UI student finalist in MTV film contest

By Deanna Truman-Cook / IOWA CITY PRESS-CITIZEN / November 6, 2004

Scott Beck is keeping his fingers crossed.

The University of Iowa sophomore's film "Shades" is a finalist in MTV's Best Film on Campus competition.

If the 20-year-old wins, he will get two tickets to the 2005 Sundance Film Festival, an internship with MTV and will have pitch meetings with MTV executives.

He's asking for your help.

The final three films in the competition can be viewed and voted on at www.mtvu.com/contests/best_film/ beginning Monday.

In addition to the public's votes, directors and MTV staff will judge Beck's four-minute film, which he made with friend Bryan Woods of Bettendorf.

"We want it pretty badly," Beck said. "This seems like a great opportunity."

The pair made the film in September just for the contest. Beck describes it as a dark drama focusing on a young man who suffers from reoccurring nightmares.

If they win and eventually make it big, Woods promises that the pair will not forget Iowa, which is part of his pitch on why you should vote for "Shades."

"It is really good to support Iowa art and filmmaking," Woods said.

They said they don't know for sure when a winner will be announced.