Calvin students in TR for film

Ten students from Calvin College began a four-day visit to Three Rivers on Thursday (January 14) as part of an ‘interim class’ in Digital Cinematography taught by Daniel Garcia, a professor who teaches film and video production at the Grand Rapids school. Originally from Peru, Garcia has been in the United States for 15 years.

Around mid-day Thursday, Garcia and his students were “shooting B-roll” in downtown Three Rivers – images and sound they will use in producing a promotional video to support the project to transform the former Huss Elementary School into a multi-faceted community center.

Three other students – actors – will join the entourage on Friday for their work in another aspect of their learning experience in Three Rivers, creation of a short film that will utilize the Huss building and involve shooting Friday night and all day Saturday.

The visit by Garcia and his students reflects their connection to Rob and Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma, Three Rivers residents who helped establish *culture is not optional (*cino), the non-profit organization that purchased Huss School in June 2009. The couple, who founded World Fare, a non-profit, volunteer-run fair trade store in downtown Three Rivers, works at Calvin College.

During an interview in the vicinity of the “Mural Mall,” Garcia said it’s “a thrilling experience to be here for four days, helping the community in a way, and also enjoying the possibility of shooting in a location with the students.”

Garcia said the theme for the promotional video is “imagine – imagine the possibilities,” which is very much in line with the “Imaging Space” fundraising campaign launched last year to pay for acquisition and development of the building.

The visitors will be eating their meals at World Fare, located at 37 North Main Street, wrapping up with breakfast Sunday morning.