A Castle, a Camera, and a Script: Arcadia’s New Film Club

When you have a large, medieval-like castle within walking distance, the possibilities for film ideas are endless. Last fall, while working on scripts with my friend TJ Nartey ’20, we brainstormed all of the opportunities Arcadia’s campus offers for creative minds looking to capture magic with cameras. One day, TJ said he’d heard rumblings of an up-and-coming film club on campus and suggested we check it out.

I began to see flyers for a new club oriented around film all over hallways and windows throughout campus. I decided to reach out to club president Preston Hill ’22, who was trying to get the club approved. Preston, TJ, and I (along with plenty of awesome club members) took our ideas to the club council and got it approved for the 2019-20 academic year. Ever since, we’ve hit the ground running with screenplays and castings. 

When meetings started, I was worried about my lack of camera knowledge. There are plenty of club members who make up for it, though, and they have helped me learn more about different camera angles and how to capture the perfect shot. On the other hand, there are students who always have a camera in hand ready to shoot, but are looking to sharpen their direction in their scripts.

Since I began working closely with my peers on projects, I’ve grown more comfortable and confident about my artistic abilities. I’m learning my way around a camera. I’ve offered and received plenty of constructive criticism on projects to make our coming short films even more expansive and well-produced. The environment is always productive, and even if club members wanted to branch off with a few peers and a camera, Preston is more than willing to provide materials to help get students’ ideas off the ground. 

Even when we take a step away from screenplays and cameras, the film club is an exciting place to talk about our mutual love for movies. I’ve had engaging conversations, and made great friends, talking about everything from Donnie Darko and The Big Lebowski to Spirited Away and The Dark Knight.  Members love to chat about their favorite scenes from particular movies or introduce each other to stellar movies they may not have seen.

But don’t think the club is only welcome to those who already live and breathe film.  Have you ever wanted to learn how to write screenplays or shoot a short film? Do you have an idea for a story you’re passionate about and need a new outlet? This may be just what you’ve been looking for. We have writers, actors, editors, photographers, make-up artists, and more looking to make students’ scripts into a marvel on the big screen. 

No experience is required. Our meetings are dedicated to helping members learn how to write a proper screenplay and film short scenes. We meet every other week on Thursdays from 6  to 7 p.m. in Brubaker 102. 

Did I mention everyone is welcome? I hope to meet some new imaginative students in the coming weeks.