April 15, 2004

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PRODUCER STEPHEN SIMON COMING TO SRU APRIL 22

FOR LAUNCH OF HARRY M. WARNER FILM INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Noted Hollywood movie producer Stephen Simon will be on campus next week for several events coinciding with the formation of the Harry M. Warner Film Institute at Slippery Rock University, an organization dedicated to the examination and promotion of the impact of films on culture throughout the world.

            SRU, which recently introduced a minor in film studies, formed the institute with help from the Lawrence County Historical Society. It bears the name of the first president of Warner Brothers studio who -- with his brothers – opened their first movie theater in the United States in New Castle in 1907. The original Warner Theater is being refurbished.

 Providing opportunities for film study

The mission of the institute is providing opportunities for students and the public to explore, enjoy and understand the fantasies and realities of life as portrayed in the historical and contemporary richness of the evolving medium of film, according to the institute’s mission statement.

Other goals include examining films through scientific research, using the medium of film and emerging technologies and public showings of movies.

           Simon, producer of  “Somewhere in Time” and “What Dreams May Come,” headlines the public launch when he speaks on movie messages that inspire our lives at 8 p.m. April 22 in the University Union. His title is “Moving Messages: Entertaining Possibilities, Inspiring Change."  Tickets are $5; students $3. His address is part of Kaleidoscope, the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts’ arts festival April 18-28.

            Simon will host workshops with SRU students to talk about script writing and other aspects of the industry.  The institute is also sponsoring free showings of his films at 7 p.m.:

•          April 19:  "Somewhere in Time,” Strain Behavioral Science Building Auditorium;

•          April 20: "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure,” McKay Education Building Auditorium;

•          April 21: "What Dreams May Come," McKay Education Building Auditorium.

"Having a well-known Hollywood producer give his insights to writing, producing and directing of films to SRU students studying these subjects is an opportunity that is priceless,” said SRU’s John Nichols, history professor involved with the institute.

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