"That's a Wrap!" Judson University Student Acts in New Sci-Fi Film

Imagine, a run-down city with abandoned warehouses and churches, where a young man desperately races through the rain to reach the apartment of his estranged mother across town.

This is the setting of The Return, a short action / sci-fi film written and directed by Matt Bilen, a film and digital media professor from Judson University. Several students from the university—Patrick Thompson, Justin Huack, Luke Boeckelmann, and others—teamed up with Bilen to shoot the footage. It took seven days to film, mostly at night to set the atmosphere, and is currently in the post-production stage. It is speculated to be released sometime between this Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The role of the main character Colin was played by Patrick Thompson, a senior at Judson.

Listen to Thompson's audio interview here.    

"It was always late nights, and I was always wet and cold..." quoting Thompson, referring to scenes with Colin running through the rain to escape a militant police force. "...you're just shivering so hard, but it works because you look tortured on screen." (Thompson, 2015)

But the discomfort involved didn't put a damper on his enthusiasm. He was impressed by the film’s professional quality, and his role as Colin felt genuine and immersive to him. He expressed his appreciation for the experience and the joy of seeing the end result.

"Being a part of that process is living the dream for me." Thompson says.

Thompson also provided some background info on what led up to the production. Matt Bilen had been working on a concept for a feature film titled Heavensquest: A Pilgrim's Progress, but the funding unfortunately fell through. He set it aside and began production on The Return in the meantime, inviting Thompson to participate.

Thompson’s involvement wasn't just limited to acting, though. He teamed up with Bilen to be a part of the pre-production as well. Thompson's input had an impact on the story and the development of his character.

When asked if he sees himself acting in the future, Thompson responded "I will work very very hard to make sure that it happens."

And his hard work is paying off. Thompson is also playing a major role in Heaven, How I Got Here, a three-person show based off the book by Colin S. Smith. It's premiering right now through Oct 26th in Chicago, IL, so pick up your tickets to see Patrick Thompson perform live!

Buy tickets here.