In a normal school year, this is a week of excitement among cinema production majors because this is usually the week of the senior film projects premiere. Tickets are sold, posters go up and the red carpet is rolled out for the big event.
This year, however, is not normal. Like many events, the senior project premiere has had to be adapted to current COVID-19 restrictions by moving to a livestream event — the first-ever Online Senior Premiere.
Christopher Zydowicz, the cinematic arts faculty advisor for senior projects, said, “Sharing (the senior films) with the Bob Jones family is our way to finish off the year with a great uniting event. Usually, we have the premiere on campus in a venue that holds over 600 people. It’s usually packed and a highlight for the student body on campus. This year we get to share it … with everyone. (The seniors) worked hard for a year and now get to share it with you for FREE.”
The Process
Work on the senior film projects begins long before the senior year. Cinema production is an immersive major, and assignments in cinematic arts classes from the freshman year forward are designed to develop the storytelling and filmmaking skills needed for the senior project and future film careers.
The script for the project is written before the senior year so that the seniors can start production right away when the school year begins. With much one-on-one guidance from the cinematic arts faculty, the seniors go through the entire process of making a film in seven months or so — a huge endeavor for a student who has other classes and responsibilities as well. Underclassmen act as crew members for the seniors, preparing them for their own projects later.
Fortunately, when the on-campus portion of the semester abruptly ended on March 13 due to COVID-19, the seniors were entering the sound and color phases of post-production. But this meant that they had to do their finishing work from home. The films were finished with many emails, texts and files dropped to servers between the seniors and faculty.
The Projects
According to Zydowicz, this year’s premiere will include:
- Kyle West — Paper Jam
A light-hearted comedy set in the backdrop of a copy center. Clever banter and a catchy song make this film fun to watch.
- Trevor Kolman — Bank Note
What would you do if you were told to “get rid of” a pile of junk and found a bag of money in that junk? “Doing the right thing” in this dark comedy takes a turn when a note is found in the bag of money.
- Chantel Dewar — Legacy
A stirring tribute film for the “greatest generation.” The film is set in modern times and during World War II. The stories we tell the next generation helps keep the memories alive.
- Daniel Quigley — Find Me
This clever little film has more twists than a country road in Georgia. Follow Jean as she wakes up in the lost and found section and struggles to find meaning as to why she is there and to find her way back.
- Brandon Riddell — Trio
Three friends enjoy games so much (too much) that they set out to live the adventure (kind of) in a post-apocalyptic society (sort of) that bans board games. This fun short film takes you on a visual adventure you’ll enjoy.
- Emily Butler — Return
The choice of life propels this story as this prodigal daughter sets out on her own. Her mother patiently continues to reach out in letters and phone calls, waiting for a response. To return home can be the start of healing and life.
- Rachel Grady — Lost in the Middle
A personal documentary about a little sister’s struggles. The director’s journey to share her sister’s inner-world anxieties and how it collides with outer-world relationships. Finding your identity in God through the talents He gives is an inspiring story.
The Premiere
The Online Senior Premiere is scheduled to be webcast at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, on the BJU – Cinema Department Facebook page and bju.edu/live. The showing will be a free one-time event and will not be available for viewing on demand afterward.
Said Sharyn Robertson, the cinematic arts department head: “We are always proud of the work our seniors do, and this year was no exception. They overcame more obstacles at the end than any other class before them and accomplished their goal. We wish we could have finished the projects and the school year all together, but I am glad they still will have the opportunity to showcase all of their hard work.”
