Arts Entrepreneur Valerie Connelly to Kick Off Autumn ‘Famous Communicator Speakers Series’ on Oct. 10

By Charles Whiting

Motlow Buzz Faculty Editor

        SMYRNA – Arts entrepreneur Valerie Connelly will kick off the autumn “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” with a talk at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 (Thursday) in AWJ 124.

        Connelly’s presentation, “Become An Entrepreneurial Communication Wizard,” will explain why communication is the key to success. Her talk is open to Motlow students, faculty, administrators and staff.

        The artist’s life as an entrepreneur in the creative arts has taken many forms. She is a noted composer, singer/songwriter, screenwriter, film producer, novelist, and author of children’s books.

Arts entrepreneur Valerie Connelly (Photo provided by Valerie Connelly)

        “If you can’t promote yourself, you’re out of luck in the arts,” said Connelly, who staged her Broadway-style musical “FEARLESS!” at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center in 2016. “I’ve developed everything I was curious about. My motto is to believe in yourself and never quit.”

        The artist has authored six books, written three musical plays, brushed more than 200 paintings, composed more than 500 songs and instrumentals, created more than 15 websites for her businesses, designed more than 100 block art print images, and created mountains of promotional materials. Her latest project, a feature musical film called “LOVE IS...” (inspired by her play “FEARLESS!”) features original songs, screenplay and trailers.

        “It is a valuable effort, and now the film industry is showing interest in making the film,” she added.

        Connelly hosted the “Calling All Authors” radio talk show for six years. She also is a website designer, painter, block print and printing artist, and book publisher. She taught all levels of high school French for 25 years after starting her teaching career in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa. She formed a non-profit travel company to provide month-long summer immersion study/travel courses.

        Other upcoming speakers for the “Famous Communicator Speakers Series” are WMOT Roots Radio Executive Director Val Hoeppner (“WMOT: Radio Of, By and For The People,” Oct. 30) and Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks (“The Importance of Communication in Our Digital World,” Nov. 12). The speakers series was developed by the Mass Comm program on Motlow State Community College's Smyrna campus. 

Rey: The Next Jedi Generation

By Austin Clark

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            SMYRNA, Tenn. - A new, official trailer was recently released for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” and it has certainly left “Star Wars” fans with many questions. The trailer is two minutes and 34 seconds long, but it hardly scratches the surface of what’s to come for the “Star Wars” franchise. Many speculations have surfaced, but the number one question that has stirred up many theories is, “Who is Rey?"

            When we are first introduced to Rey, the audience hastily learns that she is a scavenger on the planet of Jakku. Before she crosses paths with BB-8, her life was merely collecting scavenged parts in exchange for food. The audience knows nothing but the fact that someone had left her on Jakku and will hopefully return for her one day. Little did we know, Rey would soon be caught in the crossfire of the First Order.

            While on Jakku, Rey comes across a rogue Stormtrooper who goes by the name Finn. Shortly after they meet, they both find themselves escaping the First Order in the one and only Millennium Falcon. Throughout the “Star Wars” franchise, the audience learns that Han Solo is one of the only individuals that know how to handle the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” to make it run to its full potential. Why is it that Rey seamlessly handles the “bucket of bolts” flawlessly?

            Rey is the daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa, as well as Kylo Ren’s sister. For this theory to be accurate, Han and Leia would have had to hide her in such a way that they are convinced that she is gone forever. It has already been stated that Kylo Ren was a part of Luke Skywalker’s next generation of Jedi before turning to the darkside of the force. It would only make sense that during Kylo Ren’s reign of terror, Solo and Organa would have had to hide their daughter away to keep her safe from being a target. This seems like a far stretch, but it further explains the reasoning why Solo’s Millennium Falcon was left on the planet Jakku in the first place.

            This theory would also explain Rey’s “natural” ability to pilot a starship. John Hart, a Motlow State Community College professor, said that Rey handles the Millennium Falcon just like Solo does (banging it/ ripping out controls) to get it to work. Hart added that in the “Star Wars”- related novels that his wife is reading, Han and Leia had twins -- a boy and a girl. The boy found himself on the path to the darkside (ahem, Kylo though his name was something else in the books), and the girl was said to be an amazing pilot with no force capability.

Although the series has been debunked and will not affect the movie universe, it does raise some suspicion throughout the “Star Wars” community.

This is just one of many theories that has made its presence known regarding the new “Star Wars” movie. Other theories include that Rey is the reincarnation of Anakin Skywalker; born purely by the manipulation of midichlorians. None of the ideas and opinions that have been discussed are factual.

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is set to release Dec. 15 and until then, all evidence is not genuinely correct.

Ben Crittenden, a long-term “Star Wars” fan adds, “All of these ideas that have emerged don’t really matter. All of our questions will be answered soon, and my money is on the theory that Han Solo and Leia Organa have some secrets of their own.”

