Cardinal Filmmakers offers skills difficult to come across in the classroom, but pay off after graduation.

Tim Kenyon, English professor and adviser to Cardinal filmmakers, said he believes that filmmaking is underrepresented at SVSU.

There are few courses devoted to the subject. Kenyon said that he trusts the group will help fill the void.

The state of Michigan offers tax breaks for anyone who creates a film in this state.

Tax breaks could mean job opportunities for graduates.

Kenyon said he believes that learning to make film is valuable for graduates entering the job market.

The group will expose members to the art of filmmaking as well as teach them critical techniques.

“Students will be in charge of the entire process: generating ideas, writing, shooting and editing,” Kenyon said.

The first official meeting is set for March. This is where the group will decide on an agenda.

Future meetings will cover all aspects of film making. Members will then apply those concepts to projects, Kenyon said.

The group is waiting on approval of grants for equipment. Members hope to purchase equipment in spring and learn to use it over summer.

By fall, the group should have everything it needs to “hit the ground running,” Kenyon said.

One grant that may help the group get rolling is the SVSU Foundation Resource Grant.

With four members onboard, they are looking for more student interest.

“This is not a group for seasoned filmmakers, it’s not a group just for theater majors,” Kenyon said.

Instead, the RSO will serve as a group where people learn the process of creating film.

“We have one guy who knows nothing about filmmaking, he just thinks it’s cool,” Kenyon said.

To encourage those who are inexperienced to join the group, Cardinal Filmmakers will supply any necessary equipment.

With obvious time restraints, the group has no intention of creating feature-length films.

Shorts, mini documentaries, music videos or simply shooting a single scene are possible projects.

Some of these projects will include promotional pieces for on-campus events, achievements and activities.

The group also has intentions of getting involved with local, independent film programs.

Cardinal Filmmakers will offer devoted members all access passes to Hell’s Half Mile. Hell’s Half Mile is an annual independent film festival that takes place in downtown Bay City.

Members will also have the chance to meet professional filmmakers and participate in workshops at the festival.

For more information about Cardinal Filmmakers, students are encouraged to contact Tim Kenyon at tkenyon@svsu.edu.