Since 1942, Jesuit Theater has become one of the top theater programs in the DFW metroplex. Led by Mr. David Myers, Mr. Chris Patterson, Mr. Joe Howard, Mr. Max von Schlehenried, and Mr. Jeff Murdter, this program has attracted not only a vast amount of Jesuit students, but also students from Ursuline, Hockaday, Booker T. Washington, W.T. White, and more. However, after much time and dedication, Jesuit Theater has successfully added another section to its popular program: film production.
To kick-start this new program, a video production lab was created in what was Myers’ office behind the Lecture Hall. Although this room originally seemed to be small, it proved to be an excellent location to house the new equipment purchased by Jesuit’s Fine Arts department. This equipment covers a broad spectrum, ranging from the newest Apple iMacs to top-of-the-line professional video cameras.
To be specific, this new lab features five 21.5 inch, 2.7 GHz Apple iMacs, all of which sit on five brand new computer desks in the lab. On each computer is Final Cut Pro X, the newest edition of Apple’s professional video editing software. In addition, each computer is equipped with Apple’s Motion 5, a professional special effects software that will accompany Final Cut Pro X. Together, these two applications will power the rest of the lab as they are used for editing and producing.
In addition to the computers, this new lab features three Sony HXR-NX30u professional video cameras, all of which record at 1920 x 1080 (1080p) with Dolby 10 sound, the highest HD resolution on the market. These palm-size models are popular for their Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ technology which helps eliminate camera shake from a video, their built-in shotgun microphone, their built-in projector on the back of the LCD screen, as well as other features. These cameras will serve as the “heavy lifters” for the big video projects in Jesuit’s film production. For smaller projects, Jesuit purchased two Canon Rebel T3i DSLR cameras, both of which can produce stunning still-shot images, as well as record HD videos.
When you get cameras, you always have to get accessories. The Sony cameras brought with them their own Pearstone camcorder bags, backup batteries, Sony headphones, and 7 inch Lilliput LCD field monitor screens just to name a few. In addition, three tripods, three dolly systems, and three shoulder-mount systems were ordered to better stabilize each shot.
To help perfect lighting, Jesuit Theater purchased four LED lighting boards, all of which feature a built-in dimming function. To accompany the Canon Rebels, two shotgun microphones were purchased to help enhance audio recording. In addition, two lenses, two Amazon DSLR camera bags, and six 32GB SD cards were ordered. Needless to say, this video production lab features the most up-to-date, professional equipment needed to produce stunning videos.
At the beginning of January, Jesuit Theater began receiving all of this high-tech equipment needed to add film production to its department. After a long process of hiring consulting groups, meeting with administration about financials, and finally deciding what equipment to purchase, it all finally started to show up at Jesuit’s front door. With the help of seniors Aaron Stonecipher and John Jackson, as well as Brian Eisel and Matthew Gilchrest, Myers was able to set up the lab within two weeks of receiving all of the equipment.
How will this equipment be put to use? What exactly is this new film production section of Jesuit Theater? Well, Jesuit Theater is now going to be named Jesuit Stage and Film. Starting in the spring semester of 2015, it will offer one section of Video Production 1, a class which will focus on the art of producing film, taught by Myers himself.
Until then, the new video production lab will be used for Jesuit’s newest addition to the spring one acts: Jesuit Stage and Film’s spring film festival. This festival will be comprised of various short films directed, edited, produced, and written by students and theater faculty. According to Myers, “The plan is first introduce these films for about 10 minutes in between Black Comedy and the musical revue in April. Then, we will showcase our big film project in May along with the Spring One Acts. It will probably be about 30-40 minutes worth of short clips.”
The crew for the new festival was cast on Thursday, January 23 during the auditions for Black Comedy and Jesuit’s musical revue. These students will work together to write scripts, record and edit videos, and finally produce one final film for Jesuit Stage and Film’s audience to enjoy. As this new program grows, Jesuit will see the true talent hidden in Jesuit’s students.
Students, want to get involved? Email Mr. Myers at dmyers@jesuitcp.org. Faculty and staff, want to record a project using this new equipment, order documentary projects through Mr. Myers, as well.
