The Filmmaker’s Guild of Oakland University is stealing the spotlight this summer with a new line-up of summer films, new equipment and new procedures.

“Our ultimate goal for the summer and upcoming academic year is to provide an educational and practical venue for student filmmakers to learn, explore and express their talents,” said Kaelie Thompson, secretary of the Guild.

The Guild has completed filming on two short films: Greg Bastien’s “Stand for Something” and Sean McClellan’s “The Key to Happiness.”

The Guild hopes to have the majority of their short films finished by the beginning of the Fall 2011 semester to show current and incoming cinema studies students the filmmaking opportunities that OU offers.

“We’re trying to make products over the summer so that we can show students that we are here and we are a cohesive group,” said James Bialk, treasurer of the Guild.

Most of the actors in the short films are theater majors, but the Guild reaches out to English majors and other departments to establish more connections and to help write scripts, Bialk said.

A few students from the Guild recently collaborated with Producer Michael Manasseri for the second time.

The cast and crew wrapped up production on May 28 on a feature film called “Detention of the Dead.” The film is a zombie comedy filmed in a closed-down high school in Pontiac.

OU students were involved in the film as interns, production assistants and stand-ins for the actors. Some students were also able to film behind-the-scenes footage for the DVD, said Geneva Brunetti, president of the Guild.

“Many students, staff members and filmmakers want to keep this going as well, so that the opportunities for internships and experience can continue and make Oakland University a name in the world of filmmaking,” Brunetti said.

The Cinema Studies Department has also provided the Guild with new equipment. Kyle Edwards, advisor of the guild and director of the cinema studies program, has provided the Guild with new 16 GB SD memory cards — to store footage,  bongo bands — industrial rubber bands used with equipment during filming, a wireless microphone system and a new Lowel lighting kit.

“With these additions in equipment and accessibility, we believe the FMG will have the resources needed to produce quality student films eligible for submission to various film festivals,” Thompson said.

All majors are welcome, no experience is required and there is no limit on the number of submissions that can be made

The organization also provides the opportunity to expand professionally.

“Joining the Guild will help students build their resumes and get tons of experience,” Brunetti said.

With the Guild spitting out six short films in the summer with the help of their brand new equipment, the group is well on its way to bringing a whole new world of cinema to OU and its students.

Even though the Guild is fairly new and has only been operating for its second consecutive year, Oakland University and its cinema studies department could be the birthplace for a new generation of Hollywood actors, producers, directors, screenwriters, etc.