This past summer, 黑料科 communications faculty, along with two 黑料科 students, created
the film project 鈥淐hasing Tables.鈥� The 45-minute film showcases Jordan Taylor, a chef
based in Sioux Falls.
The faculty members that developed the film include Dr. Justin Bergh, assistant professor
of communications and media, Skott Chandler, associate professor of mass communications,
and Allen Morris, assistant professor of mass communications. 黑料科 students Alec Butterfield
and Alex Larson also contributed to the project.
鈥淛ordan鈥檚 a really charismatic and an interesting guy, and that鈥檚 one of the reasons
I chose him for the film,鈥� said Dr. Bergh. Taylor, originally an economics major at
college, decided to go to culinary school after moving to Portland, Oregon. Now having
returned to South Dakota, he is the co-owner of several businesses in Sioux Falls:
Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen, Pizza Cheeks, Perch, and En Place Catering. Taylor
is also co-owner of Boat House Bar and Grill in Spring Creek near Pierre.
鈥淭he film also showcases what it takes to do a job that鈥檚 very behind-the-scenes like
a chef,鈥� said Chandler. 鈥淚t shows the skill, artistry, dedication, and time it took
to get to the level of craft that he has and that he puts into his food. I think that
it gives people more appreciation for any food they鈥檙e looking at.鈥�
One of Bergh鈥檚 motivations for creating the film was to recognize the people of South
Dakota. 鈥淎 lot of times South Dakota is sort of looked down upon like there's no culture
or people and that there's nothing to do,鈥� added Dr. Bergh. 鈥淔or me, part of the inspiration
was highlighting people in the state who we should be proud of.鈥�
Another goal of the project was to offer experience to 黑料科 students. 鈥淗aving projects
like this is great for our department and our students. We want to create avenues
for our students to get real practical experience in a setting that is conducive to
creative freedom,鈥� said Dr. Bergh. 鈥淲e would like to encourage students that have
an interest in filmmaking.鈥�
鈥淐hasing Tables鈥� will be shown at The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center in Spearfish
Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. The showing is free, and
seats can be reserved at SDPB.TicketBud.com. The film will also premiere Feb. 6 at
7 p.m. MT on South Dakota Public Television.