Connecticut Film Student
College Film Production – An Incredible Year
When teaching film, poignant moments occur. I regularly observe passive camera-users apply their intelligence, learn skill and develop voice. In doing so, they become conscious observers of light, shape and shadow. For those that wish to tell stories, they practice. They repeat exercises over and over while consistently developing and growing a new language and skill. Granted, holding a piece of technology and investigating personal behavior, characters and ideas is not exactly natural, but in these early lessons, I am always amazed about just how how innate our ability to tell stories really is.
Today, the semester at CCSU closes. In the coming days, I will share some extraordinary new work from our film students. It was a great year.
Posted by: Jeff Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University
Undeniable Intent – An Austin High School Student’s Viral Song
We all film and take pictures…But beyond the techniques (even with the most basic of technologies), it is the desire to consciously identify, capture, create and communicate, which are the necessities of a production artist.
This viral YouTube post by Molly Kate Kestner, an Austin high school student, is a triumphant and empowering example of that.
Posted by: Jeff Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University
Raw Will – Joshua Therriault – A CCSU Film Alumnus
Filmmaker, Joshua Therriault arrived at CCSU with ambition to film. After the Intro course, Josh developed ideas, shot regularly and returned with an unlikely and depressing scowl. Though all students arrive with different challenges, Josh had an uncanny urge to move, (or jolt) the camera constantly. For months, we observed shaky footage, restless shots and a whole lot of bump on ample subjects and locations. Needless to say, the footage was unusable.
FILMMAKING IS DIFFICULT
When it comes to chasing a dream, “desire” can make all the difference. For Josh, there was no shortage in this department. With unusable footage in tow, he engaged his challenges. He confronted story-telling obstacles through scripting and improved his cinematic technique with rigorous practice. In one semester, he actually attended a class he was not registered for. None of this was easy by the way. At times it was excruciating and filled with failure. But there was triumph as well…and that is the point: through learning, succeeding, failing, knowing why and improving, skill was built and undeniable talent, earned. We are proud to feature Therriault’s latest work, THE PREMISE
Josh attended CCSU from 2007 to 2012. He received his BA in Communication, has worked with Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta, and Dean Cundey A.S.C (DP of Jurassic Park, Apollo 13 and Halloween). He currently works for ESPN and is a freelance Independent Filmmaker.
Posted by: Jeffrey Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University
Official Selection – Kara Brewer
Recent graduate and CCSU Digital Filmmaking student, Kara Brewer has been fighting a rare genetic disease. She has endured a kidney transplant, brain surgery and many other complex issues related to BOR syndrome. She has also been filming her experiences with extreme courage and skill. Though the fight is ongoing and the battles are difficult, this week Kara received good news – She won First Place within Health Justice Connecticut’s Public Service Announcement Competition. Her entry, ILLNESS WILL FIND YOU was filled with intimate footage of her own disease. Kara is currently in production on her larger documentary – A film chronicling the triumphs and struggles of BOR Syndrome. The film includes cinematography by CCSU Graduate and Filmmaker, Joshua Therriault.
Posted by: Jeffrey Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University
Shae Sau – Filming Alzheimer’s Disease, Family and Hope.
Shae Sau arrived at CCSU as a transfer student from Manchester Community College.
“Film for me at CCSU has changed my thoughts and perception of production. I have gone beyond the fear of handling the camera and approaching subjects. Most recently, through film, I explored issues of gender and identity in an extremely personal way. This resulted in over 6000 views within week of posting and a mass of positive feedback on issues of gender.
Currently, I am documenting my dying grandfather who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and Pneumonia. To be able to document his decline in-progress, and see my whole family come together, has preserved great moments of beauty and heartache. At times it was difficult filming such a personal experience, but looking back, I realize what I had done. Every moment of filming was very intimate. I am proud of the work and time put into filming this.
The film is currently in post production.
Shae’s grandfather passed away on March 5th 2014. Because of Shae’s intensive production work on this issue, her grandfather’s voice and moments, will soon tell a meaningful story.
Posted by: Jeffrey Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University