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 Just
like a Hollywood opening night, a high-energy buzz prevailed
downtown. Gala ticket holders were eager to head straight into the
theater and find their seat. They scurried past TV camera crews that
filled the lobby intent on interviewing someone of importance on
this opening night of the Lincoln Film Festival.
One young person was so excited she could not contain it. As she
came back out the door she exclaimed to anyone who might listen, “I
just met a movie star!” and then screamed with delight.
The second annual Lincoln Film Festival Gala that began at 5:30 p.m.
on Friday drew a large interest. Sold-out days in advance, the high
demand event had people clamoring for possible stand-by, late entry
opportunities.
At one point, featured animated movie artist, Brenda Chapman, popped
into the lobby. She searched about and spotting an older gentleman,
personally escorted the man into the theater, leaving everyone
wondering, "Who was that man?"
When settled in, the auditorium held both local and unfamiliar
faces. In attendance were aspiring young persons interested in
performance arts and others who would like to be in production.
A number of Lincoln College students were present.
As Lincoln College returns to being a four-year university, its
curriculum has expanded and now includes a Radio, Television and New
Media degree program.
One of these students, Lincoln College senior Chris Garcia, had his
film about Chicago violence accepted as a festival entry. “Too Many
to Count on Hands” subtitled “Lincoln College’s Chicago” screened at
the LFF as the closing film on Sunday evening.
Another film of interest, Dead Draw was also to be shown on Saturday
and Sunday. Some scenes were filmed locally and Director Dan Kolen
was on hand to share his experiences filming in Logan County.
A number of other films would be featured over Saturday and Sunday
including animated films: Prince of Egypt and A Goofy Movie with
discussions by directors Brenda Chapman and Kevin Lima,
respectively.
But on this opening night of the LFF, when the flurry of energy
subsided, the evening's program was that of a current
work-in-progress, a new animated film. The animators and creators
were present to share how a film gets put together.
Director Brenda Chapman, a Beason native, welcomed the audience and
then introduced the team for her latest film:
-Serving as Production Designer is Richie Chavez, whose credits
include: Prince of Egypt, Mulan, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,
and Brother Bear, shared with the audience the development art and
what it takes to discover “the look” of the film.
-
Producer Chris Chase' credits include Enchanted and Tarzan.
- Editor Sarah Riemers works include Finding Dory, Piper, Brave;
Chavez.
- And, Story Artist Sharon Bridgeman-Lukic works include How To
Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda 2.
The panel led the audience through how they collaboratively put
animated films together and also took questions.
The next couple of hours were called 'a gift' by one attendee,
"something totally inspiring."
Chapman and her talented crew engaged with the audience
answering questions about how a story becomes a picture. The
energy of her team and the excitement of the audience provided a
delightful night that many will remember for years to come.
Following the discussion period, the audience was then treated
to a special sneak preview of the film. Story reels, which are
the visual blueprint in the form of a projected comic strip with
dialogue, sound effects and music for the first half of the
movie were shown.
Listening to these talented and gracious artists, the evening
flew by faster than most would have wished. The rapt audience
hardily approved of the presentations and enjoyed seeing and
hearing the inside workings in the creation of an animated epic
tale.
The evening was not yet over. The audience was invited to a
reception up the block at the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of
Commerce office, where guests could speak one-on-one with the
celebrity panel members.
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You may be wondering, what of that mystery man mentioned earlier,
who was whisked away from the lobby by Chapman.
Well, he was at the Gala. He had come from Bloomington earlier in
the morning hoping to get a ticket, but the event was sold out. He waited around
all day and then begged to stand or pay double to get in. He did not know any
one personally.
Humbled,
he said he had worked on a similar theater crew back in the day. He
had been out of the business for over 40 years and was engaged in
writing and drawing his story for film. He said a lot had changed
over the years and "he was inspired to approach things a little
differently after tonight."
At the
reception, panel members continued to engage on a more personal
level with those who had come to learn from them. In one corner an
excited young lady wanted an autograph from Chapman, while editor
Riemers was seen speaking with the older gentleman, and so on around
the room, the enthusiasm and encouragements flowed.
While this event was about artistry and movie-making, it was a fine
example of those who were willing to share of themselves; they
touched and inspired many others on this evening.
It was a great example to all who possess a skill or talent of any
sort to ask, "Who is in your world that needs inspiring?" Let your
star light shine.
[Karen Hargis/with contributions by
Jan Youngquist]
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