THE UNIVERSITY DARY KANSAN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007
NEWS
HOLLYWOOD
3A
Professor, writer weighs in on film industry says he understands reasons for WGA strike
BY MATT LINDBERG MLINDBERG@KANSAN.COM
While Hollywood is in an uproaras writers picket outside movie and television studios for contract negotiations, at least one writer is trying to stay out of the limelight. Kevin Willmott, a professor in the department of theater and film, has been a member of the Writer's Guild of America since 1995, and he said he understood the current writers' strike.
Willmill said the evolution of media was the source of the strike.
"The way people watch television is completely changing." Willmott said. "We have new revenue sources for how movies are made."
Willmill said that the Internet's ability to offer movie downloads was
a major factor in why writers want more compensation, and that they deserved more payments for their films and movies when they went to DVD or were downloaded online.
As a result of the strike, which has been taking place since Nov. 5, major television networks have been relying on re-runs for shows, and reality shows, such as "Dancing with the Stars," are now inscripted.
Michael Good, California senior,
is a film major and hopes to become
a professional writer. He said he
understood the reasons for the
strike.
"I understand why the studios might have issues, but the writers are completely right," Good said. "They deserve money for Internet sales and for when they go to DVD."
Good is writing multiple film
scripts, so it is important for him to follow the strike, he said.
"I'm definitely watching, because in a certain amount of years I'll hopefully be working professionally, and this strike could very well impact me in the future," Good said.
Willmott said show business was bizarre because writers could have long careers with little of their work being produced. He said he had worked with director and writer Oliver Stone, whose film credits include "Scarface" and "Any Given Sunday", and that he also wrote scripts for Chris Columbus, the director behind "Home Alone", but that none of the scripts had been produced yet. In 2000, NBC picked up and aired his mini-series, "The 70s," which received critical acclaim
Willmott said the last writers'
strike, which took place in 1988, took a toll on his family and helped him make his decision to work independently from movie studios. Willmott, who grew up in Kansas, became a professor at the University seven years ago. John Staniunus, chairman of the department of theatre and film, said Willmott's experiences had made him a great professor and helped him to improve film students.
"Knowing the business of writing is as important as being a skilled writer," Staniunas said. "Having Professor Willmott on our faculty allows our students to not only become good writers, but savvy writers."
Although he's a professor, Willmott still makes time for his writing career. In 2004, his film "C.S.A: Confederate States of America" went to the
Sarah Silverman, left, and Kathy Griffin join members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and others on the picket line in front of Universal Studios and Universal City theme park in Universal City, Calif., Tuesday.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sundance Film Festival before going to DVD, Director Spike Lee saw the film, and because he enjoyed it, he introduced the film at Sundance.
Willmott said Sundance was an event he would remember and use as a stepping stone toward the future. He said he is now working on two
films, "The Only Good Indian" and "Bunker Hill."
"It was really a beautiful experience, and now I'm making movies in Kansas and trying to build on it," Willmott said.
Edited by Rachel Bock
Student Senate notebook
BY ERIN SOMMER esommer@kansan.com
Full Student Senate met last night and voted on several pieces of legislation, including student fees, raising funds for various student organizations and deciding on internal matters. Below is a recap of the night's events:
REQUIRED CAMPUS FEES
Student Senate voted unanimously to increase student fees by $19.15 per semester.
Riley Dutton, Pittsburg senior and author of the legislation to raise the fees, told senators that the increase was to compensate for inflation rates.
Each semester, KU students are required to pay student fees
to 17 entities in the University. The entitles that asked for a raise in their fee this year are: student recreation, student union, campus transportation fee and legal services.
Currently, students pay $377.75. With the increase, students will pay $396.90.
Because the fiscal year changes on July 1, the new fee rate will be implanted on a prorated basis during the second term of classes in summer 2008, and the new fees in their entirety will be implemented in fall 2008.
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION FUND
Student groups seeking funding to travel to multicultural
events will now be limited to $275 per member for domestic events and $425 per member for international events, according to legislation Student Senate passed.
The legislation also specifies that groups may only go to the Multicultural Education Fund Board for money once the Student Senate unallocated account goes lower than 30 percent.
Currently, student groups that pay for multicultural events or travel may go to both Student Senate and the Multicultural Education Fund to be given funds up to 75 percent of their event or travel costs.
The Multicultural Education Fund is in its first year of existence at the University. KU
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
MAY ALSO SERVE AS
SENATORS
Student Senate rejected legislation that would prohibit members of the student executive committee from also serving as student senators.
Supporters of the bill said that students should not be allowed to have dual influence in both the executive and legislative branches of senate. They also said that prohibiting students to serve in both roles would open up seats for more students to be involved in Student Senate.
Currently, there are 14 seats in Student Senate that are not filled.
Those who voted the bill down said that members of the current executive staff were among the most active members of Student Senate, and it would be unfortunate to lose their voice in Senate only because they accepted an executive position after being elected to serve in Senate.
Members of the Student Senate executive staff are able to accept monetary compensation from any entity on campus.
Student Senate did not pass
legislation that would have allowed prohibited executive members from receiving pay from sources outside Student Senate.
The legislation was directed at the tuition sponsorships that are currently received by the student body president, vice president, treasurer and legislative director and the director, financial director and communication coordinator of the Graduate and Professionals Association.
