Black Spade Society Interview
For the past few semesters an extensive video project has been underway at Toccoa Falls College. Lead by the Black Spade Society, a club run by James Hutton, this collaborative project is an ambitious undertaking to create a television-worthy show about life at TFC. The show is titled Joyeux. The Talon has conducted an email interview with James to discover how and why he came up with the project and how it is coming along. Here is what he had to say about our inquiries:
In your own words, what is Joyeux/The Black Spade Society?
“Black Spade Society is a club I started my freshman year so that I (and everyone else interested) could gain experience and ultimately have a good time making films. Our first project was a series called JOYEUX (Zha-why-you), a TV show, which we've done two episodes of, so far.”
What inspired you to create Joyeux?
“I wanted to do this project because I hope to do film/writing as a career one day; that's the dream, I suppose. College life was the main reason behind the story; stress...love...funny/quirky encounters, just trying to capture a little of that. The title is French and means ‘merry’ or ‘joyous’ or ‘happy;’ Joyeux Noël means Merry Christmas. I suppose the plan is to end it [on my] last semester, but we'll see.”
What has it been like working on this project and how has the response been?
“It's been a great process working on the show; the cast is great, and I love writing each episode and trying to figure out the best process to film and edit it. The response has been great; I'm not too worried about getting it online, but the premiers have been awesome. The first was in the Student Center and the second in gate cottage. Both had a great turn out and a very receptive, positive, respectful audience.”
What do you most hope people get out of this series?
“I hope that the people who watch the show will first and foremost be entertained, and secondly, will think critically about the underlying issues and not take the story at face value, for there is much to be found within the small scenes. (at least I think so)”
Anything you want to say to our readers?
“I'd just want to say a huge thank you for all involved with the show: teachers, administrators, students...all of them contributed greatly and have given hours of their time to help make this a reality. The next episode (Ep. 3) will be late next semester in (probably) Gate Cottage. Looking forward to it. It's the best one for sure. God Bless.”
Thanks again to James Hutton for answering our questions. If you are interested in contributing to the show, this project is a collaborative effort. They are always on the lookout for new volunteers. If you want to help out, contact James at jameshutton@tfc.edu or blackspadesociety@gmail.com. If you have yet to see either of the Joyeux episode, go check out the Black Spade Society’s Facebook page.