The Film Crew Training class at Doña Ana Community College filmed their spring class project during the weekend of February 22-23. The short film, titled “Stranger In The House,” is about a man, his brother and his son trying to remodel a haunted house. Excitement builds as the ghost guides the workers toward solving his murder and righting a years-old injustice.
Instructor and filmmaker Dan Williams wrote the script, which is based loosely on actual incidents encountered while remodeling a house-with-a-history in Silver City.
“That’s all I’m saying about it publicly,” he said. “The Bulletin isn’t in the business of telling ghost stories – or is it? Maybe for another article.”
Students participating in the shoot were Hezekiah Oates, cinematographer; Daniela Robinson, makeup/sound utility; Juan Ramirez, sound mixer/boom operator; James Gonzales, grip/electric swing; Diego Ramos, grip/electric swing; Azarito, storyboards; and Mariana Tablon, assistant director/props. Cast members were Williams as Tony, local actors Strauss Daniels as Jimmy, Carlos Perez as the Ghost, and Albuquerque-based writer and still photographer Austin M. Lucero as Frank.
The Film Crew Training Program has been taught at DACC since 2005, with Williams at the helm since 2008. Since its inception, several students completing the program have joined IATSE Local 480, New Mexico’s IATSE Studio Mechanics local. They and others have gone on to enjoy long and involved careers in the New Mexico film community.
“The students put in two solid days on set,” Williams said. “They all worked extremely hard, did a super job and had a blast, as did I. The New Mexico film community had better get ready because this lot is coming and they’re not taking no for an answer.”
For more information on the Film Crew Training course and how to take it, applicants may contact Matthew Byrnes, Department Head, at 575-528-9310.
