Sprite Films program features student finalists
What was supposed to be a seemingly harmless presentation of the Sprite Films program for two students has thrown them into a whirlwind of storyboards, tight deadlines and eventually, CinemaCon. Noah Sterling, a second-year film major, said that during the presentation, all he could think about was what this kind of opportunity meant and the career bridge that he had dreamed about.
This “kind of opportunity” known as Sprite Films is a nationwide competition, which enables aspiring filmmakers to showcase their imagination and talent in a 60-second film. The four finalists from different schools would have their work featured on the Sprite website as well as have the chance to attend CinemaCon in Las Vegas from April 16-19. The winner will receive a $30,000 contract job for the Sprite and Coca Cola Company.
Although Sterling felt unsure about diving into the project since he was an underclassman, he still decided to “go for it and do my best.” He submitted a one page screenplay and storyboard along with his application. Together with producer Megan Melrose, a third-year film and television major, the two collaborated on creating a masterpiece with a deadline of four weeks and budget of $15,000.
Their film is about a street artist trying to impress a girl by coming up with elaborate murals, with his final mural covering an entire building. For this project to come to life, Sterling enlisted the help of other departments as well, such as Illustration, Sequential Art, Visual Effects and Production Design. He credits SCAD for this unique and incredible cooperation.
Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork paid off. The two were selected as one of the four finalists of the competition, alongside Columbia College Chicago, Elon University and UCLA. They are currently in Las Vegas for CinemaCon where they have had discourses with renowned filmmakers such as Oliver Stone. Sterling described the experience as being full of “pretty amazing opportunities” and never in his wildest dreams did he imagine coming this far.
For Melrose, the experience brought the joy of seeing the development of the brand from the very beginning, to how everything was made until the final product.
Their secret to success? Simple. “Be aware and get involved,” Melrose advised to aspiring filmmakers. “It’s all about building your portfolio and experience.” She also said that students should take what they learned in class and bring it out of the classroom.
“This sounds so cliché,” added Sterling, “But you have to be yourself.” He explained each director has his or her own story to tell. “Only they can tell it.”
For Sterling and Melrose, their story will involve the teamwork among SCAD students and the amazing experience their imagination has led them to. Here’s hoping that whatever happens at CinemaCon will most definitely not stay in Vegas.
