Steven Spielberg, a famous director known for his films Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws and more, has had a love for filmmaking all his life. His advice for aspiring filmmakers is to remember that "filmmaking is all about appreciating the people you surround yourself with and knowing you could have never made any of these films by yourself."
This is the message that EMU's Eagle Filmmakers Association (EFA) is trying to spread, as well.
"[We] are a family of cool people who love to make movies . . . at Eastern Michigan University," the club's Facebook page (@eaglefilmmakers) reads.
EFA welcomes all EMU students, even if they have no experience in film whatsoever. They make short films, host workshops and provide mentorships and networking for those who want to work professionally in film.
Heather Moody, President of Eagle Filmmakers Association, described a typical EFA meeting.
"A typical meeting isn't typical in EFA," said Moody. "We have two main types of meetings, which are pre-production and production days. Pre-production days get us prepared for production days. We try to do as much production as we can."
Along with other interested students, Moody said the group also welcomes CMTA majors who are interested in filmmaking.
"We give access to more opportunities and hands-on experience to supplement the little hands-on we get in the classroom," she said.
Interested in joining? The group meets every Thursday from 5pm-7pm in room 330 at the Student Center during the Fall and Winter semesters.
"Interested students can find us on Facebook and either message that page or contact me, Heather Moody (hmoody2@emich.edu), and let me know their interest in joining,“ Moody said. "Or just show up...more than likely, I can point them to where we are.”
Moody encourages students to keep their eyes open, as there is a film festival, co-hosted with Campus Life, coming up next semester.
“Anyone is welcome to submit their short film," Moody said. “We don’t have a date set but more information is coming soon.”
Jacob Lyon, EFA Treasurer, believes that “students need a unique outlet to let their creative sides shine.”
“[EFA] is one of the best ways to do it. If you want to be behind the camera, awesome. If you want to act, cool. If you want to write, even better. No matter what it is you want, we will try our best to accommodate,“ Lyon said.
Like Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino is another famous director. He is known for the films Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Inglorious Basterds and more. His work has inspired filmmakers all over the world. His advice for future filmmakers is to “reinvent the genre a little bit...just do it [your] way.”
Lyon encourages students to be on the lookout for the EFA-sponsored Friday Night Movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, directed by Tarantino, in mid-November.
To learn more about EFA and their upcoming events, check out their Facebook page (@eaglefilmmakers).
