Young alum working to turn short film into feature length movie

From screenwriters Michael Brandt, BBA ’91, MA ’94, and Derek Haas, BA ’91, MA ’95, to directors Kevin Reynolds, BA ’74, JD ’76, and John Lee Hancock, BA ’79, JD ’82, Baylor is well represented throughout the film industry.

Now, recent alum Ben Davis, BA ’11, is looking to add his name to the list. And in a crowded industry with no shortage of aspiring filmmakers, he’s taking no shortcuts in the effort to turn his short film “Watch The Skies” into a full-length feature.

The film focuses on two sons whose father took a huge secret with him when he mysteriously disappeared many years ago. Davis, who co-wrote the full-length script, has produced an 18-minute short designed to attract the attention of other filmmakers and pique the right person’s curiosity, showing industry veterans that Davis and his team have the right stuff to make their vision a reality. (FYI: There’s some PG-13 language in the short.)

Baylor is well-represented throughout. In addition to Davis, Baylor Film and Digital Media (FDM) Professor Brian Elliott, BA ’84, MA ’90, served as an associate producer, and actor Jake Abell, BA ’13, plays the leading role of a son searching for answers. The crew was also comprised of numerous Baylor FDM students.

Davis previously displayed his skill behind the camera in a music video, winning a number of awards (including “Best Video of the Year” from the Indie Music Channel) for his direction of Marcella Fruehan’s “Truth Is”.

You can follow Davis’ journey to get “Watch the Skies” made on the film’s Facebook page.

Sic ’em, Ben!

[We learned of this story from three Bears who shared their Baylor pride. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click here to submit your point of pride!]