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Dr. Diane Howard
Personal/Professional Mission-
People's Positive Potential and
Productivity
UMHB Film Program
Film
Examiner
Cru Film '11, Facebook
Central Texas is rich with Best Practice Art in a broad range of forms.
We are fortunate in
our region
to be the Independent Film Capital of the World. We have
opportunities
to be involved with
and to see
substantive
films and visual media. In recent years,
I
have been tracking some of the
opportunities
and
posting some of my thoughts,
as
we have participated in meaningful visual media and artistic projects.
The last few years
have
been exciting with significant projects in development.
We have seen
great success
for Austin personalities and/or feature films that are
positive, substantive, and inspirational
(such as The Blind Side and Temple Grandin).
In this year of 2011, I
plan to continue to
track the pulse
of
film and visual media in Texas.
(See updates on Texas film and visual media projects on the
Texas Film Commission hotline.)
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Public Screenings of Cru Film Choice Decision at UMHB
4/16/2022
By
Dr. Diane Howard
The public is warmly
welcomed to screenings at the University of Mary
Hardin-Baylor of the latest Cru Film Choice
Decision. This film is scheduled to be shown at
UMHB April 18, Monday, in Brindley Auditorium, York
Hall, at 4 p.m. and April 19, Tuesday, in Lord
Conference Center, Parker Building, Noon. A
third
screening is
scheduled for Brindley Auditorium, York Hall, UMHB,
5 p.m. This screening is also to include Film/PSA
screenings of Spring Semester Projects. UMHB
film student Sadie Meador has written the original
screenplay, Choice Decision.
This film is about
college student, Dan. On a Murphy's Law type of
morning Dan runs into his own personal fairy
godfather with a proposition to continue in his own
chaotic life and to be responsible for fixing his
problems or use the godfather's magic to live his
dreams in an instant. Dan chooses magic and begins a
journey not unlike James Stewart's in It's a
Wonderful Life.
The cast and crew of 100
individuals have included Matt Beene as Dan, Ted
Ferguson as Doug, Megan Hargrave as Lindsey, Johnny
Vacca as Professor Preston, and Hayley Ainsworth as
Susan. Fifty UMHB students and associates have
performed as extras. Dr. Diane Howard has been a
Co-Producer and Pre-Production Supervisor, Professor
Donna J. Teel has been a Co-Producer and
Post-Production Supervisor, and Jeanne Covert has
served as an Associate Producer. Dan Parsons has
been the Director of Photography and Step Rowe has
been the Production Supervisor and Acting Coach.
Ashley Ramirez has been the Student Director,
Stephen Webster has been the First Assistant
Director, and Cassy Olvera has been the Second
Assistant Director. Coley Taylor has been the
Editor and Trey Hazelton has been the Assistant
Editor and DVD Menu Editor. Jonathan Pedersen has
composed the music and supervised sound.
Elisabeth Hauser and
Daniel Ruezga have been the Behind-the-Scenes
Videographers and Editors. Sadie Meador has served
as Location Scout. Keilani Middleton has been the
First Camera Operator. Lizzi Covert has been the
Second Camera Operator and Slatter. Trey Hazelton
has worked as the Key Gaffer and Assistant Grip.
Matt Pickerton has served as Assistant Key Gaffer
and Key Grip. Step Rowe has served as Continuity and
Script Supervisor with Christina Welch as Assistant
Script Supervisor.
Chris Collins has worked
as Sound Supervisor and Boom Operator with Daniel
Ruezga serving as Assistant Boom Operator. Jeanne
Covert has been the Base Manager. Coley Taylor, Trey
Hazelton, Chris Collins have kept the Log Book.
Julia Theesfeld and Angela Sanchez have been
responsible for wardrobe. Andrea Baldwin, Julia
Theesfeld, Angela Sanchez, Kyla Williams have been
make-up artists. Special Effects Make-Up Trainer has
been Joe Rivera. Kimberly Jones has been responsible
for Craft Services with Cassy Olvera-Nordness,
Gregory A. Todd, Charkedra Randolph and Ruth
Liffick assisting her. Cassy Olvera-Nordness and
Zach Todd have been Set Dressers. Diana Fadal,
Charkedra Randolph Namoi Flores, Ruth Liffick, Gregg
Todd, and Sarah McDaniels have been Production
Assistants.
