Italian Actor, Motivational Speaker, and Life Coach Walter Nudo to Give Talk in Smyrna on March 20

  SMYRNA -- The "Famous Communicator Speakers Series" is going global with a special talk on March 20 by highly acclaimed Italian actor, motivational speaker, and life coach Walter Nudo.

The multi-talented performer will speak to students, faculty and others from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday in AJW 124 (with overflow seating in AJW 122). Admission is free and open to all members of the Motlow family. 

Individuals may join Nudo's presentation on Zoom at https://mscc.zoom.us/j/82120631732?pwd=MgVqfVNGUMZ166aakWf9wYUhSq2zWA.1 (Passcode: 004064). His talk also will be recorded. 

Nudo's career spans more than 25 years. Known primarily in Italy, he has achieved success as an award-winning actor, singer and television personality. He is also the only person in the world to have won both "Survivor VIP" ("The Island of the Famous") and "Big Brother VIP," showcasing his resilience, adaptability and charisma. Other TV appearances include the "Maurizio Costanzo Show," the Italian soap opera "A Place in the Sun," the series "The Enchantment," and the series "Carabinieri" (seasons 6 and 7). 

In 2013, he took on a lead acting role in"Hopeful Notes," a film about a young violinist with leukemia who brings hope and life into a desolate Russian hospital for children. The film aimed to raise awareness and funds to end childhood cancer, and is part of the project "Let's Make a Difference." Watch a clip from the movie at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1508669/ .

Beyond entertainment, Nudo is a former professional athlete, excelling as a boxer, karate, and race car driver. He has embodied discipline and determination in every field he has  pursued. His life took a transformative turn after surviving a near-death experience, which deepened his mission to inspire others to awaken their inner hero. 

Drawing from decades of personal growth, spiritual exploration, and training with global leaders like Tony Robbins, Nudo has developed a unique approach to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and live with purpose. Through his seminars, coaching programs, and now this book, “Awaken the Hero Within,” he empowers readers to transform their struggles into strength and live a life of purpose, passion and fulfillment. 

His story is proof that no matter how deep the challenges, the power to rise stronger lies within us all.

"Never give up," the actor, speaker and life coach says. "Listen, remember, learn, speak, practice, and then teach."

The "Famous Communicator Speakers Series" serves as a mentoring program for students, introducing them to successful communicators and providing hands-on experiences through High Impact Practices in Technology Enhanced Learning, Global Awareness, and other certified areas of instruction. To learn more, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Brent Backhus to Give Hollywood Filmmaking and Recording Talk at Motlow Smyrna on Nov. 17

SMYRNA, Tenn. -- Hollywood Filmmaker, Producer and Sound Engineer Brent Backhus has worked with entertainers ranging from Reese Witherspoon and Farrah Fawcett to William Shatner, Mick Jagger, and Sheryl Crow, receiving more than 100 movie credits on the IMDb movie database.

Students, faculty and others will learn the ins and outs of moviemaking and audio production (with a few surprising stories, too) during a special talk from 2-3 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 17) in HSC 323 on the Smyrna campus. The artist’s presentation, “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood,” is part of the fall 2022 “Famous Communicator Speakers Series.”

Brent Backhus, filmmaker, producer and sound engineer

“I started my career in Los Angeles as a guitarist, gigging with whomever would let me,” said Backhus, who commutes between Nashville and California. “Once the recording bug hit me, I became fascinated with sound engineering and production.”

But a DVD production stint involving actors Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd (“Overnight Delivery”) led to his transition from audio to movie production. Other film projects have included The Bangles (“Live at The House of Blues” on DVD); “Chasing Farrah: Starring Farrah Fawcett” for TV Land; “William Shatner In Concert” with Ben Folds and Joe Jackson for TV Land; the documentary film “On The Brink” (co-directed); the “Solomon Burke Tribute” with Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq, performed Live at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards (archival footage); and “Sheryl Crow: Live at the Capitol Theatre” (Winner Best Music/Performance Blu-ray).

“But if playing with the greats and near greats was fun, recording was even more fun,” said Backhus, referring to the musical part of his career journey. 

