(October 11, 2012)

Alumnus wins at Louisiana Film Prize Festival

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary alumnus Phillip Jordan Brooks '06 has received a prestigious award from the Louisiana Film Prize for a film he wrote and directed. Nearly 80 short films were submitted to the festival, but Brooks's "This is a Microphone," became one of just three to earn a Founders' Circle prize.

Brooks, who graduated from Centenary with a degree in Communication, credits the College and faculty with strengthening his filmmaking abilities:

"Centenary had a huge impact on me as a filmmaker, especially learning about story and structure — and how to write. That is by far the most important skill you can have as a director," said Brooks. "Dr. Jeff Hendricks and Dr. Michelle Glaros emphasized these skills while also looking into changing media forms."

The film, which raises questions about the definition of a "crook" during the American mortgage crisis, also included members of the Centenary family in its talented cast. Alumna Mary Thoma '82 and Luke Eddy, Administrative Assistant to Marjorie Lyons Playhouse and Theatre Class Instructor, played key roles as bank officers in the film.

Dozens of Centenary students, faculty, staff, and alumni were involved in multiple areas of the competition as filmmakers, actors, and event organizers.

"When I watched the other films showcased at the Film Prize it was exciting to see the level of Centenary participation across the board," said Eddy. "I was really impressed with how much great work was being done in other films, on both sides of the camera, by numerous members of the Centenary community."

Next, Brooks plans to submit "This is a Microphone" to prestigious festivals across the globe. In addition to top tier festivals such as Sundance, New York, Los Angeles, and Cannes, Brooks will enter his film into exclusive short film festivals including the Aspen Shorts Fest.

"The LA Film Prize was a great experience overall, and the energy and excitement of the festival was first rate," said Brooks. "But, we are really just getting started."

Currently in its inaugural year, the Louisiana Film Prize was established as a means to promote the art of short filmmaking in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The esteemed Founder's Circle Award recognizes up to five films as being of exceptional value and provides a $3,000 grant to filmmakers to help fund their projects for the next year's competition. The Louisiana Film Prize also offers a grand prize of $50,000 to one lucky participant.

A requirement of the competition is that all films entered must be filmed entirely in the Shreveport-Bossier area.