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FILMMAKING TWINS REDOUBLE THEIR EFFORTS
The student film that began as a class project has evolved into a phenomenon. After piling up awards and honors, the Macklin sisters have found their calling, and “Imagine” has opened their eyes to a world of artistic opportunities.
The twins have just followed up on the original film by producing two additional projects. "Originally, we had planned to just make one more, but when the first one was so well-received, we split the second film in two. Trilogy!"
President Gross, who led the efforts to spread the word about MU’s young artists, was not surprised by the sisters’ continued creative drive. “At Monsters University, we believe excellence leads to greater excellence. Trailblazers scale mountains and find themselves drawn to the summits in the distance.”
With all of the new attention and a steady stream of job offers flowing their way, a little tension would be understandable -- but, according to Jessica, there’s no evidence of rivalry in their relationship with each other. "We’re together forever, rising or falling as one. The only rivalry we have is with Fear Tech."
Their words and works have inspired peers and alumni alike, who have rallied around the sisters and taken pride in their accomplishments. With school spirit at an all-time high, the Riddlebargers look forward to a bright future.
On the wall of their bedroom is a poster emblazoned with their personal motto -- one that might easily be extended to the entire Monsters University family: “When we put our heads together, we can accomplish anything.”
Imagine You at MU
STUDENTS PRODUCE UNIVERSITY RECRUITMENT COMMERCIAL
The sisters share a pint-sized body and may be impossible to tell apart at first glance, but MU student filmmakers Jessica and Jennifer Macklin have accomplished something this semester that may well set them apart from their peers permanently.
Their final project for FILM 470, “Imagine You at MU”, is a piece that is winning awards and garnering attention for the pair. From every corner of the Monsters University universe -- administrators, students, professors, alumni -- the praise has been unanimous.
Professor Jackie Wedmon knew he was watching something special the very first time he saw it. “It has that special quality of stoking anticipation -- a short that makes you long for a chance to view the full version.”
Monsters University president, Victoria Gross, was equally pleased and pledged to do everything possible to make sure the world got to see the students’ work. “Monsters University has reached out to well-placed alumni in the entertainment industry who will make sure this brief but moving work is shown to millions of moviegoers. There is nothing more important to MU than highlighting academic and artistic excellence and encouraging millions of potential MU fans to see for themselves why this school is a place of endless possibilities.”
Jennifer/Jessica would love to be considered among the great sibling filmmaking teams someday but, for now, are content to enjoy the wild ride. With a beaming smile and twinkling eyes, Jennifer summed up the duo’s motivation, “We’re little monsters with big dreams -- and an alma mater that inspires us.”
Jessica, the more serious of the two, added, “Think of it as an ode to the school we love. A love letter come to life on the screen. A Monsters mash note for the ages.” She paused for a moment, exhaled audibly and muttered, “If we don’t get an A on this project, I’m going to lose my mind.”
