Have an unharnessed passion? Are there streams of unapplied creativity flowing through the body, just waiting for the opportunity to be expressed? Look no further than Cougars in Motion, Kean University’s student film club.

Cougars in Motion embraces the creativity and originality of each of its members in a family-oriented fashion.

“Film club is a family in and out of the university; everyone is close to one another because we as an organization try to help new members see past a high school club and a college extra-curricular activity,” says Raquel Davis, Vice President of the organization.

Cougars in Motion currently has 30 active members, but is always on the hunt for exciting, creative and driven individuals looking to join a club or organization where they can express their passions to their fullest potential. The group meets weekly, on Tuesdays during college hour. During that hour, room 406 of the Center for Academic Success (CAS) overflows with creative energy as unique minds come together to produce the group’s latest projects.

“We are a very open group but we do not want just anyone to join our group only to put something on their transcript. We want open-minded, patient, eager, thrill seekers who have the mind set to take the club to the next level because we only allow unique, creative, vibrant people who want to have fun, want to learn about film and also build a family in and outside of college,” says Davis.

Cougars in Motion is open to any and all Kean University students. Contrary to popular belief, the film club is not exclusive to film majors. Any individual with a talent or passion for writing, filming, acting, editing or directing can participate in this unique and fun organization. The group’s current project is a short parody television series about the stereotypical perception of what goes on behind the doors of film clubs.

The group has a queue of steps they go through to develop a new work or production. When the time for a new project comes, meetings are reserved for brainstorming. The members will shoot ideas around until a concrete concept has been determined. Story boarders are then selected to write a more detailed script and storyboard; this process happens outside of the weekly meetings.

The availability of all those participating in said project is recorded; and corresponding emails are sent out to the members containing when and where they are expected to film. Editors are then selected. Editors are typically film majors, or those who want to improve their skills at film editing. These people edit raw footage while still in the filming process. The finished product is a showcase of the combined efforts of all the members of Cougars in Motion.

“We are open to original scripts because we are breaking away from improvisation acting. Our current project with the TV series, we have scripts made for our actors and camera people to go by, that way we are organized and the club has that consistent flow,” says Davis.

Original scripts are a wonderful way to embrace passion and creativity, while bringing the hard work of a fellow student to life. This is only one of the many satisfactory avenues explored in Cougars in Motion.

For those who cannot physically attend the weekly meetings in CAS 406, the meetings’ minutes (meeting notes) are posted to the group’s Cougar Link page after each meeting. This allows those that were unable to attend still know what transpired during it, thus keeping all the members updated on the development of projects and such. Karun Singh, the president, urges those that are unable to attend meetings to still be present on filming days.

To join the film club, an individual must attend meetings, introduce themselves to Singh, and express what particular area of film they are interested in. Those who join the film club should come to meetings prepared to share their work, ideas and thoughts. There is no beating around the bush, and club members will be blatantly asked for opinions, ideas and more.

Another way to participate in Cougars in Motion if one is physically unable to be at meetings is to attend the filming days. These days vary depending on several contributing aspects to the particular project. It is mandatory that group members attend at least 2 to 3 filming days and 2 to 3 meeting days per semester. This ensures participation and contribution from each and every member of the group.

Cougars in Motion has been tirelessly working towards its goal of participating in a film festival. It has intentions of submitting a screenplay or film into a film festival in a competitive manner and really escalate the club’s reputation as well as the quality of work they produce.

“We are extremely serious about what we do and bring to the table but we also know how to have a good time,” says Davis.

Kean University’s film club is a remarkable opportunity for talented and passionate students to break out of restrictive creative shells and share their ideas with a thoughtful and understanding group of fellow film lovers. Those looking to express themselves through the art of movie making should look no further than room 406 of the CAS; a student’s creative family awaits arrival.