MU to produce series of feature films
In an effort heavily funded by the College of Engineering, the Information Technology and Film Studies Departments create a feature film about Mexican Wrestlers.
Published March 3, 2006
In a combined effort among the College of Engineering, Information Technology department and the Film Studies department, MU students and professors have almost completed one major feature film project and the next film, "Wrestling Women vs. The Brainiac," is in the early planning stages.
"Project IT," as the College of Engineering calls it, is a low-budget initiative several professors have incorporated into their curriculums. Jeff Uhlmann, a computer science professor, is part of the project.
"The goal of the effort is to offer new opportunities for our students and to attract new students to IT and engineering," he said. "The film project is a core part of the curriculum for several IT courses, and we expect film-related technology issues to permeate other engineering disciplines. For example, students taking the capstone course in mechanical engineering are developing prototypes to address technology needs."
The project goes beyond campus. Uhlmann said Stephens College's nationally recognized theater program and newly integrated film program also are involved.
"We have invited Stephens to be a partner in our project," Uhlmann said. "We think that this kind of collaboration is a win-win for everyone involved."
Project IT also has employed the help of film professionals. Gene Ertal, who just finished the independent film, "Song of the Dead," and MU German and Russian studies professor Christopher Gubera signed on to the project.
Florida native Veronica Elliot also has signed on as production manager and said she is excited about her job.
"My job as production manager is to help set up every logistical aspect needed for the film to shoot itself," she said. "It is essential to have one person on point, to keep things organized, stay on budget and work with all the various vendors and locations sites to makes sure we are doing everything we need to."
With principle photography beginning for the film on April 1, a lot of work remains. The film will be shot in High Definition with a Sony CineAlta F-900 camera. Ertal said this is the same camera used to shoot "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith" and "Collateral Damage."
Ertal said "the film is like an ice cube hitting a hot skillet, it sizzles swirls around melts into a vapor of, corrupt political officials, honest cops, smart wrestlers and a monster that eats brains, all evaporating into the smoke of a flame thrower at a cemetery."
The movie, according to Uhlmann, "is about a wrestling woman's academy at which women study topics ranging from octonion hypercomplex analysis to dark energy physics to small-joint submission moves. The story is loosely based on actual events and revolves around a series of unusual murders involving missing brains."
Ertal said everyone involved in the production is willing to maximize opportunities for MU students.