If you would like to come up with your own ideas within the “Star Wars” franchise, watch the trailer by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0CbN8sfihY

(About the writer: Austin Clark is a Mass Communications major currently enrolled at Motlow State Community College.)

Motlow's 'International Day' Festival to Spotlight 19 Countries on March 29

                SMRYNA – “¡Es el Día Internacional!” or as they say in English, “It’s International Day!”

                Hundreds of students, teachers and staff members will fill the two-story STAH Building lobby from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 29 (Wednesday) for live entertainment, food and games from 19 countries. This year’s “International Day” will be bigger than ever.

                “We will explore fascinating cultures and delicious foods prepared by our own students, faculty and staff,” said Heather Koller, event organizer and associate professor of history. “What makes our event so special is that the Motlow family is a diverse mix of wonderful people. Many of the food items will be prepared by individuals who immigrated to the United States from other parts of the world.”

                Live entertainment will include

                * An “Old Time Music” show from 11-11:30 a.m. featuring songs from the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s performed by Academic Dean Elizabeth Fitch and Associate Professor of Biology Kevin Fitch.

                * Salsa dancing and Spanish singing from 11:30-11:40 a.m. led by Professor Montoya Blandon.

                * “Doctor Who Film Tours from Around the World” from 11:40 a.m.-12:10 p.m. with colorful insights from Associate Professor of English John Hart and Associate Professor of English Jay Stringfield.

                * Quidditch games on the college lawn from 12:15-1 p.m. in the “Harry Potter” tradition led by Associate Professor of English Nathan Sweeton.

                * Belly dancing from 1-2 p.m. led by Executive Assistant Heidi Parker.

                “Old time music is a genre that is between the time period of traditional Irish music and traditional Bluegrass music,” said Elizabeth Fitch. “The style of music we play originated in the Appalachian mountains and culture.”

                The lobby will feature tables laden with authentic foods and decorations from the British Isles (United Kingdom and Ireland); Europe (France, Germany, Finland and Switzerland); North America (Mexico and the United States); the Mediterranean (Italy and Spain); the Middle East (Egypt); Asia (China, Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines); the Caribbean (Cuba); South America (Brazil and Colombia); and Africa (Ethiopia).

                “One of our goals is to help connect people from different backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to experience the rich cultures, foods and traditions of other countries,” Koller added. “The lobby will be sectioned off to represent different regions of the world.”

                The Motlow Buzz student newspaper has created a Pinterest page with boards devoted to various countries. Individuals can explore the world with pictures at http://www.Pinterest.com/MotlowBuzz.

                For more information or to volunteer for the event, contact Koller at hkoller@mscc.edu.

Making a Filmmaker

By Jason Taggart

Filming is a wonderful art, whether you’re behind the camera or possibly starring in the film yourself. From writing to editing, there is a lot that goes into a film before you get to see the finished product. Whether you know all of the “Ins and outs” or you are just getting started, let's walk through the starting line of the production race. 

Why are you taking advice from me?

                Hello, my name is Jason Taggart, and I have been operating cameras since I was 6 years old. I met my colleagues for filming in kindergarten, and ever since we started filming, we never stopped. First we just shot silly home movies any third grader would make. Later we shot good, quality videos that were uploaded to YouTube. Mostly they were comedic. We also shot some serious pieces my friend turned in to film school. We have also filmed all of the music videos for our friends and an aspiring band, The Busks. I study film as well as acting. I have seen every episode of “Saturday Night Live” and I know what you mean when you say, “Tarantino film.” I am currently in school pursuing a Mass Communications major, and I plan to move on after my associates to get a bachelor’s degree in film from a major University. 

                At this stage, I know more than the average filmmaker, and I am writing this to help you along and show you what I know. I have been involved in over 35 films and starred in 25 of those. On and off the camera, I have some know-how, mostly from experience. The best way to learn is to be involved by trying it yourself.

Sources

                Right off the bat, I am going to throw a few links of things I have been involved with such as music videos, as well as links that I find to be good examples. 

·         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfJANoqI0hY

The Busks’ first music video. I wrote, did casting, and helped film on this video. 

·         https://www.youtube.com/user/JonTronShow

Jon Tron is my favorite on-camera actor.

·   https://www.youtube.com/user/RoosterTeeth

Rooster Teeth is one of the most famous film companies on the web. 

     

Getting started, and What you need

Depending on what you are planning to film, pretty much the only thing you really need is a camera. Now If you are filming nature or things of that nature and you have a camera, then congratulations. You are ready to go. For those of you who are looking towards a different type of production, I will just throw out a little bit of film lingo and some definitions.

