Chicago-based filmmaker and screenwriter Michael Gilio and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point alum Emily Ruth will visit the campus and share their insights into the filmmaking process Sept. 23 and 24.
The visit, coordinated by media studies and the Department of Theatre and Dance, includes a screening of Gilio’s film “Kwik Stop”, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24in the Dreyfus University Center Theater, 1015 Reserve St, Stevens Point. The screening is free and open to the public. Students will participate in a masterclass on Sept. 23 discussing Gilio’s upcoming film project ‘Big Time” in which Ruth is set to star.
“I was thrilled to learn that our recent theater department graduate Emily Ruth landed a lead role in a soon-to-be-released feature film, and I was really impressed that Michael generously agreed to travel from Chicago to talk about the project,” said Kevin Obsatz, assistant professor of media studies. “This offers an amazing opportunity to learn about film production in the midwest, and how UWSP filmmakers and performers can engage with the entertainment industry right out of school.”
Gilio has collaborated with writers, directors and producers including Guillermo del Toro, Doug Liman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. His notable credits include writer of “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”, starring Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez and directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.
Ruth is also based in Chicago and currently works as a teaching artist with Imagine Performing Arts. They graduated in 2024 with a BFA in acting.