Unlike some clubs on campus that just discuss movies, Hollywood Invades Tempe brings actual filmmakers and producers to campus, bridging college life and the world of professional filmmaking.
Established in 2010, the club provides opportunities for film students and film lovers to get a taste of what it is like to work in Hollywood.
The club's director of social media, Brooke Wakenhut, said the club welcomes all those who are passionate about film.
"Our primary focus is to bring professionals from the industry out to campus to share their work and experience with any and all film lovers," she said.
Hollywood Invades Tempe is not the sole film club on campus, but its officers work especially hard to facilitate face-to-face interaction between students and professionals.
Past guests have ranged from top studio executives to indie filmmakers. Adam Collis, the club's advisor and a filmmaker in his own right, said Hollywood Invades Tempe gives ASU students the extra edge to go out and really see what working in the industry is like.
"Students and guests of Hollywood Invades Tempe tell me that getting the chance to speak directly with — and to learn directly from — industry professionals gives them the confidence that they too can achieve success in Hollywood or as an indie filmmaker," Collis said.
In the club's beginnings, guests only appeared via video chat at their events. It was only last year that the members of the club really established a name for themselves and got filmmakers to travel to Tempe.
"Because of this student leadership, they were able to invite Hollywood professionals to meet with fellow students in person," Collis said. "That makes a big difference and it was completely created by students taking initiative — a key ingredient for professional success".
The club's next live Q and A is with Mike Barker, the Emmy nominated writer, producer and creator of the show "American Dad." The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the ASU Tempe's Marston Theater.
Sophomore film student and club president Andrew Hanks said his vision is that the club will continue to flourish and thrive.
"I want our club to able to reach and impact every film major at ASU," he said. "I hope to grow to the point that we can screen recently released films and do Q and A's with their cast and crew".
Interested in following this club filled with movie maniacs? Like its Facebook page and follow its Instagram or Twitter for updates on future events.
Want to join the Hollywood Invades Tempe crew?
New positions are open at the end of the school year, and all ASU students can apply. Specific information about this process will be posted on the club's social media as that time nears.
Reach the reporter at jhaynie1@asu.edu or follow @jilli_haynie on Twitter.
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