December 24, 2013
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Jim Orr (left), director of photography for “Duck Dynasty,” with Huntington University students. (click to enlarge)
On the set of “Likeness.”
Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University, on the set.
By Liz Stevens and Ashley Smith
As a three-ton grip truck loaded with lights, flags and silks arrived on campus, excitement grew among 46 film students. It was lights, camera, action for the biggest film set for Huntington University in two years.
The arrival of the truck signified the start of the week-long short film project for Youth for Christ, called “Likeness (w.t.).”
“It’s a lot of work, but wow, it is paying off,” said Dawn Ford, associate professor of digital media arts.
For the start of the shoot, students worked hand-in-hand with mentors from inside the university as well as those currently working in the field. Their star, Jim Orr, the director of photography for the hit reality show, “Duck Dynasty,” raved about the top-notch equipment and the work from the students.
“The students have completely risen to the occasion. The work is just extraordinary,” Orr said. “I feel that this department has the mojo going for it. Everyone is very encouraging, and they have great equipment.”
The film, written by junior film production major Jonathan Scales, is about the power of mentoring young people toward God. It’s inspired by a true story about a young mother who moves to a major urban setting from Appalachia and sells drugs to make ends meet. Along the way, she recruits her children to help her in the trade. But as the older daughter attempts to find a better path, she finds the love and support of a next-door neighbor.
The goal of the shoot was to give students real-world experiences while still in a sheltered environment. The film gave students the opportunity to critique their skills by working alongside professionals.
“I really wanted to give the students a professional film shoot feel,” said. Dr. Lance Clark, professor of digital media arts, film, and communications.
“Likeness” will be shown in film festivals and used at the National Convention for Youth for Christ. It will also be used on the YFC website to launch a campaign encouraging new mentors for the organization.
“(We are creating an environment of) mentoring one-on-one, and that is what Youth for Christ is all about,” Ford said.
To learn more about the film, visit facebook.com/likenessthefilm.
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Jim Orr and Lance Clark (in the back) with students.
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An inside set.
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On the set.
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Everyone’s got a role.
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Four students on the set.
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A Huntington University student.
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A Huntington University student.
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Preparing a young actress.
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Jim Orr directing students outside in the cold.
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Jim Orr with a student.
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Students on the set.
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Jim Orr and Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president of Huntington University.
The trip, led by Dr. David Alexander (right) and his wife, Gen, has been one of the most successful service trips in HU history.
Victor Mojica (left) has been named senior pastor of Clearview UB church (Goshen, Ind.), effective January 1, 2014. He takes the place of Hubert Schmucker, who retired after 36 years of service in the United Brethren denomination.
Jason Sheets has been named senior pastor of Avlon UB church (Bremen, Ohio) effective January 1, 2014. He had been serving as associate pastor of Shepherd of the Valley UB church (Logan, Ohio).
