While at Kent State, Collins landed his intellectual focus in the field of education. 

3 Digital Rock’s ‘Powdered Donuts’ wins ‘Best Micro Action Film’

By STACY STEWART
Contributing Writer

Remember the kid in class that could draw really well?  You know, the kid that could make even a stick figure look cool by adding just the right touches by paying meticulous attention to the details?  Sure you do. And that makes a great introduction for Keith Collins. 

An up-and-coming filmmaker from Bedford Heights, Collins is grabbing our attention. His creativity comes out through his knowledge and use of special effects in his short films and he stretches our imaginations with his comedic, yet action packed story lines.  “When I was in high school I wanted to be a stunt man,” Collins said. “But, when I saw how painful that could be I switched over to choreography.  From there, I started getting into how films where made, and me and one of my friends just started from there.”

That friend is Darius Peterson.  Peterson was a classmate from both Bedford High School and Kent State University, who now also shares the title of business partner.  “It wasn’t until we ran into each other at Kent that I saw how serious both of us were about the film industry,” Collins said. “After leaving Kent, we got together again and formed 3 Digital Rocks Studios.”

Located in Hudson, 3 Digital Rocks Studios is a new age multimedia design company that specializes in digital videography, photography, graphic design and web design/development, and the collaborations and creative efforts of the team, have now ushered them into award-winning opportunities.  Their micro-action film “Powdered Donuts,” has now gained recognition in the film industry, as the project won this year’s Indie Gathering International Film Festival award, being sited as the ‘Best Micro Action Film’ of the year.  “It’s a pretty light-hearted film,” Collins said while explaining the concept of the story line. “It’s really just about two guys that are going on a donut run, but it’s the antics that happen while they are out that make it funny.”

From brainstorming ideas for horror films, to experimenting with special effects for action movies, to writing comedy shorts, Collins and his team are now well on their way to their next venture.  With the future in mind, the team is now preparing to release two short films entitled “Brain Storm” and “The Ninja Film.”  “Micro-films are less than five minutes long,” said Collins, “but with the two new films, we are now going for the short-film category.”

While at Kent State, Collins landed his intellectual focus in the field of education.  Having an opportunity to couple what he has learned in the film industry with younger minds is a welcomed challenged for him. “The kids don’t have filmmaking as an elective. So when I have a chance, I tell them what I know,” he said.

With an award now under their belt and more films to come, Collins and his creative team are keeping up with technology and innovation by offering fresh ideas to their audiences and encouraging those that have an interest in the industry to become involved.  “Follow your dreams,” is what Collins encouraged future filmmakers to do. “You never know where they will take you.”