From time to time, my status as a highly important writer grants me access to privileged material prior to said material being available to the general public. Such was the case recently, when I had the opportunity to join the newest group of video production students as they screened their video projects from this semester.

As you know if you’ve read my blatherings for any amount of time, I’m a fan of the video production program here at UWS.  I’ve gone to the video showcase every year that I’ve been a student, and I have yet to be let down. I’m certain this year will be no exception, though there are a couple of important changes this time around.

For the last several years, many of the films screened during the showcases have been the work of veteran students; this year, it’s an entirely new crop of directors, each with their own distinct and developing styles. In addition to that, this is the first year that the films have been shot in hi-definition. (I have personally campaigned for the Showcase to be presented in a 3D format, but I haven’t had much success. Every time I bring it up, Brent Notbohm slaps me in the face and refuses to speak with me for days after.)

As for the offerings this year, those that I’ve seen have been very interesting. There are horror films, (John Gunnon’s Tartarus, and Pete Garsow’s Thy Kingdom Come) dramas, (Jacob Peterson’s Ventura, Jesica Prihoda’s Leila’s Closet, and Tyler Rezabek’s Happenstance) and a many others that I haven’t yet had the opportunity to watch. If what I’ve seen so far is any indicator, I’m certain they won’t disappoint.

So, in closing, if it’s possible for me to heave myself out from within the weeping walls of my nerd-cavern and into the scorching daylight to attend this showcase, I’m certain it’s possible for you to do the same.

The showcase is in the Kathryn Ohman Theater on Friday May 20th. It starts at 7:00PM. I expect to see you there. And if you aren’t there, I will don my Hulkamaniac shirt, come to your house, and make things very, very uncomfortable for all of us. Let your imagination run wild with that.

You know who you are.