Our project aims to create a sustainable, student-led filmmaking community on campus through the development of SLO Studios and the production of our first collaborative short film. As a new creative collective, our goal is to give students a space to learn, experiment, and grow as filmmakers while gaining real experience in all stages of production. This includes writing, directing, cinematography, sound, editing, acting, and on-set collaboration. We want to make filmmaking accessible to students across majors, skill levels, and backgrounds, creating an environment where creativity is supported and where students can take risks, build confidence, and develop their craft.
This first short film serves as the catalyst for establishing SLO Studios as a recognized and active presence on campus. Through this project, we hope to demonstrate what students can achieve when given the opportunity, structure, and community to bring their ideas to life. We intend to use the film as a model for future productions and as a way to attract more students who want hands-on experience or who simply want an outlet for creative expression.
In addition to building a filmmaking community, we plan to share our work publicly. We intend to host film showings on campus and are exploring a partnership with the Palm Theatre to screen student-made films for the broader community. By doing so, we hope to create a space where students and local residents can come together to support the arts, celebrate student work, and engage with creative storytelling. Public screenings will not only give our members valuable exhibition experience but will also enrich the cultural life of our campus and community.
Ultimately, our project is about more than one film. It is about creating a long-term platform that encourages collaboration, pushes creative boundaries, and provides students with the tools, exposure, and support they need to bring their stories to the screen. SLO Studios represents the start of a growing creative movement on campus, and this first film is our opportunity to show what’s possible.