Student prepares action film

October 15, 2004

Milligan College junior Grant Foster will soon begin production of his 45 minute action film, “MIA.”

Cameras were set to start rolling in Johnson City, Tenn. Oct. 11, where Foster, digital media and film major, will produce and direct his senior film project aimed to premiere at Milligan’s 19^th Annual Festival of I Act Plays and Short Films in the spring semester.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of action films,” said Foster. “So it really made a lot of sense when Kenny [Suit] encouraged me to do an action film.”

“Grant likes those kinds of films. Action adventure is his genre of films. And with that he can approach it critically and make changes where he sees flaws,” said associate professor of communications Suit.

Foster has directed several short video projects, including Milligan student singer and songwriter Victoria Bailey’s “Life to Me” music video, which has cleared a path for her to study music at a conservatory in Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

Slated to continue production far into next spring semester, Foster said he is keeping a tight lid on the specifics of his roughly estimated $200 budget film. His plans consist of a small 15 person crew, 24 actors from both Milligan and ETSU, and “a good solid script”.

“I don’t want to give out too much, but I can say from all the action films I’ve seen and become a fan of, people will not be disappointed,” Foster said.

Foster added that he has taken “MIA” seriously and plans on using professional firearms experts and martial arts instructors from around the county. He is also seeking film advice and continued council from recent student directors from the festival, such as Milligan graduate Phil Brock.

“With his passion and love for action films, I think Grant is the only one who could really pull off an action film for Milligan,” said Brock.

Foster points out that “MIA” will take more of a Christian theme as opposed to other action adventure films.

“Where there’s a physical struggle with good versus bad we usually see the good guy win and walk away happy,” said Foster, “but for this film it will be a surprise who we’ll see walk away. And we’ll also see the consequences they have to live with afterwards.”