Story by Tucker Ross, for The Muleskinner—

Josh Lewin, a graduate student of film production, and members of the Filmmakers and Actors Coalition are attempting to cultivate a creative environment for individuals involved in film production at UCM.

The group focuses on giving actors and filmmakers the push they need to enter the film industry.

“Making movies is not something you do on your own” said Lewin, “I knew there were a lot of keen and enthusiastic filmmakers on campus through my GA position. I was always interacting with a number of digital media production students.”

As far as the acting aspect of the organization, Lewin has worked with graduates of the UCM theater department. “I knew there was a lot of talent in the department here, thus the name FAC.”

Josh Leonard, a member of FAC, said thindependent film production can be a daunting task for amateur filmmakers and actors.

“There’s a bunch of people interested in making independent films, but are insecure about getting out there and doing it. It’s a growing field and it’s a really good idea to get people who are into it.”

Leonard said he believes that the group can provide “independent and low-budget experience” as a resource to anyone involved in media production.

Dr. Mark von Schlemmer, the faculty advisor for the group, said that he is anticipating the group to be “a source of filmmaking information and energy for students outside of classes – helping students get experience in filmmaking and being a social group to watch films and talk about films.”

Von Schlemmer is also the festival director for the Show Me Justice Film Festival, a showcasing of films concentrating on the theme of social justice.

Members of FAC will assist in the coordination of the festival in the fall.

“I know many of the members look forward to being involved and maybe even creating a short or two that can be screened as a part of the festival” said Lewin, regarding the group’s involvement in the festival.

FAC is a relatively new group, and the members are currently concerned with increasing turnout.

However, the group aspires to expand and provide experience for all areas of digital media production.

Lewin said “in the future it would be nice to incorporate all elements of creative students into the group: design, graphic design, photography, fashion design, and music.

All very important elements of filmmaking, and it would be great to be able to collaborate with the creative talent that we have here at UCM.”

The group also aspires to someday bring a multi-genre short film festival to campus.

Additionally, the FAC hopes to host veterans of indie filmmaking as guest speakers, in an attempt to share their experience to students.

The group currently holds informal meetings in the union.

For more information about FAC, you may contact Josh Lewin at lewin@ucmo.edu.