The basic purpose of UMHB
Student Cru Films is to provide students and
associates hands-on experiences in the process of
producing films from script to screen. UMHB film
students are involved in every stage of the process.
The UMHB Film Program involves student participation
in authentic film production processes so that they
are prepared to work on film sets and on film
productions in real-world work. This
script-to-screen process begins in the UMHB
screenwriting course in which each student produces
a short screenplay. Cru Films are submitted to film
competitions and festivals. DVD Copies of Cru Films
are housed in the Townsend Library at UMHB.
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Kick-Off for Spring 2011 UMHB Film
Project
1/28/2011
Dr. Diane Howard
Press Coverage:
KWTX,
UMHB, KDH,
TDT,
Austin Examiner
All are welcome to the Spring 2011 Cru
Film Project Kick-Off Event in Brindley Auditorium, York
Hall, Jan. 31, 5-6 p.m. Those who desire to serve as crew
or cast for the spring student film are expected to attend
the Kick- off Event, Jan. 31. Further, for those wanting to
audition for roles, they are also expected to attend an
audition workshop Feb. 1 at 3:30- 5 p.m. Brindley
Auditorium, York Hall.
The basic purpose of UMHB Student Film Productions is to provide
students and associates hands-on experiences in the process of
producing films from script to screen. UMHB film students are
involved in every stage of the process. The UMHB Film Program
involves student participation in authentic film production
processes so that they are prepared to work on film sets and on
film productions in real-world work.
This script-to-screen process begins in the UMHB screenwriting
course in which each student produces a short screenplay. UMHB
Film Faculty then select screenplays for production. They have
selected a comedic, short screenplay, Choice Decision
(working title) written by Sadie Meador, UMHB Film Student, to
produce this spring semester. UMHB Film Faculty has identified
Senior Film Student, Ashley Ramirez, as the Student Director.
At the Kick-Off Event, Jan. 31, 2011, the film production
process will be outlined, expectations explained, and the
following materials will be distributed: calendars, job
descriptions, crew applications, sample resumes for auditions
and applications…
Choice Decision is
about college student, Dan, who on a Murphy's Law type
of morning, runs into his own personal fairy godfather
with a proposition to continue in his own chaotic life and be
responsible for fixing his problems or use the godfather's
magic to live his dreams in an instant. Dan chooses magic and
begins a journey not unlike James Stewart in It's a Wonderful
Life.
Here is the character breakdown for Choice Decision:
DAN is a male in his 20’s. He has an average build,
preferably with long enough hair to make it messy. He doesn't
have to appear ultra-fit, but the role will involve physical
challenges such as running and light stunts. The actor playing
Dan should be equally comfortable with physical comedy and
touching dramatic moments. Dan is a good guy, but must see his
life as it affects others in order to understand that laziness
and irresponsibility keep him from his dreams.
DOUG is a male in his 50’s to 60’s. This is a character role.
He has character physicality. He could be short and round, heavy
and bald, super tall and thin… He appears in the story as a
college janitor. Like a guardian angel, he has been sent to
help Dan with a lesson about taking the easy way out.
The actor playing Doug should be comfortable with physical
comedy. He should be able to show a Santa Claus-like
gentleness. He often has a twinkle in his eye.
LINDSEY is
Dan’s girlfriend. She is in her 20’s with average physicality
and possibly wears glasses. Lindsey first appears in the script
at the end of her rope, when Dan is apathetic as to what is
important. The actress playing Lindsey should have the ability
to portray both ultra-realistic connection with another actor.
She also needs to play someone who is completely distant,
vacant-faced, robotically disconnected (when her emotions are
removed).
PROFESSOR preston
is a male or female in late 40’s to 60’s or more.
Physicality is open. He or she plays a Ph.D. in English
Literature. and is seen in the story giving Dan both an F
and an A. The actor playing Dr. Preston should have the
ability to play the educator not afraid of tough love, as
well as the passionate subject expert who can light up when
others get it.
