Film students produce comedy

April 8, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — “Save the Phoenix,” an original 45-minute film produced by Evangel University students, will be shown at 5:30 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., Friday, April 25, in AB-I (Zimmerman Hall) 105.

Tickets are $3 at the door, and the public is welcome to attend.

Five short films produced by Evangel’s electronic cinematography course will also be shown.

“Save the Phoenix” tells the story of three employees who struggle to save the theater where they work from going out of business. This is the fourth film produced as part of the film workshop course at Evangel. Unlike previous films produced by the course, “Save the Phoenix” is a comedy.

“It has clever comments and situations,” said Dr. Cameron Pace, executive producer of the film and chairman of Evangel’s communication department. “It’s not a slapstick comedy.”

Ryan Tharp, senior electronic media major from Barstow, Calif., is director of the film. Michelle Brooks, senior electronic media major from Lagrangeville, N.Y., is producer and Matthew Coratti, junior electronic media major from Chesapeake, Va., is director of photography.

The film stars James Kerr, Sarah Stubbs and Aaron Kozak in the lead roles of the three employees, Neal, Sarah and Felix. Kerr is a freshman journalism major from Springfield, Mo. Stubbs is a senior electronic media major from Watsonville, Calif., and Kozak is a sophomore electronic media major from Marcy, N.Y.

Anna Schellin, senior advertising and public relations major from Chinook, Mont., plays the supporting role of Whitney, Neal’s former girlfriend. Allen Marsh, an independent actor affiliated with the Skinny Improv, plays the role of Chuck, the owner of the theater.

Benjamin Boyer, composition student of Dr. John Akins, is writing original music for the film.

For additional information, contact Dr. Pace at (417) 865-2815 ext. 8413.