Wyoming High School Short Film Festival

I had the honor of going to the 14th annual Wyoming High School Short Film Festival.  The festival featured a selection of handpicked movies submitted by high school students from across the state.  It was such a thrill for the kids, as well as parents, to see their short film on the big screen.

The film festival was held at the Rialto theater in downtown Casper.  The Rialto is listed on the National register of Historic Places.  It was originally built as the New Lyric Theater in 1921 but was unsuccessful.  It failed to draw the owners existing clientele, which were patrons of the local saloons.  The theater was sold and remodeled in 1922 and opened it’s doors to show silent movies.  The theater had competition from six other theaters but it soon was known as the premier theater in Casper.  The Rialto has a balcony with two sweeping staircases on either side.  It hosts one screen and seating for 753.

Here are some pictures of my son and his friends making his movie.  Our trail camera caught them in action.

Here is the link to his short film.  The film is about war and is about 10 minutes long.  I thought it was pretty good for his first ever film project (but I’m a little partial.)

My son’s movie didn’t win anything, but he won honorable mention for best actor in one of his friend’s films.  It was a stop motion film and he did several of the character’s voices.

The movies were judged by four professionals from the television/film industry.

K. Harrison Sweeney: Judging best actor and actress

Writer, producer, actor.  He is most recognized as Mr. Irish in the video game “Red Dead Redemption.”  He also appeared in a few Fosters beer commercials and numerous other television/movies.

Dick Grunert: Judging best screenplay, actor, actress, and best direction

Independent writer, producer, and director.  Production coordinator for Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time.

Patrick Tempest:  Judging best sound design and best use of music

Sound editing.  He has worked on “Deal or no Deal”, “Top Chef”, and “Project Runway.”

Reed Merschat:  Judging best picture

Owner of  Calculated Risk Films, a production company specializing in sports film/video production.

All in all, it was a great film festival and we hope to participate again next year.