La Verne junior brings story to the big screen

by Max Zänker
LV Life Editor

What started as a class project will soon end up on the big screen.

For Arleen Lopez, every screenwriters dream will come true. The University of La Verne junior broadcasting major has received the chance to direct her own script titled “The Wondering Ice” into a five-minute short film, which will be presented at the Latina Film Festival in Boyle Heights this December.

“The Wondering Ice” is a film about domestic violence from a little boy’s perspective.

“The story has been done a lot, but not from that perspective,” said Lopez’ producer Iris Almaraz, who represents Bella Donna Films.

Lopez met Almaraz during a screenwriter workshop, and then worked with her as assistant director on one of her projects.

“They are funding my complete first project,” Lopez said. “I guess I just got lucky.”

She also received a request from a Texan heavy metal band, called Shades Below, who want her to direct her script as their music video.

Lopez invested a lot of time researching and asking child-service investigators, police officers, mothers and children about their view on domestic violence.

It took her two months to write the initial 10 minute script, which was a final project for one of her screen-writing classes and was written from the mother’s perspective.

“I put all of myself emotionally and spiritually into a script,” Lopez said. “If you don’t write with passion, it will show up in the film.”
Lopez’ passion for her script was one of the main reasons why Almaraz gave her the chance to direct it.

“I like Arlene and her spirit. It will definitely contribute to the film,” Almaraz said.

“Choosing out which projects to fund, I’m judging by passion and I am looking for a person with a personal connection to the story,” she said.

Lopez wants to combine her passion with an innovative technical approach. She is going to use mainly low shots, from the 5-year old boy’s perspective.

She also wants to try something different from the mainstream with her way of storytelling.

“I want to use less dialogue and tell the story through action,” Lopez said.

The short film is going to be shot within three days during the second week of June in East Los Angeles.

Lopez managed to get an experienced cast. Rhina Fernandez, who may be remembered as the woman whose skirt blew up in “Bruce Almighty,” will play the mother. Her son will be played by her actual son and the husband will be played by Ryan Quintana, who was part of the independent movie “A Day without a Mexican.”

Lopez is trying to get more ULV students involved in her production.

“It’s not only a great opportunity for me, but also for the whole school,” she said.

ULV senior broadcast major Toso Mata’u will edit the movi and senior theater major Hillary Hahn will design the set.

It’s the first time for Hahn to design a set for a film production. “It is definitely a great career opportunity for me,” she said. “But I mainly focus on how I can improve as an artist.”

Hahn has known Lopez for two years, they met in an acting studio class. Lopez later was an actor in a play that Hahn directed.

Lopez and Mata’u have not worked together so far. Lopez saw some of Mata’u’s work and then wanted him for her project.

Mata’u sees the film as a big step toward a successful career.

“The more work you do, the more people that see your work, the more doors will open,” he said.

Lopez knows her own secret of success.

“It’ s all about networking. You’ll never leave without knowing who I am,” she said. “A lot of people tell me to put the pen down till I’m 30, but I have the drive and passion to write now.”