By Krista Baliko
Responding to the way most people now watch content, a University of Regina professor is releasing his new feature film online.
(l to r): Jeremy Ratzlaff, director of photography, and Mark Wihak study a scene featuring Kaitlyn Semple (on screen) while shooting Resting Potential Photo: U of R Photography
Mark Wihak, associate professor in the Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance, has written, and is now directing and producing, Resting Potential. The feature will be released online in nine chapters in fall 2019.
"We consume content differently now," explains Wihak. "We watch a lot of movies online, and, when we're on our devices, our attention spans are shorter than when we go and see movies in theatres."
He adds that online platforms offer new opportunities for filmmakers.
"When you're making films for TV or for theatrical release, running times have firm parameters," explains Wihak. "In the online environment, running time is up to the creator."
Kaitlyn Semple, who plays the film's main character, Lucy, says this format also makes the content accessible to more people.
Semple, who majored in theatre and graduated from the University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, says, "Any time I tell someone we're releasing Resting Potential online, they say, Amazing! I'll actually get to see it!'"
She adds that although screenings are special and exciting nights, "online content provides a quick way to reach a far bigger audience."
While Wihak won't divulge much about the plot, he does reveal that the focus is on Lucy, who experiences profound changes because of her beliefs.
"The film is an intersection of different sorts of beliefs - spiritual, scientific, and political - and how they affect our behaviour," says Wihak.
Semple says she jumped at the opportunity to land the lead role in an independent film. She also admits that playing the character has changed her.
"Walking in Lucy's shoes has made me a more curious and compassionate person," says Semple.
Resting Potential is created by a team of actors, cinematographers, lighting designers, a sound and design team, a composer, and an editor - many of the creative contributors behind the film are alumni of the University of Regina's film department.
Mark Wihak's project is supported by the Humanities Research Institute, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the President's Seed Fund, the Saskatchewan Filmpool Cooperative, and ACTRA.