SUSAN is in her 20’s to 30’s. She is peppy and a
people-pleaser.
COLLEGE STUDENTS extras of various ages, ethnicities, and
types are needed for the campus and the classroom.
For more information see
http://dianehoward.com/UMHB_Film_Program.htm
Contact Dr. Diane Howard
or Professor
Donna Teel at UMHB with questions.
2011 Spring Film Production, Staff & Crew-
Job Descriptions
(as of
26, Jan 2011)
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Co-Producers -Dr. Howard is responsible for the
budget, staffing, and pr; Professor Teel- is involved in all aspects of
the filmmaking process.
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Film
Supervisor (Step Rowe) (Christian Welch- intern P.A. to
Step Rowe & Script Supervisor)- development of
shooting script with director, training for actors
before the shoot, and coaching actors during the film
shoot.
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Student
Director (Ashley Ramirez) is responsible under the
guidance of their supervisors for making creative
filmmaking decisions and translating the screenplays
into the images and sounds of short films. The student
director makes up the Shot Lists and Shooting Schedules
with the assistance of the 1st AD and under the
supervision of their professional mentors.
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Script
Supervisor (Christina Welch)-
Keeps records of
details of the scenes being shot.
Reads the script
and makes notes about action that needs to happen in a
scene and what cast members, props, costumes or other
elements are required .
Notes changes to the script.
Finalizes changes to a script during production,
retyping the script, and distributing it.
Watches for continuity of script
and filming.
Notes facial expressions,
costume and prop placement to ensure the film remains
continuous after editing.
Listens
and informs the director of any dialogue that is
inconsistent with the script. Times scenes for
appropriate length.
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First
Assistant Director, 1st AD (Stephen Webster) works
with the student director (and professional mentors) to
assistant them to be more efficient. The A.D.s plan
shooting schedules by breaking the script into sections
for filming in single days and in the most efficient
order. During filming, the A.D. s manage the set, help
line up shots for the director, and call for quiet on
the set. They coordinate the extras.
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Second
Assistant Director, 2nd AD (open to applicants)
works with the tasks delegated to the 1st AD. The
2nd AD may also direct background action and extras, as
well as assist the 1st AD with scheduling. The 2nd AD
may create Call Sheets that clarify to crew the
schedule and details about shooting days.
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Director of Photography or Cinematographer (Dan Parsons)
creates the look of a movie. The D.P. directs the
lighting for each scene, helps frame shots, chooses
lenses, selects film stock and ensures that the visual
look of the film conforms to the director's vision. The
cinematographer usually does not operate the camera on
set (this is the duty of the camera operator)...with our
project, the cinematographer will probably operate the
camera.
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Editor
(Coley Taylor ) works with the director in editing
the film. The director has the primary responsibility
for editing decisions, but the editor often has
significant input in the creative decisions involved in
putting together a final cut of a movie. (Assistant
Editor- Trey Hazelton)
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Cameraman is usually is a member of the camera crew
and runs the camera as instructed by the director and
the cinematographer. The camera operator is responsible
for keeping the action in frame, and responding quickly
to the action as it unfolds. (Keilani Middleton-
First Camera Operator, Lizzi Covert- Second Camera
Operator)
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Gaffer
(Matt Pinkerton) is the chief
electrician on the set, and is responsible for lighting
the set according to the instructions of the
cinematographer.
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Grip (Matt
Pinkerton) creates shadow effects
with lights and operate camera cranes, dollies and
platforms as directed by the cinematographer.
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Location Manager (open to applicants) decides what
locations are necessary for the film, then scouts for
them. The location manager visits possible locations and
takes pictures to help the director find the best
setting. After locations are chosen, the location
manager acquires all the permits and permissions
necessary for filming. The Location Manager can also
serve as the Base Camp Manager.
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Powder/
Wardrobe Crew(open to applicants) keep faces
powdered during shooting and supervises wardrobe.
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Production Assistants (open to applicants) often
called a runner on the set, the production assistants (P.A.s)
perform small but essential tasks for the cast and
crew...we'll need plenty for our project. (Christian
Welch- intern P.A. to Step Rowe)
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Sound
Crew (open to applicants) work with DP on set to
assure good sound coverage.
