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Film director Werner Herzog once said he would climb into hell and wrestle the devil himself to make one of his films. Luckily, that may never be necessary for filmmakers at the University of Maine.
The Maine Channel is reaching out to student filmmakers by providing a budget and a showcase for short films as part of its first annual student film festival.
“The Maine Channel belongs to the students, and we want to give something back to them,” said Liz Boardman, The Maine Channel’s promotions director. “We’re a great resource, and we want them to know we’re here.”
At least 10 films will be produced with money the channel will grant according to each film’s proposed budget. Costumes, make-up and props are eligible for funding of up to $100.00 per project. Students may also have access to The Maine Channel’s cameras, DV tapes and editing equipment with permission, as well as being able to consult with the channel’s staff. The channel will also help put teams together for approved scripts if necessary.
“Our goal is to eliminate one of the major problems associated with creating films – money,” Andrew Eldridge, executive producer of The Maine Channel, said in a statement about the festival.
“If you have a good idea and it’s only a minute long, that’s going to be okay,” Boardman said, citing challenging genres such as clay animation. “All you need is a film idea and a willingness to do it.”
Scripts and schedules are due Feb. 16 and must be finished by March 19. If students want to work on films over winter break, they are encouraged to get a proposal in early. The film festival itself is scheduled for March 22.
Works submitted for the festival will include those funded by The Maine Channel. However, students who have completed films they would like to show are encouraged to submit their film for the festival’s lineup. These films are ineligible for funding, but may still compete with others for an as-yet-undetermined prize.
“[The Festival] was something that I’ve had in the back of my head for a while now,” Eldridge said. “I went to the Camden International Film Festival with a class and realized what a great idea it would be to have a film festival just specifically for students.”
Organizers are hoping students can present their works to an audience in an atmosphere complete with popcorn and drinks, and then celebrate with an after party.
“That was one of the cool things about the Camden Film Festival,” Boardman said, “You could just hang out and talk to the directors afterward.” She said The Maine Channel hopes to bring a similar atmosphere to the campus festival.
A jury, including The Maine Channel’s executive and senior directors, director of programming and faculty advisers, will determine the prize-winners from entries they hope will span from animation, experimental, documentary and short films, among others. Emphasis will be placed on short films that run longer than five minutes, but works in at least three categories will receive recognition.
Amateur film producers interested in participating can contact Andrew Eldridge on FirstClass or call 581-1559. Wrestling the devil does not appear to be a requirement.
Bangor Daily News