Gone Girl production impacts Cape students

(Story and photo by Randy McWilson)

The last official Cape Girardeau shots for Gone Girl ended at 1:00 A.M. last Thursday morning, but less than 9 hours later, the impact of the filming was still being felt by students at the Cape Career & Technology Center. Eric Williams, production assistant (PA) for 20th Century Fox, visited the CTC and presented a two-hour discussion and Q&A about his experiences in film and television.

Williams, whose resume is packed with well-known productions such as Gone Girl, the Walking Dead, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, and dozens of popular music videos, spoke to a packed house Thursday, October 24, in the Digital Media studio.

"Not only was it great to see the movie being produced in town, but it is even better to actually talk to someone from the set who has been involved with so many great films," observed Ethan Norman, 2nd-year adult student.

"It was inspiring to hear about his personal experiences in TV and film, and to learn about all the jobs and techniques that go on behind the scenes," said Central High Student Abdul Al-Katanani. "I had no idea about all the effort and hard work that goes into a movie!"

The seminar, which was free and open to the public, detailed the wide variety of jobs and responsibilities that are involved in a large Hollywood production. Williams shared that there are opportunities for enterprising young people who are interested in breaking into this exciting and challenging field.