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College Filmmaking

TO VIEW FULL SITE NATIONAL AWARDS AND STUDENT FILMS:

WWW.CCSUFILM.COM

Posted by Jeff Teitler – Professor of Filmmaking

 

 

 

Pearse

College Students in Connecticut become Filmmakers

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There are a growing number of filmmakers emerging from CCSU’s Digital Filmmaking emphasis.  Having observed their work, drive and growth throughout this first semester, the outcomes are undeniable.  In fact, through multiple midnight editing sessions, repeated film shoots and an inquisitive desire to create, a number of mature and compelling films have not only emerged, but also inspired outside interest.
This year’s accomplishments include a first-semester Film student, whose work won Best Documentary Short within NYC’s Chain Film Festival.  That same piece also received an Official Selection within the Trinity Film Festival.  Additionally, a number of national not-for-profit institutions such as, Live Strong and the Amputee Coalition of America have streamed CCSU student films and productions.    In fact, from Los Angeles to Nepal, our filmmakers have (and are still)  preserving voices, interpreting moments  and creating meaningful stories.
Screen Capture by Jensun Yonjan
Screen Capture by Jensun Yonjan

Reverberating beyond the classroom, the Digital Film emphasis at Central Connecticut State University and student accomplishments have inspired ESPN’s interest as well.    In fact, the acclaimed network has recognized CCSU’s Filmmakers by hiring and retaining our graduates.  Moreover, ESPN is actively seeking current Film students who are dedicated to the craft.

ESPN
ESPN Film and Production Recruiting Meeting @ Central Connecticut State University

Having observed many non-speciailized college students transform into defined and practicing artists, the results are always inspiring.   It starts by enrolling in one Film class (COMM 228).  No previous knowledge of filmmaking is required.  In fact, for those who merely practice the exercises repeatedly,  regardless of talent or skill-level, end up building an undeniable and deeply empowering skill.

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Screen Capture by 1st semester Film student, Rachael Grusse

The INTRODUCTION TO FILMMAKING (COMM 228) course is currently open to all majors. For additional information and questions, contact us:

Email Jeffrey B. Teitler – Associate Professor – Department of Communication

Posted by. Jeff Teitler
Associate Professor
Central Connecticut State University
Media Production and Performance Studies – Digital Filmmaking Emphasis
Levar

A NY Times’ Best Selling Author Posts CCSU Student’s Film

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CCSU Film Student, Levar Shannon’s work was recently posted and shared on NY TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR’S Facebook Page.

 

Posted by: Jeffrey Teitler – Associate Professor, Central Connecticut State University

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College Film Production – An Incredible Year

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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

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Undeniable Intent – An Austin High School Student’s Viral Song

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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

Production Still - The Premise - Joshua Therriault

Raw Will – Joshua Therriault – A CCSU Film Alumnus

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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

MyLifeAsKara

Official Selection – Kara Brewer

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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

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Shae Sau – Filming Alzheimer’s Disease, Family and Hope.

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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