Two UI students finalists in mtvU film contest

IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN / November 16, 2005

Two University of Iowa students are among the five finalists in a national film competition sponsored by mtvU, the MTV-owned network strictly for college students.

The second annual Best Film on Campus contest asks college students to film two-minute movie trailers to illustrate a vision for a full-length feature film they wish to make. The grand prize is a feature film development deal with MTV Films to turn the vision into a full-fledged motion picture.

Two UI students, Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, each have a trailer among the five finalists. Woods’ concept is a crime caper called “Her Summer.” Here’s how mtvU describes it:

“In 1999, Officer Ethan Crowe discovers two of his brothers brutally murdered. Determined to solve the case himself, Ethan stays on the crime scene all night — ending in a horrifying discovery. Based on a true story, ‘Her Summer’ is a compilation of the events which took place that night, unraveled by two friends who come across the investigation material.”

Beck’s concept is called “University Heights,” and no, it has nothing to do with pesky cops who like to sit in speed traps ticketing college students. Here’s what mtvU has to say:

“’University Heights“ follows the last days of four lives on a college campus. An examination of life and the choices we make, ‘University Heights’ grasps the common struggle of humanity — finding yourself.”

The other finalists, from a release from mtvU:

• Charlie Anness, University of Cincinnati — “Grading Curves” — Two college guys, Shawn and Drake, start a scholarship fund for hot chicks. A wealthy alum agrees to hook them up with the money, but only if Shawn hooks up with the five hottest girls on campus. But no one said it was going to be easy … especially when love comes to town.”

• Charles Son, Ohio University — “Student of the Month” — "Student of the Month” is the story of a depressed high school acting teacher, Mr. Schwartz, who finds inspiration in a talented, but troubled, student named Steve Falcone, who is ruled under the iron fist of his gangster older brother Jimmy. Inspiration soon develops into infatuation as Mr. Schwartz grows closer to Steve. When Mr. Schwartz shows up at a party at his young student's home and runs into the thespian-hating Jimmy, Steve will eventually discover what it truly means to be the teacher's pet.

• Derek Green, University of Colorado at Boulder — “Violet Flower” — A troubled nomad finds himself in a familiar town where he begins picking up the pieces of his life to figure out what went wrong.

The winner will be determined by a fan vote. Users can view and vote at http://www.mtvu.com/contests/best_film_on_campus/2005/

Three celebrity judges — John Singleton, Nicole Kassell, and Catherine Hardwicke — will also assist in deciding the winner.

mtvU broadcasts to more than 730 college campuses nationwide. It is owned by Viacom, which also owns MTV, MTV2, VH-1, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, SpikeTV, CMT and others.

MTV Films has produced such notable films as "Beavis and Butt-Head Do America" and "Jackass: The Movie."