The Oberlin Film Co-op is working hard this semester to encourage potential filmmakers — even those with vague interest and limited experience — to get behind the camera. After receiving some much-needed funding from SFC this winter, the Co-op is three tripods richer and prepared to support new projects and ideas.

The “Weekly Skits” program, designed for students interested in film without committing to co-op membership, has made a comeback. For only $10 toward processing the film, students can dabble in filmmaking for a weekend.

“The idea behind the Weekly Skits,” said co-president and College senior Ben Baker-Smith, “is to give students an opportunity to just go out and get some experience shooting 16mm film without having to worry about how much it is going to cost if they mess up.”

One of the co-op’s principal functions is to provide the materials and equipment necessary for filmmaking at affordable prices for students. Just under three minutes worth of 16mm film can cost as much as $10. In addition to a variety of types of film and cameras, they offer the use of light kits, tripods, sound recording equipment and editing facilities.

Projects to watch for include a Super 8 filmmaking contest and a film make-up workshop, as well as the purchase of a digital camera, which would put to use the Co-op’s digital editing station.

To reflect the co-op’s evolving mission, Baker-Smith noted that its name may change to the “Oberlin Motion Picture Collective.” He explained, “Our organization will no longer be devoted only to celluloid film production but rather the coordination and support of motion picture productions of any medium, film or video.”

This semester, the co-op is sponsoring production of two independent films and has budgeted for two more. Applications, which Baker-Smith says could be “scripts, treatments or even just project ideas” are due by e-mail or outside Wilder 326 on March 2 and should include a list of equipment needs.