USU undergrads live their dream of becoming filmmakers

By Heather Williams

May 5, 2005 | Filmmaking is not just a hobby for a couple of juniors at USU, it's their life. Tyler Atkinson, a junior in liberal arts, and James Cawley, a junior in graphic design, write and direct their own films. Both plan to continue making films once out of school.

"It's all I've been able to concentrate on," said Atkinson.

Atkinson became interested in filmmaking a couple of years ago in an introduction to video class. He said he became more and more interested in how movies are made, so he made a short film and showed it to the class. Making movies has continued from there on for Atkinson.

"I try to find people that look interesting and think of stories about them, whether I know them or not," Atkinson said of where his ideas come from.

Cawley started making films in 1998 because of a video production class in high school. He said he had never touched a camera before, but after making some movies he thought it was fun. He plans on attending a graduate film school and try to get his short films noticed. He said he wants to leave a mark on the film industry whether it's through DVD design or directing.

Cawley likes to see how the finished product compares to his original ideas. "I like taking an idea you come up with in your head, then take people out of real life to create your vision," he said. "So many ideas mix, it's always different when it's finished."

A place for those who are interested in getting involved in filmmaking, whether seriously or as a hobby, is the USU film club. "There is a place for anyone in the club, from the most experienced to the least," according to the USU film club Web site. The club also makes films for other USU clubs like fashion, ASUSU and rugby.

Kevin Doyle is the faculty advisor for the film club. He has been teaching at USU for 13 years in the theater department, mostly acting and directing classes. He said he has been working with filmmaking for over 20 years through various commercial products.

Doyle has acted in films for Atkinson and Cawley. He lends support to the film club on the performance side, he said.

"The club is an attraction for those who want to make movies for fun," he said. "It serves its purpose to bring in skills."

Atkinson said he is highly influenced by directors like Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie. He said he likes the way they write and capture their audience.

Currently Atkinson is in Tennessee working on the second and third sequels for "The Work and the Glory." He said he sent his resume everywhere and was eventually hired and taken to Tennessee.

Atkinson and Cawley have partnered to make a couple of short films. They have sent their films to Slamdance, LDS, Thunderbird and the USU film festivals. The films won best picture in their categories in the USU film festival.

"A lot of people get discouraged, but the first and biggest step is just doing it," Atkinson said of getting started in filmmaking. "Some people just sit on their idea, and let it burn to the ground."

Atkinson said that you can't wait for the perfect time, the money or the right actors to make a movie; you just have to make a film.

"Not having money puts a damper on things," Atkinson said. He said he deals with small budgets by being annoying and asking people for favors. Also, actors in the theater department at USU are willing to be in his movies because films will get them noticed.

"People are going to do things for you if you just ask," he said.

Cawley said making deals helps when working with a small budget. Learn to talk to people, and you can make movies on smaller budgets, he said.

"Who you know is how far you go," he said. "Buy a lot of pizza and doughnuts."

He said at first students at USU didn't want to be in his films until he made a few and built a reputation. He said students will help if they feel they can get something out of it. Business owners, however, will lend a hand if they know you're dedicated and organized.

For anyone starting out in filmmaking, Doyle said a graduate degree will help you get connected with the professional world. You will have a reputation behind you and it will put you solidly in the profession. He said if you're serious at it, then keep working at it.

"Anyone can do it. I'm persistent. I kept at it. Most cases you need to know somebody, I didn't," Atkinson said.

"Don't be afraid to talk to other people who're doing it," Cawley said. "It's always harder doing something when it's new."

For tips on basic filmmaking go to filmmaking.com, and tips on how to deal with low budgets go to exposure.co.uk.

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