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Titan Terror Project Winners Announced at Westminster College

Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College sophomore broadcast communication major Chelsea Haybarger and team Sunshine's entry took the grand prize in the Titan Terror Project showcase Oct. 18 in the Sebastian Mueller Theater of the McKelvey Campus Center.

"Cannibals of the Lake" was recognized by the judges for creativity and story. Prizes valued a $465 included a Single-Cup Keurig Machine, a Pittsburgh Penguins towel, a Kindle Reader, a gift certificate to the Crane Room, and more.

"I am more than honored to have won Titan Terror this year," Haybarger said. "Being a "newbie" to movie making, I thought for sure that one of the more experienced veterans would have won over me. So needless to say I was nothing less than thrilled when I found out I won!"

Haybarger is a daughter of Anthony and Sharon Lynn Haybarger of West Pittsburgh and a graduate of New Castle High School.

The runner-up entry, "Follow Me," was submitted by Sean Schachner, an alumnus who graduated in May with a degree in public relations, and by Norrschach Productions. The film was recognized for accordance with the contest's theme and technical production values. Prizes valued at $290 included a Pittsburgh Penguins towel, a Kindle Reader, a gift certificate to the Crane Room, two tickets to Celebrity Series' "A Chorus Line," and more.

Schachner is a son of Joseph and Sarah Schachner and a graduate of North Hills High School.

"The concept for the film created by Julie Norris came about through a lot of staring at a blank piece of paper and brainstorming," Schachner said. "Once the ideas started flowing it was fun and easy. Julie's family actually owned a funeral home which was perfect for filming in. When we arrived on the scene it also gave us some more inspiration. I think the actual filming time was over six hours, and I think the editing part was double that."

The Audience Choice winner, "Tulpa," was submitted by Stephen Bendig, a sophomore liberal arts major, and by STAT1CProductions. The film was voted on by the live audience using immediate audience response clicker technology. Prizes valued at $230 included an insulated backpack, a Pittsburgh Penguins towel, a Gorilla Joe Printing Company certificate, a pound of Starbucks coffee, and more.

Bendig is a son of Matthew and Natalie Bendig and a graduate of Greenville High School.

The theme of the contest was to shoot a thriller/chiller/mystery mini-movie that avoided graphic or gratuitous violence to thrill, scare, or entertain the audience.  The first round of judging cut the original 20 entries to 10 finalists that were screened at the showcase. Top ten finalists included three high school entries from both Lawrence and Mercer counties.

"There are so many elements that combine to make a great movie, and each year we see our entries getting stronger. This year's group as a whole presented some of the strongest combinations of these elements that we've seen yet, and made it difficult for our judges to make their selections," said Gary Swanson, Westminster director of AV Services. "It shows that our entrants are embracing the challenges that amateur film making presents, and we are very excited to see what they can come up with next year."

The project was a collaboration among Westminster Cable Network (WCN), Titan Radio 88.9 FM and Audio Visual Services, with the showcase scheduled as part of Westminster's annual AV Week observance. 

All entries can be viewed here and scrolling to Titan Terror Project 3 and clicking on "archived."

Contact Swanson at (724) 946-7188 or email for additional information.

A still image from Cannibals of the Lake