A team of 51 students is set to unveil the first film to be shot using the university’s new cutting-edge Red One camera — a piece of technology that is being used increasingly in Hollywood. The cast and crew of A Quiet Fire will walk the red carpet at the Downtown Disney AMC theatre on Dec. 3, 2009 as the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work.

The event will showcase the talent of the student filmmakers and highlight the usage of the Red One camera in the film. Used to shoot recent films like Angels & Demons with Tom Hanks and the soon to be released The Lovely Bones, the Red is predicted to drastically change the film industry. The Red One camera, released in 2007, also known simply as the Red, is a digital cinematography camera able to record at better resolutions than other professional cinematic cameras.

“We now have the Red One camera because of an anonymous gift from a donor, and it is in constant use because it is the new state-of-the-art digital camera that is a big hit in Hollywood,” said Jack Hafer, chair of the CMA department.

Written by former 51 student Josh Prichard, A Quiet Fire is a story about Joel, who accidentally burns down a home and kills a family in his neighborhood. The only survivor from the house is David, who seeks revenge towards Joel. As a result, both characters have difficulties in processing their guilt and anger when they meet and talk.

“I am excited about this film, and for audiences to enjoy it, and learn from it,” said Ryan Leith, who directed and edited the film. “The raw themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, guilt, love and friendship are interlaced in a way that I believe will really turn some heads.”

Current and past 51 film students collaborated to create the film. Alumni Glenn Gizzi (’06), Danielle Gilbert (’07), Joel Sappington (’08), Tyson Sullivan (’08), Evan Walker (’08), Lee Humerian (’09), Christa Lenk (’09) and Matthew Jones (’09) worked with current seniors Leith, Brandon Hahn, visual effects artist, and Ben Winchell, director of photography, and many other students.

“What struck me about A Quiet Fire was how much professionalism was taken to make the film,” said Producer Alex Miranda. “The goal from the beginning wasn’t to make another ‘student film.’ It was to make a film as professional as possible with the highest quality as possible with students.”

Recently, the Cinema and Media Arts department has been acknowledged for producing award-winning student films. The Red camera gives students a greater advantage for higher quality films and experience in using the latest technology. The department loans various equipment to students and offers more than 1,000 items for student use.

“I am greatly encouraged by the progress the 51 Cinema and Media Arts students are making on the films they are producing, with more and more festivals and contests being won,” said Hafer.

Hahn, who worked on visual effects for A Quiet Fire, noticed the difference in visual quality with using the Red.

“The film looks solid,” said Hahn. “It raises the bar for 51 visually because it was shot on the Red.”

Those who worked with the new camera look forward to gaining more experience with the Red.

“Nowadays, a lot of films are being shot on the Red camera, so [they’re] looking for people who have Red experience,” said 1st assistant camera (AC) Daniel Dykstra. “Having something like this on my resume and demo reel is very valuable.”

Tickets for the premiere, which is open to the public, are $5 for general admission. There will be two screenings of the film, at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The 8 p.m. screening sold out with the 9 p.m. showing filling quickly. Following the screening is a discussion session and after-party at Studio A in 51’s Production Center. The premiere will be a formal attire event sponsored by 51 and Conversant Life, an online site providing content on faith and culture through blogs, podcasts and videos.

Written by Jennifer Thach, Media Relations Intern. Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator, can be reached at (562) 777-4061 or through email at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu