Wilfrid Laurier University’s film production club, the Filmmakers of Laurier, has just finished filming First Contact, a sci-fi comedy movie written, directed and created independently by Laurier students.
In production since early September, this adventurous project is currently being edited down into shape, ready for the big screen. In January, the club spent three days filming the movie with professional-grade cameras, lighting and sound equipment. Boosted by the talent of crew and actors, the production has fully wrapped and finished as of Feb. 2 at 1 a.m. It will now be moving from filming to the editing stage.
With many students both behind and in front of the camera, this passion project has been a showcase of the hard work that Laurier students are known for.
“Being back on a set was nothing short of inspiring for me. Coupled with being surrounded by such hardworking individuals, First Contact was a comfortable and fun environment in which to learn and create,” said Taylor Stezinar, the film’s director. “Filmmaking is so rewarding spiritually, and when you meet new and amazing people every day who share your passion and eagerness to learn more about this form of storytelling, it boosts my hopes for the future of the industry,” she said.
Written by Ewan Casaletto and Avery Groves, First Contact has spent nearly a year being refined and perfected. Inspired by the sci-fi genre, the pair faced the challenge of creating a visual experience for their alien-loving audience.
With costumes designed by Arran Byrne, all elements of the film came together to create a strong 2000s indie aesthetic. Featuring a variety of locations, such as Princess Cafe and Lazaridis Hall, the film invites its audience into a world full of colours and stars.
Micheal Tahirovic, the lead actor and main character of the movie, worked all three days of the production and had this to say about his experience.
“It’s my second time working with this crew and it has been a blast. The level of professionalism on set mixed with a reasonable amount of goofing off made this one of my favourite productions to work on,” Tahirovic said.
Also among the crew was producer Lauren Miatello. She worked hard behind the scenes to make sure everything was running smoothly and within the time constraints, keeping all cast and crew on time.
“I loved producing First Contact and working with everybody on the team this year. I was immediately drawn to this project when I read the screenwriter’s script pitch last May,” Mitalleo said. “The story is so fun and light, and I love working on sets with a silly energy, especially when it’s many students’ first times on set. Everyone on this team is so talented, the hard work put into this by the crew truly speaks for itself. I can’t wait for everyone to see the final project,” she said.
Now moving onto the editing stage, Laurier students should stay tuned to be the first to see First Contact. Follow the club at filmmakersoflaurier to hear more.
Bronte Behling/Editor-in-Chief
