Filming set for Grand Valley's "The Darkroom"

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- A new film underway in West Michigan examines the collision between old and new through the lens of photography.

"The Darkroom," written and directed by Z. Eric Yang, begins local filming this month as the 15th annual Summer Film Project of Grand Valley State University. Through a unique program in the School of Communications, film and video production students work alongside industry professionals on every aspect of a short film, from start to finish.

 Yang is a narrative filmmaker who teaches 16mm film production and scriptwriting at Grand Valley. His films have been showcased in festivals across the country as well as in his native China. Most recently, he received a Director’s Guild of America Student Award and a Student Academy Award for his thesis film, “The State of Sunshine,” at Florida State University Film School, where he earned his MFA.  Prior to Grand Valley, Yang taught film and television at the University of Memphis, where he studied under the instructions of esteemed filmmakers Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan) and Emmy Award winners Steven J. Ross and David Appleby. 

 Set in the world of photography, “The Darkroom” is about an aging photographer who struggles to embrace what he thinks he has lost. John is a divorced, old-school photographer, who has spent his life dedicated to the discipline of his darkroom and art of photography. He finds himself fighting for his craft and ultimately his livelihood.  When his young manager gives him an ultimatum, he is faced with a decision that will define him not only as an artist, but also as a father.

 “As a filmmaker, I have a strong personal connection to this subject matter,” said Yang.  “As technologies in cinema become increasingly diversified and cutting-edge, I sense a notable divergence between generations of filmmakers. I created this story with the hope that we will broaden our horizons and develop a wider appreciation of the craft that we all love so much, whether the technology is old or new.”

Anthony Thompson, director of Grand Valley’s School of Communications, credits Yang with writing a script that expertly captures both the internal and external conflicts.  “As a professor of photography myself, I find the script to be an interesting and poignant investigation of the issues that confront artists in their personal, creative and professional lives,” said Thompson. “It is also a captivating story of self-discovery.”
 
The film, which depends heavily on the support and generosity of the industry, will be shot on Super 16mm film with a Panavision camera awarded to GVSU by its New Filmmakers Program.  Eastman Kodak has donated all 10,000 feet of film required to shoot the film, and Cineworks in Miami, Florida, will process and transfer the film.  Locally, Lowing Light & Grip is once again supporting the Summer Film Progam by providing the large-scale lighting equipment needed for this level of production. 
 
“We are fortunate to have generous support from businesses and individuals in the West Michigan community, whether in the form of offering discounts, providing meals on set, volunteering their acting talent, or offering the use of their property for location shoots,” said Kathryn Postema, student and unit production manager  Media may contact Z. Eric Yang at (616) 331-3668, or Kim Roberts at (616) 901-9708.

Background:
The lead character “John” will be played by Michael Richey, a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member. Richey is an award-winning performer with stage, film, and television credits, and 30 years experience as an acting teacher.
 
The supporting role of “Amy” will be played by Eleanor Caudill, an alumna of the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville.  
 
Director of Photography Julie Hotz has photographed a variety of independent films and directed an international documentary. She earned a bachelor’s degree in photography from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and did graduate studies in cinematography and production design at the Florida State University Film School.
 
Producer Zachry Page has written numerous short film screenplays and is currently working on his first feature-length spec script. Page is a member of the Grand Rapids Screenwriting Group, the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance, and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. 
 
Production Designer Kevin Parson has experience with art direction on a locally produced independent film and student films, “Walter’s Wife,” “Purple and Pink,” and “Canvas,” which he directed.  This is Parson’s second year with the Summer Film Program.
 
Executive Producer Kim Roberts is Grand Valley’s Film and Video Production program coordinator.  All other 28 crew members are current students in Grand Valley’s Film and Video Production program.