MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

LIFE IN FILM PRODUCTION
ROBERT VELO ’95
A resident of Los Angelos for
18 years, Robert Velo ’95
took time out of his busy
schedule during a holiday
family visit this past winter
to stop by Marian Catholic.
When the alum walked into
the new Media Center and
Broadcasting Studio, he was
stunned. Media classes and
film equipment were not
offered when Robert was a
student.
“The new Media Center,
Studio, and Editing Room are
wonderful tools for students to
Robert Velo ’95 tours the Technology/
Media Center with Mark Donaway,
MCHS Speech and Theatre Director.
learn how technology and creativity work together,” explains Velo. “I am very
proud Marian offers technology courses which include industry standards
software. Students will be prepared for real world opportunities.”
While at Marian, Robert longed for a creative outlet. With help from his
family, he was provided with film and editing equipment. He and his friends
would reenact Saturday Night Live skits, movie scenes, and create original
programs; giving him the opportunity to gain experience with production
equipment.
“Life is what you make it,” explained Velo. “I made it known to faculty and
staff that film production was my interest, and they gave me opportunities
to enhance my creative skills on my free time. I filmed and edited videos for
the band, alumni gatherings, and the 1993 State Champion Football Team, as
well as Calendar Drive ‘commercials’ with John Perkovich.”
Robert went on to study film production at the University of Southern
California in Los Angeles. Lacking a professional network in L.A., it was vital
that he excel in his classes so he would be noticed by professors. His hard
work paid off, and he was able to land an internship at Disney which led to a
job at Spyglass Entertainment.
“I have done it all in L.A.,” said Robert. “I began as an intern and worked
my way up, and am now a producer. It was hard to get started in this
competitive industry, but Marian Catholic High School gave me the tools to
believe in myself and to never stop trying.”
Robert has worked on and is responsible for financing projects such as
Lovewrecked, Black Swan, Wake, and The Ides of March. His life motto is, “If
you can shape it in your mind, you can find it in your life.” It appears that this
alum had turned a high school hobby into a successful career.
STOCK YARD FILMS
Michael Leber ’93 and Kenneth Czechanski ’97
Michael Leber ’93 and Kenneth Czechanski ’97 never walked the halls of Marian Catholic
together; yet, they still managed to meet through mutual friends when Mike was a freshman at
Columbia College in Chicago and Ken was a freshman at Marian. The friendship of the Lansing
natives evolved through their shared interest in film production. Their passion for film production
would one day lead the two to form a business together, Stock Yard Films.
More than giving the young men an opportunity to connect, Marian Catholic also taught them
the importance of discipline, confidence, and faith.
“Marian Catholic will always have a special place in my heart,” said Ken. “I credit Marian
for making me the person I am today. When I walk through the doors, I feel like nothing has
changed; the family-like environment still lives on within the current students, faculty, and staff.”
Ken also met his wife, Elizabeth McIlvain ’96, at Marian. They have two children, five year old
Molly and 22-month old Owen.
“My belief in work ethic and discipline helped me take the chance at starting a company,” said
Mike. “I rely on my faith to give me strength to persevere, something that Marian has instilled in me
from the beginning.”
After graduating from Marian, Ken
followed in Mike’s footsteps by attending
Columbia College in Chicago. There, they
had an opportunity to hone their technical
skills and build a strong support system
and network that would later prove to be
one of their most valuable assets. Once
the young professionals finished college,
they gained experience in the real world.
Mike worked for Hollywood writer/director,
John Hughes, starting as his writing
assistant and moving his way up. Ken took
his talent to Los Angeles where he worked
in international film distribution. However,
the prospect of starting their own business
proved too appealing.
Founded in 2004, Stock Yard Films is a Chicago based, all-inclusive film production house that
produces commercial, corporate, and creative film projects.
“The benefit of Stock Yard Films being a one-stop-shop is that Ken and I are able to create a
more intimate relationship with our clients,” said Mike. “We see the project from start to finish,
making the production process easier and cleaner.”
The entrepreneurs predict that Stock Yard Films will expand in the upcoming years as they have
a number of projects in development, furthering their dreams.
For more information on Stock Yard Films visit their website at www.stockyardfilms.com.
Sister Joan Flannigan, O.P.
November 5, 1928 to March 3, 2013
The Marian Catholic Community grieves the loss of
Sister Joan Flannigan, O.P., 84, who died peacefully
on March 3. Sister Joan ministered at Marian Catholic
High School from 1992-2009 where she served in a
variety of roles, including working in the bookstore,
teaching English and religion, and providing office
assistance. Sister Joan influenced thousands of students
and continuously illustrated the spirit of Marian
Catholic High School.
For 42 years, Sister Joan taught and/or administered
in Catholic parish elementary schools: Little Flower,
Springfield; Our Saviour, Jacksonville; St. James, Irwin;
St. Thomas, Crystal Lake; St. Peter and Holy Angels,
Aurora; Our Lady of Grace, St. Christina; and St.
Edward, Chicago; and Sacred Heart in San Diego, CA.
In 1992, Sister was assigned to Marian Catholic where
she ministered for 17 years. After suffering a stroke in
2009, she returned to the Motherhouse where she served
God's people with her prayers.
18