“Brooker” tells the story of an archaeologist on the run.
When Brandon Ransbottom, an executive producer, writer and filmmaker, was searching for a place that would grab the attention of moviegoers for his latest project, “Brooker,” Eckerd College seemed like the perfect fit.
With its natural beauty and glistening waters, Ransbottom found the location where his dream could come to life.
“Brooker,” a feature length film written and produced by Ransbottom, follows a relic hunter named Marshall Brooker (played by Faniel Pradel). He takes on an assignment involving exploring a cave system for ancient artifacts. There, he finds a relic with supernatural powers and refuses to hand it over to his employers until he is paid for his work—an act of defiance which puts his life in danger. His experience as a wanted man is the central element of Ransbottom’s movie.
A native of Tampa Bay, Ransbottom desired an area that captures the essence of the Bay community. He believed Eckerd would provide the spirit he was looking for. He shot a few scenes around campus and even invited students to participate.
Triton Publications, the student newspaper of Eckerd, and the Film Collective, organized a screening of “Brooker” in the Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium on Oct. 23. The event included Ransbottom, his brother, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Kyle Ransbottom, the production designer, and Tanner Nau, a producer. They agreed to answer student questions following the film. Ransbottom weighed in on his choice to film at Eckerd.
Tanner Nau, Producer
After the film’s premiere at the Centro Asturiano in Tampa, the cast and crew stood on stage with a scene from Eckerd College’s Waterfront appearing on the screen behind them. Photo by Michel Fougères
“I think what makes Eckerd great in the movie is that it is such a different school than anywhere else you’re gonna find in the country,” he stated.
Brandon Ransbottom, writer and executive producer
“I hadn’t been [at Eckerd]. When I arrived, I was just like, ‘man… this is very interesting. I want to capture this on the big screen.”
Nicole Vogler, a senior film studies student and the editor-in-chief for Triton Publications attended the world premiere of “Brooker,” with Izzy Merl, the online editor for the newspaper. Michel Fougères, the director of digital strategy and communications, alerted them to the event.
“We went to go over the premiere and kind of do a review for the movie,” Vogler said.
While the film was being shot at Eckerd, Vogler and other film studies majors received an email from Nielsen Assistant Professor of Film Studies Nicholas Corrao, notifying them of the opportunity to get on set experience. Students worked behind the cameras, created items to be used in certain scenes and appeared in the background of those scenes.
Vogler expressed her gratitude for the cast and crew of “Brooker” for filming on campus and allowing students to get a glimpse into the art of filmmaking.
“We [were] able to see an example of local filmmaking, of filmmaking in our area of, you know, kind of the nuts and bolts of how it’s done,” she added.
An enthusiastic crowd attended the film’s sold-out premiere in Tampa in August. Photo by Michel Fougères
This experience has fostered a connection between the filmmakers and students, which culminated in the event screening “Brooker,” open to the entire student body to attend.
One of the main focuses for Ransbottom was to make “Brooker” a positive experience for all.
“It was really important to us that ‘Brooker’ be an enjoyable experience, and I think we were able to achieve that,” he said.
“It was that huge, like a reward for us that isn’t money, [like] inviting students on our sets, but then embracing it and allowing [students] to ask questions and be involved.”