He has served as a sound engineer and producer for artists such as Ray Manzarek (The Doors), The Whispers, Deacon Jones, William Clarke, Charlie Musselwhite, John Lee Hooker, and The Blind Boys of Alabama: “Spirit of the Century” (Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album).

Brent Backhus’s “Filmmaking and Recording in Hollywood” talk is free to all students, faculty members, administrators and staff. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in HSC 323 from 2-3 p.m. on Nov. 17 (Thursday). For more information, contact Professor Charles Whiting at cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

Classic Films That Every Millennial Should See

By Mack Ferrell

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

            SMYRNA  -- Classic movies are little glimpses into a different time and place. They open a window into history that we have never seen before with our own eyes. Movies allow us to see what was popular or what was the social norm back in that time.

I think it's very important to see the history of this country through film. A lot of references that we see or hear daily come from these classic films. I interviewed my Survey of American Film professor, John Hart, to ask him about this topic.

            “Millennials should definitely watch some of the classic films,” Hart said. Early films inspired the movies that we watch today.

Hart added that movies made a dramatic shift in the mid-1970s with the release of “Jaws” and “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.” These films started the special effects driven media that has continued with today’s films including “The Avengers,” “Transformers,” and other superhero/sci-fi films.

            I asked him to suggest three classic movies that he would recommend and why. Here is his list of favorites.

"All About Eve: 1950": This film stars Betty Davis, who was one of the first female actors in a female-centric plot. It is the only film in Oscar history to receive four female acting nominations.

"City Lights: 1931": This is an old black and white, Charlie Chaplain film. It was one of the first romantic comedies and is unique because it released towards the end of the silent film era and shows the universal understanding of love that stretches across all languages and backgrounds.

"Rear Window: 1954": Alfred Hitchcock is a very renowned director and this was one of his more challenging yet spectacular films. Hitchcock demonstrated how it is possible to build suspense without much on-screen action.

            My personal favorites would be “The Godfather,” “Citizen Kane,” and “A Streetcar Named Desire.” These films are very well written and are littered with great actors which make these so memorable to me.

These films are just some of the many great movies that are hidden in time to the 21^st century. Cinema has changed a lot over the years and today we find ourselves in a more money-driven world than ever. Many studio heads are focused on making a profit from their films, which is understandable, but some of the expectation for creativity has been swept aside because of that.

We pointed out that so many sequels and repeats on television and in the theaters that we have become accustomed to that. Many of us are too timid to jump outside of our comfort zone, including myself, and watch a film that’s different than what we normally see.

I challenge you to go on Netflix or Hulu or any other streaming site and select a classic film that interests you. Be sure to check out these films and others that might interest you and dive deep into some great classics! 
Here’s a link to a list of great classic movies:

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_classics_movies/

(About the writer: Mack Ferrell is a Mass Communications major at Motlow State Community College.)

World Film and Creative Writing Classes Available For Spring Semester

By Anthony Czelusniak

Motlow Buzz Staff Writer

         SMYRNA – Motlow’s Smyrna campus will offer world film and creative writing honors seminar classes in the spring semester.

         Professor John Hart’s world film will be held from 12:30-1:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It will feature an in-depth view into films from countries such as France, Korea, Germany and many more dating all the way back to the early 20^th century. The class will start with a study on the process of how films are made to teach students how to critically assess films, and learn what makes them remarkable even if they are not suited to someone’s interest.

         Hart is particularly excited about the French comedy film "Blue" by Polish director Krzysztof Kieślowski. 

         “French comedy is almost like a whole new genre, especially when compared to American comedy,” Hart noted.

         While this class is considered an honors class, it is available to everyone. However, Hart would prefer students he previously had in a class, or for students who haven’t had one of his classes to bring a recommendation from another professor.

         Hart sternly said, “Sometimes students see film and think it will be easy. This is an actual class and will have standards like any other class. There will be papers and there will be discussion.”

         Despite the serious nature of the class, Hart is excited to be teaching about and revisiting some of the best works international filmmakers have to offer.

