What Did I Get Myself Into?

Posted by Savanna Sanders    

       On a sunny Friday afternoon, I found myself headed to an old cemetery with a Ouija board. I never imagined saying all of those words in the same sentence, but when Matt Jenkins offers you a role in one of his movies the concept goes out the window. As one of his students, I’ve always admired Dr. Jenkins’ work. Little did he realize how much I would love to help in any way with one of his productions. I said yes to the role before being told exactly what the scene was. After finding out, and a moment’s hesitation, I said yes again. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

Ironically, I was given the role of Jenna, the character who is the driving force pushing the girls to go to that cemetery. Personally, it wasn’t how I’d spend a normal Friday afternoon, but after how much fun we had filming, I’d certainly do it again!
            I’m currently studying Journalism and Media Production at Cameron University. I will be pursuing a career in news after graduation. I am a reporter for the school’s newscast, and host the school’s talk show. With all of this, I am in front of a camera just about every day. However, I never imagined being in front of a camera to shoot for a movie. I quickly learned that type of work is a whole other beast. There were terms tossed around I had never heard of. I learned just how much goes in to filming a three-minute scene. More than anything, I realized how much fun the process is. From setting up the scenes to audio to lighting, I was fascinated by it all.
            The best part about my experience was seeing my mentor (even though I heckle him in class) work his magic. We may have been in a cemetery playing with a Ouija board, but Dr. Jenkins never stops teaching. Through all of my questions and confusion, he answered everything and made sure I understood what was going on. I learned so much in the afternoon we filmed, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s hard work pay off in the final production. 

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