This year, the University Film Committee produced its own short film, “We’re Together,” which will be presented at the Take 3 Film Festival on April 30.
The festival has expanded this year and is now more educational and experience-based. Take Film festivals set out to promote and celebrate the films of all University students and alumni.
On the day of the festival, workshops will be held by representatives from Canon, adjunct professor and “Stranger Things” star Joe Chrest and several other industry professionals.
The festival’s judging panel will consist of four film professionals from across the country. This will be the students’ first opportunity to show off their work to the industry.
Awards will be given for best directing, cinematography, actress/actor, editor, writer and best overall audience and alumni film.
Senior theatre major and Film Committee president Cole Barranco said throughout the event he hopes to illustrates students’ are professional capabilities.
“We want people to show up to see that younger, student work is not what they think it is,” Barranco said. “[The festival] pushes students to have a reason, other than class, to make great quality films.”
The Film Committee worked with Delta Rouge Films to bring together the film and television program as a cohesive unit. The program often coordinates with the production company to offer students a venue to gain experience.
“The goal of the departmental film was to give the students great on-set film experience and the opportunity to produce a high quality product,” theatre sophomore Joe Carleton said. “With ‘We’re Together,’ we believe we have done just that.”
Carleton, a producer on the film, was in charge of drafting budgets and organizing the crew and creative teams while Barranco acted as the film’s director of photography.
“I think we’ve got some beautiful shots, so I’m really excited to see it edited and everything,” Barranco said.
The director of photography supervises the film’s look in terms of light, framing and movement. Barranco said he is responsible for “basically everything the camera does.” He collaborates with the director to make the shots.
“We’re Together” tells the story of interracial couples and racial tensions present in society.
“We wanted to address tensions in the film industry,” Carleton said. “With a strong female lead, we hoped to accurately address both commonplace struggles and issues with casting in the film industry.”
Carleton said he hopes their film represents the committee’s stance on acceptance and diversity in everyday society and the entertainment industry.
“The film threw me into a setting for real world application that class simply doesn’t provide,” Carleton said, adding that the film allowed him to deal with “real-world challenges” and apply the skills he’s learned from his classes.
Festival submissions can be made until April 14. The only requirement is that participants are present or former University students and have made a film in either 2016 or 2017 that is between 30 seconds and 12 minutes in length.
The Take 3 Film Festival will be held in the Shaver Theatre on campus. Donations are being accepted to assist the festival and can be made on its GoFundMe.