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SCSU filmmakers embark on feature-length debut
By Adam Johnson
"No one making movies really knows how to make movies. It's the people who make up the rules as they go that get things done and prove successful."
Armed with little more than this credo and the guidance of a few industry veterans, three SCSU students look toward an uncertain filmmaking future with a sense of cautious optimism. Their stab at achieving a cinematic dream may come a step closer to reality if their May 8 fund-raising event at the Paramount Arts District proves successful.
The event, intended to answer a number of questions about their proposed film "True Love," is an opportunity for investors to support the film and take part in local guerilla filmmaking.
"We want the event to get our name out there and draw attention to the project," said SCSU senior Derek Hanson.
Senior Eli Ebb wrote the film's original script and has assumed directing duties while junior Adam Lesar is working alongside Hanson as co-producer, ensuring that every step in the creative process goes smoothly.
"We're essentially helping to bring Eli's vision to life, whatever that may entail," Lesar said.
Though the filmmaking team possesses an endless supply of ambition, the trio is venturing into uncharted territory, as every step in the pre-production process has proved to be a learning experience.
"Everyday it seems like there's something new that pops up," Hanson said. "Just when we think we have things under control, we find we need to find more people."
Problems are a part of any film production, and "True Love" is no exception. With a current cast and crew exceeding 40 people, the production has presented the filmmakers with a greater organizational challenge than a creative one.
"We're not business majors, yet we're essentially starting our own company," Lesar said. "We're doing everything to make sure this is a professional project."
From costume design to makeup to musical score, the number of people involved in the project has swelled in order to keep the film's workload manageable, but the director and producers still find themselves constantly busy.
"We're basically going to be working 12-hour days every day between now and the start of production," Hanson said.
Dollars and sense
Though the film won't start shooting for almost two months, the trio have already spent thousands of dollars out of their own pockets to achieve their dream. Under the moniker Comic World Productions, they have applied for a $2,500 grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Program, but won't know if they have been awarded the money until shortly before production is scheduled to begin.
Even if they are approved, they'll have a long way to go to raise the money they need. The camera they plan to purchase for the film, for example, will cost over $13,000. Unfortunately, money has been only one of many concerns for the trio.
Without a formal office from which to run their newly formed production company, they have been forced to rely on their professional attitude to convince investors to come aboard the project.
"Confidence and organization are probably the most important elements of what we're doing," Hanson said. "If you don't look professional, most people will just blow you off."
The selection of the cast and crew was difficult as well. It was the first time any of them had run an audition. They were required to cast the film with individuals who not only possessed talent, but also a balance of experience and availability.
Long road ahead
The upcoming fund raiser will truly test the group's ability to get the film off the ground, which will rely on garnering the interest of local organizations interested in displaying their products and locations in the film.
"This is our first big step toward raising public awareness about our film," Ebb said. "The more interest we get, the better the film will be and the better Central Minnesota will be represented."
The filmmaking team has a long road ahead of them to accomplish their dream, but Lesar asserts that the film can only be completed through sheer commitment, ambition, and organization.
"You have to believe in what you're doing to get things done," Lesar said. "You can't be afraid to make things up as you go along, because that's basically what we're doing."
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