Those who said that the money should only come from the Student Senate said that it was morally appropriate for executive members to be compensated by those they represent.
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts Department of Music and Dance presents
UNIVERSITY THE DANCE PALL CONCERTS 2007 COMPANY
November, 15, 2007
November 8,2007
Featuring Twila Tharo's Torelli
Flamenco Solost Michelle Hayner Hayser
and Solost Patrick Sureau
Dear Members of the Senior Class:
7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 15
7:30 p.m. Friday, November 16
Lied Center
tickets on sale at the Linda Center, Murphy Hall, and SIA box offices. Call B64-A378 (279) for tickets $10 PUBLIC - *ST FEDERS and Senior Citizens*
We hope this finds you enjoying your semester, especially if it is your last one here at KU! We would like to take the time to introduce ourselves and inform you of some of the activities that you as seniors are involved in.
The Senior Advisory Board along with the Senior Class Officers are responsible for many activities including the HOPE Award (Honor for Outstanding Progressive Educator), the CLASS Award (Citation for Leadership and Achievement in Student Services), and the Campanile Award (honoring an outstanding Senior), the class gift, class motto, and the class banner.
I thank you for your time. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at kuyany86ku.edu.
The Board of Class Officers is funded solely by the student body. B.O.C.O'S fusces are mostly used to purchase the class gift in addition to the advertising and initiating costs of previous class gifts such as the HOPE, CLASS, and Campanile Awards. The class gift has been one of the lasting traditions of Seniors at KU. It represents the Seniors' mark on the campus of KU and serves to better the university for future students. It also serves as a sense of pride that the class members can come back to, and share with friends and family when returning to campus.
Enrollment for the Spring semester is currently ongoing, and by going to Optional Campus Fees and checking the "Senior Class Gift" box, you will be furthering a great tradition here. It is not too late to contribute to your class gift! For those who have already enrolled, simply click on the Enrollment selection, click on Optional Campus Fees, and check the "Senior Class Gift" box.
Sincerely.
Ryan M. Northup Class of 2008
Join in the fun with CCO EARTH!
Ryan Northup Whitney Gallagher President Vice-President
(Environmental Action for Revitalizing the Heartland)
Recycling at KU Football Games: Together with "Cans for the Community", a local non-for-profit organization, you can help EARTH collect and recycle cans from the trash.
All proceeds from the recycling go towards local charities.
Our tent is located at the southeast corner of the entrance to the stadium. Feel free to stop by, strap on some rubber gloves, grab a bag, and go! It's a lot of fun for a great cause! FREE shirts
funded by:
SENATE
Check out the website for more information at cenforafcommunity.org or email Melissa Rogers and
Stephanie Gomez Treasurer
PAID FOR BY KU
A discussion about the ways that media influence our feelings of safety and creates a culture of fear especially targeted at women.
Salon Nouveau: Afraid to be a Woman?
Tuesday, November 27th
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Alcove G in the Kansas Union
Ministry
Come join us for worship on Sundays at 5
And Spaghetti for the Soul on Wednesday at 6
We are celebrating our 45th year at KU1. For more info contact lutheransk@ku1.edu or www.kultherans.com
We are Reconciling in Christ Community, All are welcome.
Interested in becoming
a Student Senator?
Student Senate is currently accepting applications for the following seats:
ore information please contact Adam Mcgonigle at
amcgonigie8@yahoo.com, or stop by the Student Senate office in 410 Kansas Union.
Jr/Sr CLAS (1) Off-Campus (1)
Fr/So CLAS (1) Non-Traditional/Stouffer Place (1)
late (2) Education (1)
Consenting Adults:
A workshop on Healthy Relationships
What makes a healthy relationship?
Monday, November 19 7:30pm - 10:00pn
Big 12 Room in the Kansas Union
Friday, November 16, 2007 6-9am * First United Methodist Church on 946 Vermont
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
In need of community service hours? Come and help serve the people of the community at Justice Cafe
The next NSCS general meeting is on Tuesday, November 27
@ 8 pm in Alderson Auditorium of KS Union.
KU CULTURAL INDIA CLUB
DIY
ual Diwal
Join us and indulge your senses in a cultural extravaganza of melodious music, enchanting dances and delicious Indian food.
For further information & purchase of tickets, RSVP
NOV. 12 th - 16th
ENERGYWEEK
Monday: Wescoe Beach, 10 AM-2 PM chance to win an energy efficient prize! Hawk's Nest, 6:30-8:30 PM Information about volunteering in KU's Biodiesel Lab
Tuesday: Wescoe Beach, 10 AM-2 PM bowling for smokestacks! Hawk's Nest, 6:30-8:30 PM film "Kilowatt Ours"
Wed: Wescoe Beach, 10 AM-2 PM RIDE YOUR BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY WITH CRITICAL MASS! Hawk's Nest, 6:30-8:30 PM Energy Awareness Roundtable
Thurs: Wescoe Beach, 10 AM-2 PM America Recycles Day, recycle items and make your own recycled notebook!
Friday: Wescoe Beach, 10 AM-2PM eat fried chicken! (the cooking oil will then be used to produce biodiesel)
Contact the Alternative Energy Society for more information. Amy Harris at amy525@ku.edu or James Roberts at rigby@ku.edu.