         The brand new creative writing class is also available for the spring semester. Professor Jenna Caviezel will be teaching the class from 930 – 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The class will consist of three units: poetry, creative fiction, and revising and publishing. Students will participate in a creative writing workshop process, first consisting of small groups and then whole class workshops later in the semester.

         Students will be expected to read stories, but not for in-depth literary analysis. Analysis will be done with the intent to see the text as a writer rather than as a critique. Instead of a traditional textbook, students will receive Journal of the Month, a subscription-based service that sends highly curated and well-regarded publications each month.

          “Using Journal of the Month presents the unique challenge of not knowing what is coming," Caviezel noted. "Instead of planning in advance what the class reads, I am going to know just as much as the students will about a story.”

         Even with the challenges, Caviezel is excited to be teaching creative writing at Motlow for the first time.

         For more information on either of the classes or to sign up, contact Hart at jhart@mscc.edu or Caviezel at jcaviezel@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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Books to Movies

By: Ashley Smith

            Everyone has had that feeling of excitement when they get word of their favorite book coming out as a movie. With that being said, everyone has also had that disappointing feeling when the movie of their favorite book doesn’t depict the book in the way they think it should. I know I have had that feeling more than once.

            I was always told that if a book turns into a movie and you want to eventually see the movie, read the book first to avoid confusion because movie producers are known to leave out minor, and sometimes even major, aspects of books when they are made into movies. My mom has always been a firm believer that books spark something inside of a person that a movie never could because books make you think and imagine so you get to build the scenery in your head rather than watching it right in front of you. I have also come to believe that books hold a certain magic that movies can’t live up to.

I have always done what I was told to do and read books before I went to see the movie. With this being said, I want to share a few examples as to where I have been disappointed of the way a movie was not help to the greatness of the books’ standards. The first two books that come to my mind when I think about the book to movie concept are Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Fifty Shades of Grey. I’m choosing these two as my examples because these books are the books that I feel like I invested myself most in. I purchased and read each book from each series in less than a week’s time.

The first and second books of the Percy Jackson series were both made into movies, but I have only seen the first movie, and this is because I was disappointed in the differences of the first movies and book. Even though I wouldn’t say there were any major differences, I found myself to be very focused on the minor differences considering I would wait and anticipate something that happened in the book that never came in the movie. One thing that really stuck out to me was the color of Annabeth’s hair. The book constantly stressed the fact that Annabeth has beautiful blonde hair and in the book, but her hair was the farthest thing from blonde. The fact of how Percy Jackson’s identity was revealed in the book and in the movie differed greatly. In the book, no one knew exactly who he was until the triton of Poseidon appeared over his head. In the move, however, everyone at camp half-blood already knew whose son Percy was.

I read the Fifty Shades of Grey series late last year and the first movie just came out at the beginning of this year. Fifty Shades become a very controversial series, but after I read the first book, I was hooked and continued to read the rest of the series. I was extremely excited when I heard that they were coming out with a movie to go along with the first book. I went into the movie with my mind set expecting the movie to differ from the book simply because of the story line, so when I did notice a few of the differences, I wasn’t as disappointed as I was after watching Percy Jackson. There was a small number of differences in this book and movie. One of the things I really noticed was that Ana’s character was a lot more awkward in the movie than I had pictured she was while I was reading the book. Another difference was that Christian and Ana’s characters didn’t “click” as well in the movie as they did in the book. Even though you depict how you want to think of the characters while you are reading a book, I feel like the producers could have found a way to show a stronger connection in the movie.

            When you allow yourself to become so invested in a book, it is very disappointing when the movie doesn’t portray exactly what you think it should. My opinion on books turned into movies could definitely differ greatly from other peoples’ opinions. My opinion is what it is because of the way I was raised. I am thankful that I was raised to believe that books come first.

            For more information on both of the books, you can visit http://www.5novels.net/billion/b4630.htmlhttp://www.5novels.net/billion/b4630.html or

 http://www.rickriordan.com/books/percy-jacksons-world/percy-jackson-and-the-olympians/the-lightning-thief.