Oklahoma filmmaker J. Max Burnett, who first found his calling at OU, will share his expertise at a filmmaking workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, in Pitman Recital Hall, Catlett Music Center.

The workshop is a part of The School of Art Independent Film Project at OU.

Burnett is an OU graduate and said he was inspired to become a filmmaker in Norman.

"I was 18 and I was trying to decide between medicine and film and there was a screening of 'The Graduate' on campus," Burnett said.

"After seeing that, I knew I wanted to make something that could touch people the way 'The Graduate' touched me."

Burnett gained praise and recognition for his independent film "Possums."

It is the story of a small town that loses its high school football team but is transfixed as a local man announces games from an imaginary championship season over the radio.

The movie was filmed entirely in Oklahoma and features Barry Switzer as the coach of the real state champs who becomes offended by his imaginary opposition.

Burnett said he was looking for a story to tell and elaborated on a real newspaper writer who annually chronicled the season of the local high school's non-existent football team.

Burnett's workshop will focus on the process of making an independent film and what it takes to become an independent filmmaker.

He said he hopes students can learn something by listening to the process he went through and seeing where he made mistakes and where he did things right and that he wants to encourage students by laying a general groundwork.

Burnett said it takes knowledge and persistence to become successful.

"Learn everything you can about filmmaking, about everything. Become a studier of the world," Burnett said.

"It's all about staying in the game long enough. You have to be out there when the good luck comes.

Burnett said he always wanted to hear experienced filmmakers talk when he was a student.

He credits Shawnee Brittan, OU's filmmaker in residence, for opening up the film school for guest workshops like his.

"Max is a friend of the College of Fine Arts, especially of our Independent Film Project," Brittan said.

"And this workshop it is a way for our students to learn how an award-winning low budget movie is made."

The workshop is free and open to the public. Sack lunches will be provided. For more information call 325-4670.
hello there & you too