Campus club promotes filmmaking and filmmakers

February 25, 2008 —

A new and steadily growing student organization on campus is In the Limelight@SVSU. The group seeks to promote artistic expression through film with filmmaking workshops, film contests and festivals.

In the Limelight@SVSU was created after SVSU staff and faculty members toured technology centers at Bowling Green State University and Oakland University last January.

Trent Milligan, Student Technology Specialist at the Student Technology Center, was among the staff on the January trip.

"The group can help showcase the different views, ideas, thoughts, and creativity we have here on campus," Milligan said. "It can tap those resources while adding a fun and enjoyable avenue to pursue it."

The group just completed its first independent film contest, which included a festival that showcased the submitted films. The contest had eight different categories and winners in each category received In the Limelight's award, "The Bird," which is modeled after the Oscar of the Academy Awards. Daniel Kettler was the contest winner.

"This is an interesting time for Limelight. Our primary focus was to get the first film competition and festival underway," said James Caughel, president of the new group. "The rest of what we are doing now is laying the groundwork for a tradition that can grow to be an integral part of the SVSU experience."

Second Vice President Leah Sherman encourages students to participate in the group.

"Students don't need to be experts in film making to participate, and the variety that participants bring to the festival is what makes 'The Bird' awards so valuable. There is not just one award for best film," she said. "'The Bird' is awarded much like an Oscar for various film attributes. Those involved have brought so many strong ideas to the table, and it is encouraging to see these unique perspectives working together to get this group up and running."

Sherman said anyone is welcome to attend In the Limelight's weekly meetings, which take place Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. in the Student Technology Center.