Behind the scenes look at the Maroon and Gold Entertainment student films – The Arizona State Press

Lights, camera, action. Members in Maroon and Gold Entertainment receive hands-on experience in film making, from writing a pitch to making final edits.

The student organization produces films each semester and encourages students who are not film majors nor have any prior experience to join. 

Tyler Kupfer, the vice president of MGE and a senior studying film and media production, said joining the film club gives students a collaborative learning environment, something they can’t often find in the classroom.

“It’s easy to get your foot in the door and do some roles that might be harder to get on like Capstone sets,” Kupfer said. “(The club is) an easy access point that anyone can be a part of.” 

Through the club, students have the ability to work on different aspects of creating a film with opportunities to act, edit and more.

David Perez, a sophomore studying film and media production, said he joined the club last semester looking to expand his editing experience. 

“I thought it’d be fun to join this club because we make short films here and it helped me with my editing skills,” Perez said. “I just had a good time here.”

At the beginning of each semester, students pitch film ideas to potentially produce and network with other members interested in their films. 

“A club like this is a great way to meet other talented people,” Kupfer said. “If you have your own idea down the line and you need people, you could meet people here that you’re going to call.” 

Student directors present a deadline for their film and a set of roles for other members to participate in. 

Ella McMaster, the president of MGE and a senior studying film and media production, said the Undergraduate Student Government funds part of the program. However, the funding provided from USG covers smaller items such as stickers and tumblers. 

Without funding for equipment, crew members, who already own film-making gear, often share with other groups. 

“I own basic boom sound equipment so I’m always down to help them with their sound,” McMaster said. “There’s a lot of people who have even just basic equipment. You really don’t need much.”

READ MORE: Behind the camera: crowdfunding for Capstone films made at ASU

Film and media production majors are not required to publish the films they work on for Capstones, the three-semester-long film project that all film majors are required to do. 

Instead, the club allows them to present their work at the end-of-year showcase. McMaster said members look forward to the showcase and are welcome to bring friends and family to watch their work on the big screen. 

“I think a lot of people love (MGE) because they get to make their film and they know that it’s going to be showcased somewhere,” McMaster said. “I think it’s a fun way to show your films and you can bring your friends.” 

The club meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Hayden Library on the Tempe campus and new members are welcomed throughout the semester. 

“I think it’s the perfect place because I feel like sometimes it’s hard to do film when you’re not a film major,” McMaster said. “We’re open to everyone.”

Edited by Senna James, Sophia Ramirez and Madeline Schmitke.

Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.

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