UVSC filmmakers go to boot camp

PROVO — "Forrest Gump," "Independence Day" and "Planet of the Apes" all show off a bit of Utah's landscape.

With the help of a local college class and the Utah Film Commission, the state's scenery could show up in more blockbusters because the digital media department at Utah Valley State College recently held an intensive film production boot camp.

The comprehensive camp, held every two years, lasts seven weeks and imitates the working days of a real-life film crew.

"There are five weeks of preproduction work," said Robert Trim, assistant professor of digital media at UVSC. "That includes getting permits to shoot, handling locations, insurance, food and getting hair and makeup people."

Students fill all the vital positions: audio, makeup and hair, lighting, digital media, wardrobe, cinematography, acting, editing, producing and directing.

Once everything is organized and in place, shooting begins and finishes within two weeks.

"It's very immersive," said Trim. "The students meet four days a week for four to five hours a day, then when shooting starts they meet six days a week, 10 hours a day."

Spencer King, a senior who wants to make his own independent films, said the boot camp is organized similar to real filming.

"A lot of filmmakers — they do everything," King said. "But with this film, everyone had their own individual jobs. Each person focused on their tasks."

The experience within the group varied. "Some people had never done anything with film," King said. "They were the ones who had to play catch-up but did everything they needed to do."

The boot camp film class takes place every two years and differs from film classes at other universities.

"At Brigham Young University and the University of Utah they craft students to be directors," Trim said. "At UVSC we cover all the bases — it's a true multi-media program."

Trim wears a second hat that serves more than just the film students at UVSC.

Acting as the chairman of internships and education for the Motion Picture Association of Utah, Trim works as a matchmaker for students who serve internships with film crews shooting in Utah. He arranges internships for students from UVSC, BYU, the U. and Westminster College.