URI departments join forces for student film production

10/30/09 - The University of Rhode Island's students and faculty from the film media program along with the art department, English department and the music department are joining forces for the first time and producing an original film. "'Prospect Park' is the first interdepartmental project of this nature to be attempted at URI," senior Kris Castro said.

Students and faculty from these departments started producing "Prospect Park" on Oct. 17 and the film will be shown in May 2010 at URI's annual film festival, "Visualizations."

Christopher Mensel, a film professor, wrote the script "Prospect Park" with the help of the students. Castro said the film is about two local teenagers venturing through the streets of Providence. It is supposed to be a memoir of Providence, he said.

Beyond the anticipated success of the film itself, the group is hoping to inspire the addition of an independent film class, Castro said.

Lead Information Technologist, Roy Bergstrom initially came up with the idea of the production of this film and is making it a class assignment for his film students.

"Several departments will be working together to produce a short film of high production value, each contributing in a different way in order to make the end result a success," Castro said.

He said the students change their roles in the film, such as being behind the camera, directing and acting.

"Its cool for all of us to put our heads together to make a kick-ass film," senior Rachel Mossberg said.

The main characters in the film are senior Andrew Brennan and junior Bryce Monohan. The film has several minor characters and roughly 40 extras.

Professors from different departments are assisting students in various areas of the film's production. Ron Hutt, an art professor, is guiding the students in possible 3D elements and effects for the film, such as lighting and the movement of inanimate objects. Along with effects, alumnus Dan Kutty will produce an original soundtrack, with the assistance of music professor, Joe Parillo.

Some scenes of "Prospect Park" are being shot on campus, but the majority of the film will be shot in Providence. One scene was shot at URI's Memorial Union Ballroom last Friday and a group of about 20 student extras danced to the song, "That's Not My Name," by The Ting Tings.

The students organize when shootings will take place at their weekly meetings and discuss their progress.

The casting call for the film was held on Oct. 10, but more actors are needed and students are encouraged to join. A second casting call will be held in the future and the date will be posted on the movie's Facebook page.

"['Prospect Park' is] rock and roll for your eyes," student Steve McAuslin said.