[116] EMC’s ‘First Look 2016’ gives students screening opportunity

Several students in the MTSU College of Media and Entertainment were given a taste of what their futures in film could possibly hold during a Wednesday (Sept. 21) event in the Student Union Building.

As a part of MT Engage Week, the Department of Electronic Media Communication hosted “First Look 2016: Students on the Verge of an Oscar” inside the Student Union ballroom. MT Engage is the university’s latest Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP, to promote student involvement on campus and enhance the curriculum.

For “First Look 2016,” one of a series of events sponsored by various colleges and organizations across campus as part of the first MT Engage Week, a select group of animation, photography, film and video students were able to have their work shown on the big screen in the Student Union Ballroom E.

As noted by some of the students, this was the first time many of them had their films and projects displayed, which is a rewarding experience for the future filmmakers.

“Overall this event allows students the chance to see their own work and some of their classmates, which is what we want as filmmakers,” said senior film and video production student Josh Beluit. “It also shows all the good things happening in the Bragg (Media and Entertainment) Building,”

Dozens of students submit their films to a server throughout the year before a group of five to six EMC faculty select which films will be used in the screenings. The event is very selective and officials said only 15 percent of submissions are actually used.

The students fortunate enough to have their work displayed are given a chance to connect with professionals in their industry and have an opportunity to find employment.

“The genesis of this concept was for professionals to see what our students were doing and to get their work out there. Many connections are made here at ‘First Look’ as students showcase their work. Many of our students have gotten hired because of this,” said EMC professor Tom Neff.

Neff helped start the event four years ago and has overseen the event every year. The hourlong showcase featured around 30 films and included short films, documentaries and 3-D animation.

For more information on “First Look,” visit http://emcmtsu.com/first-look/ or contact the Department of Electronic Media Communication at 615-898-5628.

— Steven Michael Johnson (news@mtsu.edu)