. This particular screening showcased films made during the fall 2008 semester.
Joel Silvers, a lecturer in Media Arts and Studies, filmmaker and writer, taught the capstone course and introduced each of his students.
“Film cannot be made without a group,” Silvers said. “It is a cooperative process, and I am very proud of this group and what they have accomplished.”
For many, filmmaking is a very personal experience that allows vast amounts of creativity. Himes, a 22-year-old senior, described her film about a man named Chris and his lazy best friend, Brian, who go on an adventure.
“They have to save an aquarium store, save each other from an escaped convict, avoid a killer fish, and find a missing engagement ring all in time to save Chris’s relationship with his girlfriend, Mary,” Himes said.
Making these films was not an easy task. Students needed to acquire essential skills such as screenwriting, directing and editing. Also, a crucial element of filmmaking is the art of storytelling.
“The fundamental skills of storytelling come from a concept called character arc,” Silvers said. “It is the way a character changes over time.”
The filmmakers are able to use these short films in their applications to enroll in graduate programs.
“In the future, I hope to work as a director of photography in the film industry,” said 23-year-old senior Watson. “I would also like to continue writing short films.”
With applause and words of encouragement shouted after each film, the premiere screening was considered by many to be a success and smiles appeared on the faces of the filmmakers.
“Some of them are promising writers and directors, and some will go work as production assistants,” Silvers said. “Others will remain in the Detroit area, and because they’ve had experience with fellow students, they will be able to network.
“As the film industry continues to come into Michigan, students will find themselves with a source of livelihood.”
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