Once the books are purchased, the rent is paid and the fridge is
filled, most student filmmakers recognize that financing life is
hard enough.
But financing a movie ““ now that’s a challenge.
It’s easy for far-fetched dreams of working with expensive
studio-quality equipment and established industry professionals to
fade into plans for the distant future.
But for one full day, the UCLA School of Theater, Film and
Television will bring those dreams within reach during
Saturday’s Kodak OnCampus, a free event to be held in the
James Bridges Theater showcasing the latest technology in film.
Kodak On Campus
Saturday, all day Melnitz Hall
The day’s schedule includes workshops, exhibits and panel
discussions. But the highlight of the day, “Stop By, Shoot
Film,” gives students the opportunity to use high-quality,
high-end equipment to film scenes under the supervision of veteran
cinematographers.
“It’s the first time that I will ever work with
cameras that I will never own but always rent,” said Mario
Callejas, a third-year film and television student who is
registered for one of the “Stop By, Shoot Film”
sessions. “Working with film is different from digital
because it’s tangible ““ something you can hold in your
hands.”
With digital imaging on the rise, Kodak representative Carolyn
Delvecchio hopes students will become aware of the benefits of
using film cameras ““ as opposed to digital cameras ““
through this event.
“Most people shooting any kind of project generally aspire
to work with film because it requires a certain kind of discipline
and it has a certain look,” Delvecchio said. “We want
to educate people by providing an opportunity for them to
experience our products and services.”
Because Kodak has always supported the blending of digital media
and film, the event will also demonstrate new programs such as the
Look Manager system, a powerful post-production tool that allows
editors to digitally control film images.
Ultimately, the goal of Kodak OnCampus, according to Delvecchio,
is to educate students interested in moviemaking, whether just
dabbling in the art form or looking to invest their whole career in
the business.
Not only has a number of the 500 spots for “Stop By, Shoot
Film” been specifically reserved for non-film students, but
Kodak has also opened the event to all film schools in the
area.
Callejas believes that the diversity of the group will only
enhance this event’s educational aspect.
“It’s going to be awkward that other people are here
but gratifying that they’re on our turf,” Callejas
said. “Film is about respecting new perspectives and trying
to look at different views so having other people here will only
make it better.”
Additionally, with veteran cinematographers slated to appear and
the wide array of creative minds expected to attend the event,
participants can look forward to a full day of industry
networking.
Professor Tom Denove, vice chair of production for the UCLA
School of Theater, Film and Television, also values the
availability of this event to the masses because it will expose
those without a formal film education to the professional
strategies of movie production.
“The art of filmmaking has become very democratic so
basically everyone can do it as long as you have a camera,”
Denove said. “(But) just because I have a typewriter it
doesn’t mean I can write the next great American
novel.”
While film education is the top priority of this event,
Delvecchio also emphasizes the fun activities that students will
enjoy, such as the silent auction.
By attending discussions or answering questions, participants
can earn poker chips they can use to bid on auction items.
Above all, however, Callejas anticipates that he will gain a
deeper understanding of his craft after attending Kodak
OnCampus.
“You’re an artist and you want to understand all the
facets of this art form,” Callejas said. “This is a
significant experience for me to work with film, but it’s not
really a question of deciding whether film or digital is better.
You just have to know what you want to create.”