SPEC Film Society
SPEC, the Social Planning and Events Committee, is one of six student government groups at Penn. Unlike most of the others, however, SPEC’s members aren’t elected—anyone can participate. Among the nine SPEC committees is SPEC’s Film Society, which hosts regular film screenings and an annual speaker series. You don’t have to be a film buff to be interested in SPEC’s speakers: last year, they brought Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans, Jr., also known as Nick and Coach from “New Girl,” to talk and meet with students. They also joined forces with SPEC Connaissance to host Vince Gilligan, the creator of “Breaking Bad.”
Email: film@specevents.net
Website: http://specevents.net
Penn UTV
UTV calls themselves the “hub for all Penn video.” The staff works in crews to produce original programming including sitcoms, student features and an interview series with guests speaking at Penn. Highlights from last year include “Locust Talk” and “The Button Show” which took place—you guessed it—under the button, the cleanest place on Penn’s campus. On their website, UTV also features videos of performing arts groups and the work of other students on campus.
Email: programming@pennutv.com
Website: http://pennutv.com
Classless TV
Freshmen: how’s your roomie? Does she look anything like her profile picture? This year, Classless TV is taking their show from the Kelly Writers House to a dorm to create an original mockumentary (with “Office” style interviews) about a group of students living together. Their team includes writers, producers, directors, actors and many others who play a part in the film production process, and they’re always looking for new members—experienced or not.
Email: classlesstv@gmail.com
Website: http://classlesstv.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ClasslessTV
Undergraduate Media and Entertainment Club
Film and TV events make up a large part of the UME’s expansive programming each year, though the club hosts programs that cross all areas of media, including music and gaming. Last year, UME organized advanced screenings, hosted big–name speakers (including Wendy Finerman, producer of “Forrest Gump,”) and coordinated the very first Penn Film Festival, which featured a mix of professional and student–made films. Come to UME’s committee meeting in Steiny D. 213 on Monday at 8 p.m. to see what it’s all about.
Website: http://pennume.com
Email: gbaldwin@sas.upenn.edu
If you’re afraid of commitment, check out these one-offs:
Penn Student Film Festival: http://www.collegehouses.upenn.edu/life/filmfest
Keep an eye on your email inbox this spring with information from your college house on how to participate.
Penn–in–Cannes: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/summer/locations/abroad/cannes
Penn–in–Cannes is one of seven Penn Summer Abroad programs, but the only one that takes students to an international film festival.
