The micro budget film lab at the University of North Georgia is a space for filmmakers to create, explore and eventually make full length films.
The program, founded by UNG staff members Andrew Salerno and James Mackenzie, will take place over the span of 18 months where filmmakers will have access to the lab, its supplies and mentorship from staff. James realized that they had this building at UNG full of equipment that sits unused during the summer. After considering the benefits for staff and students to being able to utilize the space, the idea for a film lab was created.
“The lab is a development lab for micro-budget features, micro-budget being 100,000 dollars or less. All of our projects are around 50-60 thousand dollars, which is way below what a traditional movie would cost which would be in the millions. They are all feature length films, so 80-90 minutes. The overall idea with the lab is that we are fostering community with students and between students and independent film makers,” Andrew Salerno stated.
When the film lab opened for applicants, each submission went through the application and interview process, where five various projects were then selected.
“Every project applied with a completed script, a rough budget, a pitch deck where they give us an idea of how they’re going to approach the film making process, how they are going to use their budget and how they are going to use their visual references, like this is what we think the movie will look like.” said Andrew Salerno, Lecturer of Film and Digital Media.
When considering applications, James and Mackenzie looked for films that were DIY or scrappy in nature. Working with other people who have similar philosophies towards filmmaking was a priority.
A development lab like this is new for the University of North Georgia, but there is need for it considering the large film community in Atlanta with people who are eager to collaborate.
“It’s a good time for us to connect with people on something like this,” said Andrew Salerno.
Once the films are completed, each filmmaking team will seek out their own path to distribution, whether that is a film festival or something like a theatrical tour.
Isabel Pulliam, UNG alumni, is collaborating with Andrew Salerno on one of the five films that will be produced through the lab.
“What excites me most is being able to spend extended time developing the project, collaborating with a larger team, scouting meaningful locations, and especially right casting. Bringing together the right group of people to tell this story is something I find both challenging and incredibly rewarding.” Isabel Pulliam UNG Film and Digital Media Alumni
There is excitement around the lab because allow opportunity for “students and alumni to access meaningful, real-world opportunities that allow them to apply their skills in a tangible way.” Especially for alumni, the lab helps to bridge the gap between being a student and having a foot in the door of the professional world of filmmaking.
“UNG has a lot of talented filmmakers, and with the right support, the program has the potential to become a strong pipeline into the film industry.” said Isabel Pulliam.
