Iowa Zoetrope, an independent film company based in Ames, Iowa, is providing extra experience for people interested in filmmaking. 

Iowa Zoetrope is owned and operated by Stephen Haydon, Kip Paulson, Trevor Swaim and Scotland Thompson, who are all Iowa natives. Iowa Zoetrope was formed in February 2010 with its first film, “Steampunks: Counterfeiting as per Usual.” 

According to Stephen Haydon, senior in performing arts and co-owner of Iowa Zoetrope, each of the owners had their own film companies before coming together to form Iowa Zoetrope. 

Iowa Zoetrope’s name derives from the American Zoetrope studio, which was formed by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas in 1969, creating films using unconventional film methods.

According to Haydon, some might think that there is only monetary value in making films, but it has a more intrinsic value for the co-owners.

“Whenever it comes to filming or theatre or acting, a common misconception is that you’re only in it to get famous or get rich. That is not the case at all here,” Haydon said. “It’s because filmmaking and creating, it’s all of our passions.”

Because Iowa Zoetrope is an independent film company, the entire filming budget comes directly from its own pockets. Hayden explains that being resourceful and reusing the equipment and costumes helps with costs.

“It’s a matter of everyone doing their fair share,” Haydon said.

Iowa Zoetrope’s mission is to show that Hollywood is not the only place where talented people are making films.  Iowa Zoetrope promotes Iowa and the talent it holds. Everything filmed by Iowa Zoetrope is filmed in Iowa, with the majority of its projects filmed right here in Ames.

“Hollywood is a very, very small industry. Even though it dominates the film industry, it’s very hard to break into, and it’s very exclusive. A lot of it is about who you know. For us, it’s basically having our voice heard,” Haydon said.

Haydon may be the only co-owner of Iowa Zoetrope who is a student at Iowa State, but he is not the only ISU student who has been involved with the company.

The list of ISU students involved in Iowa Zoetrope productions includes Thane Himes, Austin Kopsa, Tony LaBat, Drew McCubbin and Brittny Rebhuhn, just to name a few. 

Usually students get involved because of their connections to the people involved in Iowa Zoetrope.

“[Stephen] has always been doing film projects, and I asked if I could assist around the set to watch and learn.  I did that and then he asked me if I’d like to act in one,” said Rebhuhn, senior in performing arts.

Iowa Zoetrope is always looking for new talent and welcomes people to get involved. 

“When it comes to acting or working as crew, we can’t pay you but, you know, we’ll treat you well,” Haydon said. “We’ll do you a favor and do what we can for you.”

For more information about Iowa Zoetrope and how to get involved, please visit Iowa Zoetrope’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iowazoetrope.