Aspiring greatness

By: Amanda Casanova

Posted: 5/2/08

In an age where fame and notoriety surface from YouTube videos and the like, budding filmmakers are experiencing a career jumpstart, earning success through the online outlets.

Texas A&M graduate student Michael Losure was recently recognized for his creative video efforts and named a Top 10 finalist in mtvU's Best Film On Campus competition.

"It's an opportunity for student filmmakers worldwide to connect with college students who watch their movies and also an opportunity to take the next step in their careers," said Ross Martin, senior vice president and head of programming for mtvU.

While Losure was unavailable for comment, bestfilmoncampus.com said he invests countless hours into creating and perfecting each project.

"Something's wrong with my brain because I enjoy making stop-motion animation one painstaking frame at a time," said the graduate student.

Growing up in St. Paul, Minn., Losure majored in visual art and computer science in upstate New York at Union College. He relocated to Texas to finish his masters in visualization science at the Texas A&M visualization laboratory or "viz lab."

"For the last three years, I've been learning the technical skills involved in 3-D animation, and I've been getting back into stop-motion on the side," he said.

Launched by mtvU, the Best Film website allows student filmmakers to display their short films and animations, receive feedback and have the opportunity for their talents to be recognized.

"The best films are those that connect with college students," Martin said. "They are the toughest critics in the world."

Martin said the finalists for the competition are an "eclectic sort" that demonstrate diverse skills.

"It's not about being this type of filmmaker or that type," he said. "There's such an amazing variety. It's really reflected in the Top 10."

One of Losure's films, entitled "Muenster," is a combination of stop-motion photography and computer generated graphics. The one-minute "monster movie" is accompanied by a harmonious piano melody, a ringing testament to the intricacy of the film.

"I started out in junior high making Claymation monster movies on 16mm, but then got distracted by live-action filmmaking and studio art."

Martin said that student films help to springboard aspiring filmmakers into the realm of either the silver or small screen.

"The finalists are a true and compelling variety who represent the next generation of great filmmakers," he said. "Michael Losure is one of those."

The top five finalists will be announced on Monday. The top two finalists will receive free trips to the 2008 MTV Movie Awards.

"I think he needs your support," Martin said. "We've seen students at Texas A&M succeed in the past, so I know he's counting on the campus vote."

According to the website, mtvU is MTV Networks' Peabody and Emmy Award-winning college network, dedicated to showcasing the most comprehensive media for college students.

"It's emblematic and it stands for what mtvU is all about," he said. "This is a network for and by college students that empowers college students to do what they're passionate about and blow it up on the national stage."

Past mtvU "Best Filmmakers of the Year" have won development deals with MTV Films and been featured at the Tribeca Film Festival.

"Dozens of students have jumped into Best Film on Campus and scored jobs directing videos with their favorite artists," Martin said.

Losure has had a hand in music video direction as well, working with Laura Simpson on her Motion City Soundtrack video, which won the mtvU music video contest.

"These filmmakers really embody what's possible when you understand, have a vision and pull together a team to help make the possibility a realization."

The contest winner will be announced June 1 at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles, where the winner will receive a golden popcorn statue as well as a $10,000 development deal.

Martin said he encourages students to choose their favorite video online during the voting period, Monday to May 23.

"Digital technology makes it easier to experience these films," he said. "Viewers are able to share, comment, rate and interact with an energized filmmaking community."

Martin said that Losure's creative efforts could launch him to national recognition.

"There's nothing like the experience of diving in and finding a filmmaker like Michael Losure, whose work makes you look differently at the world," he said. "He's poised for greater and greater things."