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Composer (Jonathan Pederson) writes original music
to be heard in the film.
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Craft
Services (open to applicants) responsible for
coffee, beverages, snacks, and meals as needed on the
set. They also perform various small chores. They will
work with Dr. Howard on the budget and funding.
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Transportation- Mrs. Teel usually arranges a 15pax
van or smaller as needed to transport students.
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Credits-
Mrs. Teel watches on set to see who is performing what
tasks to assist in updating the crew credits (although
she sends it out while the editors are editing to
everyone so they can make sure nothing is missed).
Post Production-
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Editor- DVD author to create the DVD for the
finished movie (Editor- Coley Taylor, Assistant Editor- Trey
Hazelton)
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Open to
Applicants- Graphic Artists; Behind Scenes Videographer,
Editor; Still Photographer
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Cru Film Celebrates
in Emmy-Winning Movie
9/13/2010
Dr. Diane Howard
On-Line News-
ISurfBelton,
UMHB
The University of Mary
Hardin-Baylor film students,
alumni and faculty involved in
filming the HBO movie Temple
Grandin celebrate the
film’s 2010 Emmy Award for
Outstanding Made-for-Television
movie. This film has also
received the following 2010 Emmy
Awards: Outstanding Directing
for a Miniseries, Movie or a
Dramatic Special; Outstanding
Music Composition for a
Miniseries, Movie or a Special;
Outstanding Single Camera
Picture Editing for a Miniseries
or a Movie; Outstanding
Supporting Actor in a Miniseries
or a Movie (David Strathairn);
Outstanding Supporting Actress
in a Miniseries or Movie (Julia
Ormond); and Outstanding Lead
Actress in a Miniseries or a
Movie (Claire Danes). Temple
Grandin also has
had 2010 Emmy Awards nominations
for Outstanding Casting for a
Miniseries, Movie or a Special;
Outstanding Art Direction for a
Miniseries or Movie; Outstanding
Hairstyling for a Miniseries or
a Movie; Outstanding Main Title
Design; Outstanding Makeup for a
Miniseries or a Movie,
Non-Prosthetic; Outstanding
Sound Editing for a Miniseries,
Movie or a Special; Outstanding
Writing for a Miniseries, Movie
or a Dramatic Special; and
Outstanding Supporting Actress
in a Miniseries or Movie
(Catherine O'Hara).
In this winning film, Claire
Danes plays Temple Grandin, an
autistic woman who has been one
of the leading figures in autism
advocacy. She has been a role
model who has shown both the
struggles and successes that
come from autism. As a young
person, she was different and
misunderstood. However, Grandin
went to college and eventually
earned a Ph.D. in animal
science. She ultimately has
become an advocate of humane
slaughterhouses. This passionate
film about her life is richly
meaningful.
The project was filmed in the
Austin area. Regional talent,
including many University of
Mary Hardin-Baylor film
students, alumni, and faculty,
were cast for multiple scenes
with Claire Danes, Julia Ormond,
Catherine O'Hara and David
Strathairn. The Cru Film
students, who performed as a
core group of students in Temple
Grandin's high school days,
included the following: Ashley
Cook, Brittany Golden, Ariel
Sheffield, Ashley Ramirez, Laura
Gebhart, Rachel Jeske, Brianna
Edwards, Sarah Hughey, Candice
Green, Ashley Biederman, Chelsea
Martinez, Jenna Keefe, Teaven
Barnum, Jordan Cash, Kacey Cox,
Travis Mitchell, Zach Raygoza,
Jake Tatum, Nathan Jenkins,
Garrett Smith, Luke Cielonko,
Alex Adcock and Kendall Doles.
Brittany Golden served as their
team leader. Many close-ups of
UMHB film students were
filmed in scenes with Claire
Danes and David Straithairn, as
Temple's classmates in her high
school setting. David Dunlap,
UMHB alumnus,was cast in board
room scenes with Claire Danes.
Drs. Dave and Diane Howard were
filmed as parents in scenes of
Temple Grandin's undergraduate
graduation. The film first aired
on HBO February 6, 2010.
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