Students involved in Tree Stump Films (“TSF”), a department of Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation (“RMSMC”), work in their respective field of interest adding their talents to the overall group effort producing documentary films. The documentary film process requires a myriad of talents all working together. For instance, these students could all be working on the same project:

• History and Science students trained in research produces background content and interview questions.
• Journalism students operate cameras and edit video files.
• Art students produce animations and graphics.
• English students write scripts.

TSF’s approach is different from the classroom environment where students usually work independently, over the course of one semester, and the projects are tested and graded based on the individual students’ efforts. Students at TSF are encourage to stay involved over multiple semesters, spanning multiple projects.

The TSF experience allows students from all grade levels to work together on projects without admission requirements other than their individual talents. For example, in an academic department, first-year student cannot apply for some courses before they take prerequisite courses. At TSF, if they have the skills or are willing to be trained via mentoring and workshops, they can get involved in making documentary films.

Students can apply to Tree Stump Films as a volunteer (including through Department Practicum class or Independent Study) or as a paid staff member (through Work Study or paid directly by Rocky Mountain Student Media).

Current Partners: History, Warner College, Natural Science, Collaborative for Student Achievement, English and NACC

Tree Stump Films provides a full-time experienced documentary filmmaker as an adviser to the students. The adviser works with the students on the short- and long-term planning necessary to produce a quality documentary film. The films produced are then shown on Rocky Mountain PBS. The adviser also coordinates workshops, plans equipment purchases and mentors the students in both group and individual settings.

Tree Stump Films offers experience and training that are not attempted to duplicate courses already offered at CSU. Guest Professionals in their respective field are invited in person or via Zoom to conduct specific workshops offered to students at no cost. The overall goal of TSF is to enhance students’ educational experiences.