Student film contest

Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Perhaps modern college life and the 1960s credo still have a thing or two in common. Based on this "mod" theme, the student club Apple SCU, with help from Media Services, is currently running an iMovie contest that will allow students to explore and express the flavor of the 60s through film.

Mod icon Andy Warhol said, "During the 1960s, I think, people forgot what emotions were supposed to be. And I don't think they've ever remembered." While most students weren't exactly alive in the 1960s, this contest is an opportunity to reinterpret and reinvent the era with 21st century digital technology. Learn, be creative and have fun.

Last fall, the club hosted and sponsored such events as "Meet Mac," The Haunted Ball and the Garageband Remix Contest. This time, Apple SCU is offering a Video iPod or a $300 Apple Store Gift Certificate for the winning film inspired by the psychedelic theme. All participants have to do is come up with an idea that relates in any way to the '60s, whether it be literal or metaphorical. Films can be a maximum of three minutes and students may work in teams.

Don't know how to edit a film? Don't worry. The Varsi Media Lab Technology Specialists will hold iMovie training sessions in the next couple of weeks to get students up and running, but dates and times are currently to be announced. In addition, Apple SCU will be having drop-in help sessions starting Feb. 15 where some of the club officers will actually help to edit films.

Don't have the right equipment or software? The computers in the Varsi Media Lab are available for film editing and camcorders can be checked out from Media Services at no charge.

Film submissions are due Feb. 24. If you would like to learn more or have any questions, visit Apple SCU's Web site at www.applescu.org.

--Steven Ellis