Everyone has seen a movie, but not everyone can make one. Behind the sets and actors, filmmakers are the ones actually running the show. Finding a passion in filmmaking, junior Mary Louise Renegar has been serious about this art form for roughly five years.

“When I was little, I would use my mom’s flip phone to make 10 second movies, and then in sixth grade, I would make longer movies on my Kindle Fire. I really got serious about it in seventh grade,” Renegar said.

The North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) offers an intensive five-week class specializing in filmmaking over the summer, which Renegar participated in. For the first few weeks, there are lectures about the basics of storytelling. After that UNCSA gave participants the equipment necessary for them to film on their own, and the camp becomes entirely hands on.

“They would give us guidance, but they would let us learn from our mistakes. It was stressful because I knew I only had five weeks there, and I needed to get as much as possible out of it,” Renegar said.

Renegar has had lots of first-hand experience in filmmaking, as she was the assistant director in a friend’s short film called “Kosmos 60”. She has also been supervising a script for a production in Washington, D.C; however, Renegar is not allowed to disclose too many details about it. In the future Renegar would love to pursue some type of career in filmmaking.

“I would love to be a director or screenwriter because of my dominant personality. I like being a leader and being trusted with final decisions,” Renegar said.

Her fascination with filmmaking has created many treasured memories. Renegar has been invited by her favorite producer, Epiphany Huffman, to listen to her speak about her experiences as a female film executive.

“It was so exciting to talk to women who were trying to be big in the filmmaking business and giving each other suggestions,” Renegar said.

Her interest also led her to meet Shawn Schepps, the woman who helped write the movie “The Terminator” to discuss a screenplay Renegar was writing. Renegar admires strong female filmmakers; however, the expression of one’s emotions is what has really drawn Renegar to the art of filmmaking.

“My favorite part about filmmaking is telling a story that appeals to the individual in as many ways as possible,” Renegar said.
With filmmaking being a big business, Renegar has big plans for the future. Renegar’s interest in filmmaking is sure to lead to some more exciting opportunities.