Clemson University’s world cinema program has experienced considerable growth and success in the past year. With new study abroad and internship opportunities, and an increased number and scale of student films per year growing to unprecedented levels, filmmaking at the University is prospering.
A recent addition to the many tools that students in the world cinema major can access is the Clemson Film Actors Database — a website that collates a list of available actors for the convenience of student filmmakers.
Through the database, local and student actors can apply and be cast for Clemson students’ productions. Visible on the website are headshot photos and acting resumes of listed actors, who provide contact information for Clemson filmmakers looking to cast interested talent.
“From my end, faculty in the World Cinema program came to me asking for a database of students, faculty, and others in the Clemson community who are willing to act in student films,” John Eby, the public information director for the College of Arts and Humanities, told The Tiger in an interview.
The database’s development coincides with a major push to facilitate student film production at Clemson — the University has introduced three new film production classes in the last four years, as well as a partnership with Trilith Studios near Atlanta.
“As World Cinema increases its offerings in film production, it’s valuable for students to have a pool of people with the talent and interest to act,” Eby said.
As the world cinema major grows, so does the need for greater access to opportunities, equipment and personnel to ensure the continued growth in frequency and quality of short films that world cinema students create.
The database is a tool for student filmmakers and actors alike, as filmmakers can increase the quality of their films and decrease the time spent casting. At the same time, aspiring actors can find opportunities to get their names on film projects.
“By having a database, we save students some of the legwork of having to track down all of the actors for their productions,” Eby continued.
An actor can enter the database by filling out an entry form that includes the submission of basic contact information, a headshot photo and an acting resume. This then facilitates contact between actors and filmmakers in Clemson.
The database gives student filmmakers a tool that helps streamline the creation and quality of their films, and provides student actors the opportunity to be cast, credited and gain exposure.
The Clemson Film Actors Database is a growing resource for the Clemson University film community, and world cinema students are encouraged to utilize it to its fullest potential.
Anyone interested can find the main webpage for the Clemson Film Actors Database at: https://www.clemson.edu/cah/academics/interdisciplinary-studies/programs/world-cinema/cfad/
