‘To Mike’ is a simple and real student film
Photos by Lauren Skillen
There are times in a person’s life where a small encounter can create a great impact of such a magnitude that it changes their life. Such is the case with Lauren Skillen, a fourth-year film and television major from Middlebury, Indiana, who sought to tell a story that is personal to her, but also resonates with many students.
“’To Mike’ is a short mumblecore film about a young 23-year-old girl who moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a playwright,” Skillen said. “As with anybody, it takes a while to reach your ultimate dream, so she’s working at a job that she’s unhappy with.”
The film centers upon when she meets one person on a train. “His name is Mike and he changes her perspective and makes her realize that she can accomplish what she ultimately wants to do with her life,” Skillen continued.
According to Skillen, mumblecore “is a genre of filmmaking that is heavily focused on realism and naturalism.” This genre employs a great deal of improvisation, and Skillen decided that her film would rely on that 100 percent. Her film is structured by use of what is called a treatment — an outline of the film — which goes “beat by beat of the occurrences and the important plot points,” she said.
The film is based off an experience that Skillen had over the past summer. Skillen had a small encounter with a man named Mike that was so profound that it is the inspiration for this film. It is during the process of making this film that Skillen realized that she wanted to thank Mike for what he did.
The film was originally named “It’s Alright,” but according to Skillen, it was always a tentative title. The film was changed to its current title as a way of paying homage to Mike.
Skillen went on to say that the film is ultimately something that both the young and old can relate to. The edge and feeling that uncertainty adds stress to the lives of many, especially graduating college students.
“I feel like I am going through this time in my life specifically, as many students do when they graduate,” Skillen said.
“To Mike” serves as a reminder that, in the end, goals and aspirations that seem impossible to reach can be realized. Trusting the process is a difficult task, but as Skillen says, “sometimes you just need to meet a stranger on a train to tell you cool down.” As the story behind Lauren Skillen’s senior film is based off an experience the past summer, it is apparent that the smallest of encounters can have the greatest of impacts.
Skillen and her team are in the filming process. The biggest challenge that Skillen sees from this point is the editing process, as “there are infinite possibilities to how you can edit.”
“It is also the best part, as you get to see the story come together,” said Skillen.
The final product can be expected in early June, according to Skillen. The team is hoping to get “To Mike” screened at film festivals not only in Savannah, but also around the world.
To learn more about the film, visit the website, Facebook Page and Instagram (@tomikethefilm).
