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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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