• Props: Anything on set you will be using besides costumes.
• Actors/Actresses: The male(s) or female(s) you will be using on set. 
• Mics: Or microphones, to amplify sound. 
• Lights: To light up the area.
• Director: Sometimes also the cameraman or boss man of the production.

Now all you have to do is pick the genre that most interests you and get started. 

Audience

This is possibly the most important part of your production. Is this production just for you? Are you trying to gain a following of many viewers? Is it only for friends and family? Well, if the video is just for you or your friends and family, then by all means take it away and do what you like and whatever you think will entertain them. If you are trying to get new viewers to appreciate and watch your videos, you need to narrowcast to what kind of viewer that is. Now I am by no means saying change yourself to match that personality of your viewers, but make sure you are entertaining them. Otherwise, they will not keep coming back for more or tell their friends and get you more views. So if your genre is comedy, try to be funny. If your genre is horror, try to be scary and horrifying. Study up on professionals in your genre to get a better idea. Be original but still take into consideration what they are doing to be so successful.

 Quality

Second to audience, quality is very important as well. The quality of your videos will determine greatly how well of a filmmaker you are. It’s not only important to you but to your viewers. I’m not only talking about whether its high definition here either. You need the actual quality of the subject matter itself to be good as well. Like I said before, if you are going for comedy, be funny. If you are going for horror, be horrifying. If you are just shooting nature, then try to get some good shots. Go to the most beautiful place you know and just shoot. So try your best to produce the best film quality you can both visibly and entertainment wise, and your videos should be nothing less than perfect to you. 

5. 4. 3. 2… ACTION!

You have got your camera, you have decided on the audience you want, and you are ready to film. Now hear me out when I say this: Whether or not you have heard differently, there is no right way to do this. There are so many different styles of filming and directing. Whether it’s on a tripod or you are walking with a Steadicam, it's an art, and your pictures can be beautiful no matter what way you hold your paint brush. For goodness sake, if you want to film a comedy sketch and you have no actors or tripod, put that camera on a stack of books and get on the other side of it to act every part. Through every production you film, whether you release them to the public or not, you are only going to learn from it, and you’ll find your style. Whether you're the next Tim Burton, or famous YouTuber, or just a phenomenal home movie maker, it all starts with the word “action”!

Homework

                The best thing to help you along the way is to visit some workshops, enter and view film festivals, and practice. Research whether a film festival comes to your town or one near you, for instance if you live in my area you might want to try The Nashville Film Festival. I will drop the link down here below. 

http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/event/nashville-film-festival-2/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwhbzABRDHw_i4q6fXoLIBEiQANZKGW5PzoS_fCrbKrYJgXdhXo1FhZveEfKD7mY7UebjB3LgaAmqY8P8HAQ

'SILAS' Movie Opens At Watkins College In Nashville

By Bradlee Jefferson

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A local student director debuted the film “SILAS” on the evening of April 9 at Watkins College of Art, Design and Film in Nashville.

            This premiere was the first time “SILAS” was available for public viewing since its completion almost two years ago. Buzz regarding the event traveled around more than one might think as 23 people attended the film’s premiere. Among those who attended were half of the cast, the film’s composer, and the film’s writer, director, producer and lead star, Bralyn Stokes. Stokes and the rest of the cast are all students at Watkins College.

            “SILAS” was the first time Stokes had directed and starred in a movie role, but not his first experience with acting. Stokes had performed in various plays, and even some television roles on HBO before trying his hand at directing his own movie.

            “I have been acting for the better part of nine years now, but at that time I had yet to have much experience in working with movies,” said Stokes.

            When asked about what inspired him to create “SILAS”, Stokes mentioned that he got the idea from a song by Betty Who of the same name.

            “The song is about this girl longing for her love, Silas, to come back for her, and take her away with him,” said Stokes. “So, I wrote the movie as somewhat of a prelude to the song.”

            “SILAS” certainly manages to capture that feeling of longing. The film’s plot revolves around a girl named Mia, played by the beautiful Meg Tackett, who gets involved in a family conflict between Silas, Bralyn Stokes, and his mother, Tamiko Robinson-Steele, throughout a record-hot summer.

            “The cast was so amazing,” said Stokes. “I cannot thank them enough for how wonderful each of them were. In fact, during the scene where Silas’ mother has a breakdown, I sat Tamiko down and told her, ‘Now I know you can get loud. I need you to show some rage. Really yell at this girl,’ and she just blew it out of the water.”

            This was Tackett’s, Robinson-Steele’s, and Dylan Stephens’, who played Mia’s friend Brandon, first acting roles. Each of them did a rather impressive job for their first gigs as actors/actresses.

            The film has yet to be accepted into a film festival, but it will be released online on the film’s Facebook page and YouTube. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/silasfilm and/or https://www.facebook.com/events/579287838914354/

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