NORFOLK, Neb. -- It is the little things that make a difference when watching films on the big screen.
That point was driven home several times by Northeast Community College students answering questions about their short films following their premiere on Saturday, May 4, at the Norfolk 7 Theatre.
Attention to detail was mentioned several times as being important during a Q&A, which was led by Drew Dolezal, Northeast media arts instructor. The Q&A took place with questions both from Dolezal and the audience.
Four Media Arts – Digitial Cinema & Media sophomores shared their works, which featured movie posters in the theater lobby for each film. The showing was free.
The writer-director students were Micah Goedeken, Norfolk; Austin Lutz, Ogalala; Kolin Zoubek, Albion; and Andre Kittle, Madison. Each was responsible for conceptualizing, casting, editing, directing, and finalizing their short films -- all in their final spring semester.
The students shared that sometimes scenes were shot as many as 15 times, even if the scene would only last a few seconds. It is important to make sure each scene fits with the next one, the students said.
And because the students were working with hardly any budget, they often had to rely on friends as actors – friends who would be willing to spend hours and hours filming the same scenes.
While budgets were an issue, all the students said they were not disappointed with that they chose and the final product.
Dolezal said the students were instructed to make their films about 10 to 15 minutes each. Genres include drama, documentary and horror.
“I don’t necessarily grade them on the creative side of things,” Dolezal said. “I do set some boundaries, but I really do let them run free. I tell them PG-13 and below and that’s pretty much all the direction I give them.”
Dolezal said he also gives them guidance during the semester, including approaches and the ways to go about things.
Genres covered by the students were drama, documentary and horror.
Goedeken’s film was “Johnny Before Tonight,” which was a documentary on Johnny Carson. Lutz’s film was “In Frame” and it was a drama. Zoubek’s film was “The Walk” and it was a horror film. Kittle’s film was “Lasting,” and it also was a drama.
Seeing Norfolk, Northeast Community College and familiar faces on a movie screen is exciting, but students said they also enjoyed seeing their names on the credits. All the films looked professional and skillfully completed.
The students said they acquired a lot of skills by making short films. That included basic knowledge about using the camera, how to control the shot and how to light a shot. Other skills included the importance of having the right costumes on actors, learning to edit film and not being afraid to try new things.
For those interested, the movies will be posted later on the Northeast media arts page on the Northeast website.
Short Film Premiere cutline
Answering questions following the premier of their short films along with their instructor are (from left) Drew Dolezal, media arts instructor; and students Micah Goedeken, Norfolk; Austin Lutz, Ogalala; Kolin Zoubek, Albion; and Andre Kittle, Madison. The event took place at Norfolk 7 Theatre. (Northeast Community College)
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