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NMSU Las Cruces Graduate Produces Feature Film

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Just a year after receiving his bachelor's degree in digital filmmaking and animation from New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute, Nick Chamberlin has produced his first full-length feature film, "Bomb Squad," which will be screened Feb. 25 and 26 at Allen Theaters Cineport 10 in Las Cruces, N.M.

Originally written several years ago with the help of his sisters, "Bomb Squad" was Chamberlin's biggest undertaking as he assumed the roles of writer, director, producer and editor in addition to creating special effects and producing music for the film.

"When I started school at NMSU, I told myself that this was the movie I wanted to make when I was done at CMI," Chamberlin said. "I eventually formed it into a script from the idea we had and made it into the film it is today."

"Bomb Squad" follows four siblings who inherit super-abilities from their imprisoned father. With the entire front of a government unit at their heels, they are forced to run, but don't know where to go or who to trust. After the news that their father was once a super-villain, they risk all to keep what is left of their family together. With the increasing pressure from the ruthless Gen. Ward and the looming threat of a terrifying super-villain, the bonds of their family are tested to their limits.

Chamberlin was determined to test his limits. About a year before completing his undergraduate career, Chamberlin began casting for the film and recruiting fellow CMI students as well as students from Dona Ana Community College's Creative Media Technology program as crew members. Six months before receiving his diploma, Chamberlin began filming "Bomb Squad."

"Nick has set a high standard for CMI students. Through his ambition, talent, resourcefulness and commitment he has created a feature film to be proud of," said CMI Director of Animation and Visual Effects Derek Fisher, who was Chamberlin's senior project advisor on the movie. "I am proud to be part of Nick's creative journey."

Over the course of 58 days, the cast and crew devoted their weekends to the film. Filming took place in various locations around Las Cruces, including Mesilla Valley Christian High School and the NMSU campus.

Once filming had wrapped, Chamberlin began the task of editing and adding special effects to his film.

"I really like doing everything," Chamberlin said. "I got my degree in animation so I would be able to create special effects for film, but I was close to majoring in music and am able to write music for lots of different instruments so I thought, why not do the music myself?"

With the help of his Garage Band software, Chamberlin produced 78 minutes worth of music for "Bomb Squad." In addition, Chamberlin is responsible for the 3-D animation and special effects featured throughout the entire film.

"I'd like to thank the CMI faculty and staff as well as the students who gave me all of their support, and the Creative Media Technology program at Dona Ana Community College for providing me with crew and equipment. Nobody ever looked down on the project or doubted me and I'm very thankful for that," Chamberlin said.

Chamberlin says he is planning to submit "Bomb Squad" to a number of upcoming film festivals.

"CMI is pleased that Nick was partly inspired by faculty and we believe he will venture out and accomplish much more. It is not hard to see that he will be successful on a grander scale," Fisher said. "It reflects the support of more than 100 volunteers, Creative Media Institute faculty and staff, NMSU facilities, and countless Las Cruces citizens that share in his accomplishment."

Admission to "Bomb Squad" is $6 and open to the public. To view the trailer for "Bomb Squad" visit http://www.vimeo.com/18929163.