6 = THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
LIFESTYLE ARTS ARTS
THE MONTH THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2003
TV show highlights local film scene
By Neil Mulak
nmulka@kansan.com
Jayplay staff writer
Two years ago the Lawrence film scene was not in the public's focus.
People could see local bands rock out in bars, theater fans could choose from a variety of stages, and the work of local artists graced the walls of coffee shops. Filmmakers, meanwhile, had only a couple of film festivals to show off.
Chris Martin, Prairie Village senior, decided to get some focus for local filmmakers with Out of Focus, a television show dedicated to local film events.
"The title itself kind of describes the situation of local filmmakers," Martin said. "We're out of the public's focus, and I'm trying to change that."
Martin, a film major, said he thought too many good films were going unnoticed.
"As a film student, I have seen a lot of quality films that get no exposure," Martin said. "It's a real shame that no one gets to see them."
During episodes of Out of Focus Martin, producer, director, writer and co-host interviews local filmmakers and runs short films. Works such as The Passion by Jeremy Osbern, Salt and Sanction by John Nowak (who is also a University Daily Kansan photographer) and The Walls by Patrick Rae, have ran in their entirety.
Rae, Schuyler, Neb., senior, said he liked the exposure that Out of Focus brought to his films.
"I have noticed a lot more recognition from people," Rae said, "They range from, 'Your movie is cool when I'm stoned,' to compliment on the lighting."
There is also a segment entitled Word on the Street that Martin and co-host Kevin Beacom interview random people.
"We go on campus and downtown and ask people what they know about local films," Beacon, Omaha, Neb., senior, said. "We try to throw in fun questions like what their favorite movie is."
Out of Focus received a taste of Hollywood when Martin interviewed Barbara Lindstrom, a Hollywood screenwriter whose films have made the Sundance Film Festival.
"I have noticed a lot more recognition from people. They range from, 'Your movie is cool when I'm stoned,' to compliments on the lighting."
Patrick Rae Schuyler, Neb., senior
"It was very cool to have a Kansas person with Hollywood experience on the show," Martin said. "We watched The Great Pancake Race, which is about a small town Kansas tradition. It's a great quirky film about a quirky tradition."
Starting Monday, the Out of Focus Film and Video Showcase will be featuring local films by Tanner Loewenberg, Chirs Blunk, Tyler Alfrey and Jeremy Osbern on the silver screen in Liberty Hall. 642 Massachusetts St. There will also be a question and answer session with the filmmakers after the showing.
Martin said the main goal of the showcase was to give burgeoning filmmakers an opportunity to show their work in a theatrical environment to a public audience.
In addition to giving local filmmakers another venue to show off their work, Martin and Beacom hope that Out of Focus motivates others.
Martin and Beacom are working on an episode featuring films from the Student Union Activities iMovie contest, which allows students to create their own movies using Apple iMac computers.
"We're planning on showing the finalists' films." Martin said, "And a couple of others I think should get an honorable mention."
With Martin and Beacom graduating soon the future of Out of Focus is cloudy.
"I have some loose ends here in Lawrence I need to take care of after I graduate," Martin said. "I would like to see the show continue after I graduate. I might try to get Channel 6 or a station out in Topeka to pick it up and maybe get some sponsorship."
- Edited by Julie Jantzer
'Harry Potter' to Hornby: students' tastes differ
By Mindy Osborne
mosborne@kansan.com
Jayplay staff writer
Just as the choice to read for entertainment is a reflection of style, so is the choice of book a person chooses to read. Doug Weaver, a manager at Borders Books, Music & Café, 700 New Hampshire St., said the college crowd had made new alternative fiction and science fiction popular.
Haskell Springer, a professor of English who teaches recent popular literature, has heard many recommendations from students.
"Harry Potter is definitely a favorite," Springer said. "Nick Hornyb, who wrote High Fidelity and About a Boy is also really popular."
Despite students'suggestions, Springer said he got the impression that a lot of students were too busy during the semester to read.
Andy Crouch, Peoria, Ill., junior, said he could relate. 2918011601041
"With school,it's not really possible to read as much as I would like. During the break I read three books,but I'm lucky to finish one during the semester."
Andy Crouch
Peoria, Ill., junior
"With school, it's not really possible to read as much as I would like," Crouch said. "During break I read three books, but I'm lucky to finish one during the semester."
Others like Sarah Blythe, Wichita senior, make reading a priority. Blythe said she tried to read at least an hour a day.
"It's good entertainment," she said. "Reading gives the same fantasy elements as TV.I especially like fiction and the classics."
Edited by Lindsky Hanson
Pink House to hold 'Brave and Small' themed art show
The Lawrence Art Collective will be hosting an art show 8 p.m.Saturday at the Pink House,1131 Tennessee St. Thirty local artists will be displaying their work,and the theme of the show is "Brave and Small." Artwork displayed will be no larger than 12 inches in any direction and will include printmaking,sculpture,metalworking fibers and photography.
Contributed art
"Habits" by Dominic Sova, Troy, Ill., senior, is one of many pieces of art at the "Brave and Small" art show. "Habits" is a sculpture that utilizes objects found by the artist instead of molding raw materials. The "Brave and Small" art show begins at 8 p.m. at the Pink House, 1131 Tennessee St.
"Much of the time works such as these get passed over quickly in a more traditional gallery or studio setting in favor of larger works, which are more saleable." Sova said. "Small works of art require a more personal level of attention and detail."
Show organizer, Dominic Sova, Troy. Fresh ill., senior, said smaller art is often over-looked in regular galleries. —Neil Mulka
According to Sova the art will presented in a relaxed social setting. Music will be provided by DJ Omnes and Kid *Fresh.