Feature Movie Filmed on Campus Engages Video Students
About a year and a half ago I found myself at wit’s end. I was at a job that I didn’t enjoy at all, which was slowly and surely destroying my mental and physical health, and I couldn’t see a path forward. After a bit of consideration and with a whole lot of hope, I decided to quit that job and pursue a different path by going back to school full-time.
That’s the abridged version of how I found myself in Mt. Hood Community College’s Integrated Media: Video program as a 28-year-old single mother. In my position, it’s still sometimes hard to see a path forward when surrounded by so much uncertainty, but I like to keep the faith that uncertainty is just a fertile garden bed for opportunity, and I can write this chapter of my life however I want.
All that to say, when my instructors let us know that a feature movie was being filmed here on campus, I snatched that opportunity like a starving animal. It seemed so perfect, and I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of it!
On April 19 and again April 26, social media personality and comedian “Skweezy Jibbs” pulled up to MHCC with trucks full of gear and a ready-to-work crew to film some scenes from Skweezy’s upcoming, untitled feature-length production.
My Video classmates and I were given the option to appear as extras in the film or to job shadow some of the crew members and get a real glimpse into our futures as filmmakers. I chose to job shadow the camera and assistant director departments on the 26th, and I’m so glad I did.
Even though I wasn’t doing much hands-on work, I got to meet some wonderful people who have been working in the film and media industries in Portland and surrounding areas for a while. There were even a few MHCC alumni in the mix, and it was awesome seeing them working in the industry. It only fueled that hope that led me here in the first place.
After the morning segment of filming, we had what they called a “lunch and learn” opportunity where we could chat with different department leaders about their roles and ask all our buzzing questions. I chose to sit with the first assistant director and first assistant camera (person), and learned a lot. While I don’t think assistant directing is something I want to pursue, it was wonderful to hear about their experiences and exchange numbers for potential future opportunities.
And that’s the wonderful thing about this industry, I’m discovering: Everything is a networking opportunity. In the film industry, connections are as valuable as any currency. I think networking is one of the top three skills any filmmaker or aspiring filmmaker should practice and home in on, regularly; it will get you further than you think.
If you’re curious about more film and entertainment events happening on campus or wondering more about the Integrated Media programs offered here, I highly recommend you stop by the instructor offices in Building 13 to chat with someone and learn more!
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