Missouri Western cinema department gets boost with grant
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A new grant and a project are bringing excitement to the cinema program at Missouri Western State University.
Toby Lawrence, associate professor of cinema at Missouri Western, said a staff addition and being awarded a MoExcel grant are changing the department's approach while also upgrading equipment.
"From that grant, we were given an allotment to upgrade our gear," Lawrence said. "So I really honestly believe now that we have everything that students would need to be industry standard."
The grant application originated with Dominic DiBrincat, chair of the Social Sciences and Humanities Department, and also benefits Potter Hall and other areas. In addition, longtime Missouri Western philanthropist Drew Brown was able to add matching funds.
These upgrades, in addition to new faculty member David Sutera, have opened the door for a greater expansion of the curriculum as well as a first for the university: The writing and production of a full-length film, which will be shot entirely on location in the St. Joseph area.
"The icing on the cake of all of this is the feature film," Lawrence said. "We will be shooting the film locally from May 25 to 31."
This project will be led by the Missouri Western cinema department, with students participating in various aspects of writing, directing and producing. In addition, Lawrence said, the department is reaching out to the entire community, including high school students who want to learn more about making films and all the work involved in the process.
"We will hold auditions and casting calls for community members who would like to be involved," Lawrence said. "The students are in an advanced screenwriting class right now, writing what could be the 'golden script' that will be chosen as the film."
Department leaders said the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau is on board and will assist in selecting locations and in publicity for both the process of the film and the final product. CVB Director of Communications Christian Mengel said his organization looks forward to the opportunity to assist with this project.
"At the CVB, we can help get them connected with contacts and locations," Mengel said. "We ask if they need street closures or catering and other logistics behind the making of the film is what we get to be part of."
As a graduate of Missouri Western's cinema department, Mengel said this project holds a special significance for him.
"Seeing students there now having the opportunity to be part of a feature-length film is huge," Mengel said. "That's what everybody who is interested in film wants to do."
Lawrence said that with Missouri tax credits available for filmmakers, the use of towns like St. Joseph in movies will likely continue to expand, noting the recent feature films that have already been shot here. The unique aspect of this film is that it will be student-led, he said.
"My goal has always been to be part of Missouri Western's efforts to connect the school with the community," Lawrence said. "This is definitely another way for that to happen, and we're excited about it."
The cinema department will host its annual film festival on April 25 and 26 at the Trail Theater, 111 N. Ninth St. For more information on the upcoming festival and the cinema department, visit missouriwestern.edu/cinema.
