By: Raynard Churchwell
In the heart of Atlanta, within the halls of the School of Film, Media & Theatre, a stellar collaboration unfolded. Professor Philip Lewis, driven by a passion for pushing boundaries, created a project that would stretch the limits of his students’ creative minds. Alongside the talented minds of Susan Sojourna Collier, Ly Bolia, School of Music, they embarked on a journey to craft a student-film project titled “Murder in B Flat Minor.” Now, three years later, the web series boasts three full seasons with 20 episodes and involving more than 150 students.
Recognition arrived recently in the form of an invitation to the prestigious New Lotus International Film and Script Festival in Athens, Greece. The excitement reached its pinnacle when “Murder in B Flat Minor” clinched the coveted award for “Best Web Series.”
This achievement is a validation of the relentless effort that every member of the team poured into the project. Professor Philip Lewis underscored the challenges of standing out in today’s competitive film industry, making this win even more significant. It was a tribute to the hard-working spirit of each individual involved.
The endeavor demanded a great amount of dedication, with students from various disciplines contributing their expertise. Notably, Shunrodney Rossier, Jr., Emily Reith, Sophie Van Wie, and Summer Raaine-Fox, all of whom have been part of nearly every episode since their sophomore years, played pivotal roles in shaping the success of “Murder in B Flat Minor.”
These four talented individuals, having started their journey with the series as sophomores, became the heartbeat of the project. Shunrodney’s charismatic presence, Emily’s nuanced performances, Sophie’s keen eye for detail, and Summer’s flair for drama became indispensable elements of the series’ success.
As semesters passed, the series evolved into a testament to the power of collaborative genius. It not only showed the technicalities of filmmaking but also instilled in students the art of unity and commitment to a collective vision.
Beyond the campus walls, the project’s impact reverberated. Students from the theater department, film technology, and writing area merged their talents, forging a strong alliance.
The victory resonated far beyond the ceremony, leaving a mark on the careers of its contributors. These four actors, having been integral to the series since their sophomore years, now see their names adorn IMDb pages, serving as a launchpad for their futures in the industry. The project had transcended the confines of a classroom, metamorphosing into a stepping stone for burgeoning careers.
The allure of “Murder in B Flat Minor” extended beyond its intriguing plot. With every episode, the series showed new layers of mystery, capturing viewers and leaving them clamoring for more. The narrative, enriched by clever writing, became a must-watch, a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling.
After three captivating seasons, “Murder in B Flat Minor” concluded its run, leaving a legacy of excellence. As the series continued to captivate audiences, it symbolized the boundless potential that collaboration, dedication, and creativity could unlock. It stood as a testament to the vision and perseverance of Philip Lewis and his team, etching their names in the annals of the New Lotus International Film and Script Festival. “Murder in B Flat Minor” had not only won an award; it had earned its respect for exceptional storytelling.
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