Friday October 12, 2001

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Most people agree that all the schooling and money in the world don't make a man. Dreams and determination are still the driving force for successful individuals.

Anyone questioning the validity of those statements needs look no further than University of Arizona media arts 2001 graduate Geoffrey Gardner.

Gardner's pet project is a full-length feature film, "The Vicious Lick," which he conceived and wrote himself. He said he based the idea of the script on a short story he wrote in a creative writing class.

"I got the script ready; we shot a trailer for the film over the summer to raise money for investors," Gardner said. "Twentieth Century Fox is looking over the film and will offer a distribution deal if we finance the film ourselves."

The film is the story of two Tucson men who grow up together, but run into differences later in life.

Gardner sees Tucson in a light many others have not yet been exposed to.

"It's really a great untapped resource," Gardner said. "The potential here is great - to set up something here like in Austin (Texas), which is a Mecca for independent film. Tucson is very similar in a number of ways. All it takes is people to create the opportunity."

The fact the UA is in Tucson also gives potential filmmakers a number of avenues waiting to be pursued, Gardner added.

"Having the university nearby gives us a supply of interns and people willing to work for free," Gardner said.

As far as his own experiences in the UA media arts department, Gardner pointed out the foundation given is just as valuable as any other schooling.

"What the media arts program is really good for was giving you schedules to work with, and something you have to work for, for your grade," Gardner said.

One UA media arts professor Gardner recommended was Michael Mulcahy, who taught Gardner Sound Design for Media Production early this year.

Mulcahy said that when starting out and focusing on a career, take some time and figure out what it is that really matters.

"Don't be obsessed with becoming successful immediately," Mulcahy stated in an e-mail interview. "Travel, and get as much experience as possible. Learn as much as possible about the world, about people in your city, and people halfway around the world. Discover what you really care about, and keep yourself open to new ideas, new people and new experiences. And then, make work you care about."

Gardner is quick to advise media arts students who want to know how to get funding for a film.

"It takes a lot of effort," Gardner said. "On the plus side, there are a lot of people out there willing to give money. People are into the movies and they want to be involved in films."

Gardner also pointed out that it's quality, not quantity, that counts.

"Concentrate on the story," said Gardner. "If what you want to do is tell stories and make a living doing it, start off with the attitude that the story is the most important thing and you will be fine."

Gardner 's film is currently in pre-production. Filming starts in December, and Gardner is still casting extras and looking for help. Questions for Gardner can be sent to stealtheair@hotmail.com, or visit his Web site at www.thegoondocks.com.