Student collaborates with alumni to produce a new short film

Colleges stress the importance of networking for students preparing for the real world.  Some of the most valuable to to network with are graduates from your own school.

Ted Haynes ('99) returned in October to speak at AV Week 2012 on starting your own business.  Haynes and his business partner Michel A. Smith founded the independent film company Confluence Productions in 2005.  7 years later, they hired their first intern from Westminster College.

Junior Broadcast and Digital Communications student Joe Ligo says he's very excited about this partnership.

"It's always great to work with people you have something in common with, and I look forward to begin working with his company this winter," Ligo said.

The team plans to produce an original short film called "Likewise."  Haynes says the film is a, "great project and opportunity to gain invaluable experience."

Experience includes working with industry professionals in the Pittsburgh area, and filming with advanced digital cinema equipment colleges don't always have access to.

"Westminster provides a unique classroom environment," Ligo said. "But the work they foster outside the classroom really set them apart."

The film requires a certain amount of financial backing, which Confluence Productions can't cover entirely out of pocket.  To remedy this, Haynes and Ligo launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds.  Check out the video below to hear what the film is about, and where the money goes.

"We're counting on alumni to help us out here as well," Ligo said.  "We appreciate all the people who help support this college, and supporting this film is an extension of that."

 You can find out more and donate to their project, HERE.

Ligo and Haynes's connection to Westminster goes deeper than just an alma mater.  It turns out they share a fraternal bond as well.

"When I met the guy, I knew he looked familiar," Ligo said.  "Turns out I'd seen his face before on one of the photo composites in our house.  He even held the same position as me!"

Haynes and Ligo are both members in Theta Chi Fraternity at Westminster, a mere 15 years apart.

"People joke that Westminster is just one big happy family," Ligo said.  "When stuff like this happens, I start to think it's true."