Appalachian State University
hosted its first Appal iMovie Fest this fall.
The program provided freshmen with the opportunity to create
a movie capturing their Appalachian experiences using equipment
supplied by Apple Computer. The theme of the films is “capturing
a moment of change” in their freshman experience.
“Our vision is to encourage creativity in our students
and facilitate multi-media learning,” Nikki Crees,
assistant director of freshman learning communities and one
of the iMovie program directors, said.
“I have come from a filming background and really wanted
to get my feet wet in some type of film here at Appalachian,”
freshman Sarah Park said. “This iMovie Film Festival
was my first chance at expanding my horizons and getting
involved.”
Crees said 55 students from various freshmen learning communities
make up the 11 teams creating films. Each team submitted
a proposal for their film and was then given equipment including
an Apple iBook with movie software and a digital video camera.
“I think it is great,” senior Josh Bragg said.
“It is nice to see Apple promoting software in a way
to get freshmen involved and see what is out there on campus.”
Bragg held two workshops throughout the filming process to
answer any questions the students might have about the equipment
and software.
Crees said some of the teams came to the festival without
any prior experience of the equipment. Only three of the
11 teams knew how to use the camera and software.
Bragg said it takes time to play around with footage and
a lot of effort to make it work. He said it is not something
you can just pick up, you must spend time with it.
The completed movies were submitted on Nov. 7 for judging.
Crees said the six judges include two administrators, two
faculty members, and two students.
The films will be judged on creativity in capturing a moment
of change, innovative use of technology, videography, editing,
relevance, creativity of the story and quality of performances.
The winning team will receive an Apple iPod for each member
of their team. The second place team receives Creature Speakers
and third place will be given apparel from the bookstore.
All prizes are sponsored by Apple computer and the Appalachian
bookstore. Everyone involved with the program will also get
T-shirts.
The movies will be shown at the Movie Premiere Night on Nov.
13 in the Blue Ridge Ballroom at 7 p.m.
“We are trying to make it a big movie premiere night,
like the Oscars but at App,” senior and co-coordinator
Josh Chambless said.
Crees said there will be door prizes for those who attend
the premiere night.
The Appalachian Theatre, Chalet Theatre, Grapevine Music
and Video, Fat Cats Music and Video, King Street Cafe and
Stick Boy Bread Company are just a few of the companies donating
gifts for the door prizes.
“It is really exciting for the students making the
films and a great way to support them,” Chambless said.
With this year’s turn out, everyone is expecting that
the iMovie will become an annual event.
“I am hoping it will get bigger and be something the
campus looks forward to every year,” Chambless said.
“I would love to get other students involved including
upperclassman,” Crees said. “It would be a great
senior capstone project.”
For any questions regarding Film Premiere night or future
Appal iMovie Fests go to www.imovie.appstate.edu.
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