reported by Dan Wilson, CyberScreenwriter.com

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a draw for hundreds of celebrities, film industry execs and paparazzi to converge on Santa Barbara during the first two weeks of February. It also is the backdrop for the production of a 35mm short film by 42 Brooks Institute of Photography students.

The film is being produced as a part of the Kodak 35mm Project, which gives student filmmakers the opportunity to experience filmmaking using the same tools as industry professionals. The Kodak 35mm Project is an exciting example of Brooks Institute's philosophy of "learn by doing." The school's commitment to student-centered, experiential learning -- with classes taught by faculty who are experts in their respective fields -- designed to prepare students to adapt to rapid industry changes and evolving technologies. Students participating in the project enroll in an advanced topics class, apply for specific production jobs -- ranging from producer to director and gaffer to accountant -- and receive course credit for their hands-on training experience.

To guide the students through the production process, film professor, Tracy Trotter, enlists the help of a who's who list of industry experts. This year, students will work under the mentorship of talented industry professionals, including producer Steve Traxler whose credits include Legally Blonde and Out of Time; director of photography, Chuck Minsky, who worked on Pretty Woman, Almost Famous and The Producers; director Perry Lang of Alias, Dawson's Creek and NYPD Blue, and Devik Wiener, best boy electric/visual effects unit, whose resume includes Honey I Blew up the Kid. Brooks professor Dale Angell guides students through the post-production process where they learn how to edit the 35mm film.

For the third year in a row, Brooks Institute has received a grant from Kodak, which provides motion picture film and leading-edge services and equipment from numerous sponsors. This year, Kodak announced its ongoing financial support to the Kodak 35mm Project at Brooks.

"The Kodak 35mm Project gives student filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talent using the same tools as industry professionals," said Kodak 35mm Project creator Lorette Bayle. "Brooks Institute has done such an amazing job administering the Kodak 35mm Project grant. It has set the precedent for all schools receiving the grant and I look forward to working with the Institute in years to come."

"Kodak's grant has launched a spectacular event for our students," said Emmy award winner and Brooks Institute professor Tracy Trotter. "The Kodak 35mm Project closes the gap between education and industry. By participating, our students gain the skills and education they wouldn't find in a standard classroom setting. It's a rigorous program and our students get mentored by leading experts in the motion picture industry."

The Kodak 35mm Project at Brooks involves a 150-person film crew, more than 30 vendors, rental equipment valued at more than $1 million, and an estimated 24,000 hours of labor from students, faculty and volunteers. Kodak and other sponsors contributed 35mm motion picture film and cameras, lens packages, cranes, lighting, grip, generator and audio equipment.

This year's film, entitled "Love's Devotion Forever," is a dark romantic comedy about a successful screenwriter suffering from depression who falls in love and struggles to express her true self. The film was written by Jessica Kalin, and will be directed by Jesse Hagy, both students at Brooks. The first Kodak 35mm Project film produced by Brooks students was "Help Wanted," which received the CINE Golden Eagle Award for outstanding student filmmaking.

LINKS:
Brooks Institute of Photography
http://www.brooks.edu