Student set to film on campus
Theatre major Christian Guynn plans to film his independent movie “Awake” on campus.
By Manny Casillas | Editorial Assistant
University of Indianapolis student Christian Guynn is preparing for production of a film he may be shooting on the UIndy campus.
Guynn, a theatre major, is finalizing cast and crew calls for his short film, entitled “Awake”. The film, written by Guynn, is about a man who descends into a catatonic state after learning of the death of his father. Only a stranger who shares a similar past may be able to bring him out of his condition. Guynn anticipates the film will be 15 or 20 minutes long.
Guynn said he was inspired by the film “Awakenings,” as well as the playwriting style of Harold Pinter, which influenced the dialog.
Guynn initiated this project when he returned to UIndy after transfering to Ball State University. Although the university has been cooperative, he still had to attain special permission for use of the premises from university officials such as Kory Vitangeli, dean of students.
Although the project is independent of the campus, Guynn is still playing with the idea of making all or some of the film at UIndy.
Whether the film takes place on campus or not, Guynn is attempting to acquire the help of anyone on campus willing to lend a hand. Guynn has been filling in positions such as scenic artist, property master and lighting designer.
Shooting for the project begins in April of this year, with a tentative six-day work schedule.
“We could do it in three, but I’m going to spread it to six,” Guynn said.
He anticipates completing the entire project sometime in May of this year. Afterward, he hopes to screen the film for test audiences and then get it on the festival circuit.
“[I anticipate] post-production, sound, scoring and editing to be done by mid to late May,” Guynn said. “Mostly because not only am I the director, I am also the cinematographer, so I know what shots I want. It’s already in my head.”
On hand to help Guynn are UIndy students from the communication and theatre departments. As of press time, casting was finalized, which included UIndy students sophomore Katie Gainey and junior Alex Oberheide.
“I am extremely excited because film is my passion,” Gainey said. “And it’s a very exciting opportunity.”
