Third Student Film "Murdoch" in Post-Production

This summer, SAGU’s Communication Arts department filmed its third student film.  The crew producing Murdoch is comprised of twenty-five students.  Southwestern Cinema plans to premiere Murdoch in the fall during a student film night at a Waxahachie theater that will showcase several short videos and films.

“The students’ three months of preparation during the spring semester paid off once we began principle photography for Murdoch in early May,” said Professor Rob Price, Executive Producer. “The footage was simply astounding and the creativity demonstrated in the filming of this student project by far exceeds anything they have previously attempted.  As I oversaw each day of shooting over a two-week period, I witnessed high production value across the board. The camera work, lighting, acting, set design, props, wardrobe and stunts exceeded my own expectations, which I set very high for my students!”

Murdoch is a coming of age comedy that traces the story of a young misfit named Alex who is obsessed with a fictional western movie character named Merle Murdoch.  Due to his rejection by classmates, Alex begins to question the moralities of life and struggles with the pressures of acceptance.  While Alex tries to run with the riff-raff, Murdoch becomes his life-sized visual conscience.  Alex finally faces the ultimate test of whether being good is worth the sacrifice.

The project was co-written by Senior Amber Williams and Junior Jesse Dale and directed by Junior Landon Perry.  The cast is comprised of both SAGU actors and local talent.   Local professional actor Tom Young plays the lead role of Murdoch. Young’s experience includes acting in 25 films and 3 stage plays.

The Murdoch crew is presently in post-production and has completed nearly half of the film’s rough edit.  The film should be around 25 minutes when completed.  Its fall premiere at a local movie theater will also showcase other outstanding student film/video projects.  Price plans on submitting Murdoch to film festivals in the region.  According to Price, “I firmly believe the story itself and the final product will be worthy of considerable praise from judges in these festivals.”