As a newcomer to the production of a Night of the Stars movie, fears find an extensive breeding ground. What if nobody likes it? In spite of these fears, responsibility gives a feeling of control over how the movie turns out.
Since discovering that my acting ability is null, video productions was my ticket into involvement with the movie. Last year, my contribution was limited to making the trailer; the taste of seeing my work on the big screen inspired determination to be more involved the following year.
Other people besides me have stepped up to the plate this year, with little previous experience. As a rule, our class tries to get different main actors every year. This year Corey Maxey, ’06, took the job with some reluctance.
“They [Tara Albrechtson, ’06, and Spenser Koleen, ’06] asked me to be Ted, the bellboy,” Maxey said. “I didn’t want to at first because I am a horrible actor. I have no previous acting experience, but I decided to do it because it sounded like a good way to get involved.”
As with any untrained actor, getting in front of the camera can be difficult.
“From the start of filming until now, Corey has blossomed as an actor,” Bethany Morton, ’06, said. “I’m so glad I got to know him through this experience. At first he was really shy, but I got to see the fun side of him.”
One person helping Maxey develop his performing skills is the junior movie writer and director, Koleen. He is also a newcomer to filming the movies, despite a small role in our freshman movie.
“I got involved this year because I was tired of people slacking on our movie,” Koleen said. “So I’m trying to make it quality.”
Albrechtson, fulfilling the role of producer, keeps the heart of our production beating. Her main job includes finding filming sites and negotiating with the authorities to secure the location.
“The movie has taken over my life,” Albrechtson said. “Seriously, the movie has been a lot fun and even though it takes a lot of time, everybody gets to know people that they usually don’t hang out with.”
With filming every weekend and editing during the week, other extra-curricular activities are pushed to the side so it does not take time away from making the movie. Yet, as a filmmaker, I wouldn’t trade the craziness for anything, as it gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride in the finished product.
So as the deadline looms closer for the finished product, my life will revolve around the perfect song, and the ideal angle.
