Today we’d like to introduce you to For Film’s Sake.
For Film’s Sake, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For Film’s Sake (or FFS) started in 2019 at Kennesaw State University as a school RSO (registered student organization). It was created to provide KSU students with the experience of on-set film production, regardless of their major. Our purpose was to make a film club that wasn’t about watching movies, but rather, making them- and this has been our motto since. In the 6 years FFS has been operating, we have seen tremendous growth. We started with 10 members at our first meeting but now have 650+ students registered with the club. Each year, For Film’s Sake produces 6-8 student short films. These films are written by club members, voted on by club members, and then made by club members. For those who have never been on set before, we offer crash courses where students can learn basic information about their set role and even get some hands-on training. Among these, we also host other meetings, like socials, where club members can interact through fun events, such as trivia and TikTok film challenges. At the end of the semester, For Film’s Sake hosts an annual premiere event called the FOscars (fake Oscars). At this event, we premiere the short films made within the previous two semesters and then end the night with an award ceremony that celebrates student achievements and accomplishments. The officer team (comprised of students) lead the club to facilitate an inclusive and creative environment that allows students to hone their abilities and network with each other and form connections and friendships that last after their time at KSU. Through For Film’s Sake, club members have been brought onto other short films, including SCAD capstones and student productions, and allowed internship or PA opportunities with local studios.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2022, the club saw an extreme burst in growth- and the student officers were unprepared for it. We went from being able to offer everyone a position on set to having not enough productions to give everyone an opportunity. While the officers serve as producers for short films and are generally very knowledgeable, they’re also students, and we don’t know everything. It took a bumpy semester or two to figure out the best way to operate things and how to make the short film supply meet student demands. We’ve also had to establish equipment liability and safety after expensive, personally owned equipment was damaged in an accident on set. On top of this, each set brings its own unique challenges, and the officers need to lean on each other. However, most of the time, it’s quick fixes and problems that are easily resolved. Thankfully, most of FFS history has been smooth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
You can watch our short films on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFilmsSakeYT
KSU currently does not offer a film major and For Film’s Sake fills the gap for students looking into on-set experience. We use a simplified crew list that offers 20-30 positions per short film and includes all the different niches in film production. This allows students to test out positions to see which departments they like best. We specialize in assisting students interested in narrative film production post-grad so once they graduate, they have some experience and portfolio materials to take with them. Through the inclusive club environment, we also give our members lifelong network connections. We encourage members interested in making short films outside of the club to look for cast and crew within it since we always have a surplus of people willing to help out. Former FFS members have gone on to start their own equipment houses, local production companies, work paid PA gigs on sets including Netflix productions, and work internships with production studios. For Film’s Sake is most proud of its work in giving members opportunities and experience that will benefit them in their career.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
We’re proud to be an RSO at KSU that is made by students. for students. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are today and create a brand that is recognizable at Kennesaw State University. We’re continuing to grow and very excited for the upcoming semester to see what all we can create.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksuffs/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForFilmsSakeYT
- Other: https://linktr.ee/forfilmssake
Image Credits
Hogan Meadows (for camera crash course photo- photo #5)
Dallas Hunter (for on-set photo outside – photo #6
Roman Arcadi (for slate photo and on-set blue/red photo- photo #3 and photo #7)
