CLEMSON – Campus MovieFest is coming to Clemson University on its annual world tour, thanks to CCIT’s Center of Excellence for Digital Creativity. Students can learn about filmmaking and enter a film competition from Feb. 14 to Feb. 20.

Students will have one week to create a short film with support and training from Campus MovieFest. Campus MovieFest will provide equipment, including a laptop loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud, a Panasonic LUMIX HD camera and sound gear.

The desire to bring a film festival to Clemson was spearheaded by Nik Conklin, who serves a dual role at the university as coordinator of digital content for Clemson Athletics and associate director for the Center of Excellence where he shares best practices in videography developed through his role in Athletics with faculty, staff and students.

Bringing Campus Moviefest to Clemson is an example of how the Center of Excellence is inspiring and empowering creativity across campus, fostering academic innovation prescribed by the Clemson Forward strategic plan. It also serves as an illustration of the collaborative spirit between Athletics and Academics.

In late 2015, Conklin discussed the concept with former CIO Jim Bottum who gave the project the greenlight as he had seen the positive impact similar events had at other universities.

“The Center of Excellence, in partnership with Clemson Athletics, is excited to bring Campus MovieFest to this university,” said Conklin. “The competition is open to all students, regardless of prior experience or area of study. I’m excited to see these students have the opportunity to express their creativity through the art of filmmaking.”

This year’s tour will award more than $100,000 worth of cash and prizes. Students may also be invited to show their film at the Cannes International Film Festival.

The top four movies at Clemson will be announced at Clemson’s red-carpet finale on Feb. 23. Winners will receive a one-year, post-graduation subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud and the opportunity to compete nationally at the Campus MovieFest Grand Finale competition.

To learn more about Campus MovieFest or to watch past movies, visit http://www.campusmoviefest.com. To register for free, sign up at http://campusmoviefest.com/users/sign_up. For more information on the Center of Excellence, visit coe.clemson.edu.

Staff Report