Press Release published in  the May, 2004 Edition of the Amherst News-Times
Written by Jason Sockel

LC Grad Gets Green Light

Lorain native and Lorain Catholic grad Christopher Casper, a graduate film student at the University of Southern California, has had his Master’s Thesis film green lit for production and is in need of contributions to get the film on its feet.  In August 2004, production will begin in Los Angeles on 10 Steps, a twelve-minute short film that will be Casper’s Hollywood calling card upon graduating next May.

Christopher Casper, 25, is a 1997 graduate of Lorain Catholic High School and a 2001 graduate of John Carroll University where he earned a dual degree in Communications and History.  He currently is currently in his third and final year of the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television’s elite Master’s of Fine Arts program.  He is hoping to be proactive in helping to build the film industry around Cleveland after establishing himself in Los Angeles.

Casper’s thesis film, 10 Steps, is a period piece set in the early 1800’s.  The title refers to the ten paces taken during a duel, an acceptable form of conflict resolution at the time.  “The film itself is a simple love story gone awry,” Casper explains, “It explores universal themes of love, duty and honor.”  The current budget of the film is $23,000 and any donation would help him reach that goal, “even if it is simply a hello,” Casper remarked in an interview earlier this week.  

While pre-production has already begun on 10 Steps, the actual shooting will commence in August.  The film will be shot in and around the Los Angeles area from August 5 through August 14.  Casper hopes to complete postproduction by Christmas.

According to Casper, coming out of film school with a great short film is integral to finding directing work after graduation.  It gives insights into the person both in work ethic and passion.  “My love of history is evident in writing a period piece,” says Casper who is hosting several fundraising events in the coming weeks.  “Any film endeavor, including a student short, is a costly one and any monetary support that can be given is greatly appreciated.”