Chris Free, an Ohio University alumnus, will showcase his producing work at the 4th Annual Colony Film Festival in Marietta this weekend.
The film that Free, now a graduate student at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., worked on is titled Black-Eyed Redemption.
Essentially
it's about a kid who grows up and gets picked on and it's a reflection of the bully looking back on how his experiences led him to this dead end and how he is trying to shed a lot of his past Free said.
Free was selected to produce the film, which had already had its script chosen by the executive producer, following an application process.
The graduate school provides a $10 000 endowment to fund the film. ... Basically
you have to show how you'll effectively use the money to make this film
Free said.
Free started working on the film in August 2009 and the film premiered at Regent May 5. Since then, the filmmakers have been working with a department within the film school that specifically distributes films to festivals across the country, targeting events where they believe a film will be well received.
Instead of pursuing a degree in production for cinema and television, Free studied telecommunications management at OU. Free's path changed, however, in his senior year when he saw a film about sex trafficking.
I was really moved
and it motivated me to want to be a filmmaker. However
I was a senior when I saw it and didn't have enough formal training (in filmmaking)
Free said.
Roger Cooper, director of the School of Media Arts and Studies, served as an adviser for Free during his time at OU.
My first impression was that he was somebody that was committed to what he wants
Cooper said. He has a solid idea of what he wants and can see something through.
Cooper said he believes Free could be primed for more achievements.
It's a great success story. I feel it is going to be one of many for Chris. For him the sky is the limit and this will be the first of many things we'll see from him
Cooper said.
Rami Yoakum, Free's father, said his son's compassion and human nature make him equipped to be a filmmaker.
I think Chris has a desire to help people and plans to use his films to that. He obviously has the technical skills
but I feel his human side and desire to make a difference is what makes him a good filmmaker
