Script reading gives insight on rigors of student filmmaking

Sarah Manley / contributing photographer Junior Mike Taft (left) and senior Connor Fux concur during a script reading of "That's a More."

While the student body adapts to the rhythm of second semester, a group of four college actors are huddled in the fourth floor in Warren Hall, charged with a strange task —portraying themselves.

Rehearsals are underway for the JMU student film "That's A More," which will be shown at the JMU Student Film Festival this spring.

Auditions for the film were held in November 2003 when the directors, juniors Mike Taft and Matt Rondeau, narrowed down the group of about 20 actor-hopefuls to a cast of four.

The lead, a JMU male named Luke, will be played by sophomore Dean Camp.

"When we saw Dean, he just looked like the Luke we had envisioned when creating the script," Rondeau said. "He nailed the timing, and his personality was perfect." Camp admits to being able to relate to the nerdy side of his character. "He's a big goober, sort of like the character of Ross on ‘Friends,'" he said.

Senior Connor Fux will be playing opposite Camp as the high-strung, manipulative professor Eugene Smarty-pants.

"Connor definitely had the energy we were looking for in the professor," Taft said. "He auditioned first, and, after his audition, we were nervous that the rest [of the auditions for that role] would be as good, which would make our job so much harder."

Rehearsals for the film began Monday night with a read-through of the script to get the cast members acquainted with one another and the dialogue, according to Taft. "We wanted to get an idea of what the screenplay would sound like with the actors all together," Taft said.

"We tried to let the actors know how we wanted it to sound, but also to let them know their input is welcome," he said. The directors plan to begin filming in the middle of February, after most of the actors' busy schedules have opened up.

Most the cast members are familiar with the stage and even currently are involved with other productions, or have heavy work schedules.

Fux, a theatre major, keeps busy through juggling numerous shows and credits.

"I am used to constantly doing work without receiving school credit for it," Fux said. "I really like playing the zany professor, and the opportunity to work with film is great."

Freshman Dawn Rice, who plays the character of Alyssa, an average JMU girl and Luke's love interest, said, "I work full-time and I am a full-time student, but I am definitely committed to this project."

Rondeau said, "One of the problems with making a film is coordinating everyone's schedules together. We don't even have everyone's availability yet."

Another drawback to creating a student film is the strain it can put on one's savings account. Taft admits to having taken a huge chunk out of his savings to purchase the equipment needed to shoot the film. "We haven't even bought props yet; that's more money right there," Taft said.

Despite the troubles that come with producing and directing their own film, Taft and Rondeau are dedicated to their project and are looking forward to beginning filming in February.