The College of Arts and Sciences’ Arts Unplugged series brings research and creative works into the public sphere for discussion and inspiration, showcasing a diverse array of topics and talents, including innovative contributions from the bardya community.
Unplugged follows a young woman who is a rising rock star until she experiences a breakdown. She retreats to the South Dakota Badlands for self-reflection and finds a new love interest in the process.
Jim Packer
As president of Lionsgate’s television distribution and home entertainment operations, Jim Packer oversees the company’s global television and digital platforms. His responsibilities include capitalizing on evolving distribution opportunities in a fast-changing media landscape.
Paul McComas’ 2002 small-press novel, Unplugged, is a cult favorite that has had remarkable longevity as a contemporary literary work. It has been reissued several times, most recently by Santa Barbara publisher John Daniel & Co. in a 2017 expanded edition that won numerous awards and accolades.
Michalka and director Brad Silverman are confident the film will appeal to a largely overlooked segment of the moviegoing audience that supports family-friendly entertainment with a devotional message. They are hoping the film, which is rated PG for sexual content and brief teen drinking, will find wider audiences beyond that niche. It opens in 511 theaters this weekend. It was made for just $1.7 million.
Phil Weiser
As the son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, Phil weaves their lesson of resilience into his work. He fights for a better future, whether it’s protecting election integrity, fighting the opioid epidemic, or revitalizing consumer protections. He has led the fight to protect the rights of 700,000 Coloradans with pre-existing health conditions, 400,000 covered by Medicaid expansion, or young people under their parents’ plans.
Jeremy Latcham knows what makes a blockbuster movie tick. He’s been part of the team behind such hits as Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. He’ll share his insights on the secret ingredient that makes a great film. He’ll also explain how he finds the music for his movies. The event is part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ new “Arts Unplugged” series. The series brings artistic and creative works into the public sphere for discussion and inspiration. All events are free and open to the campus community.
Sharon Matusik
A seasoned business leader, Sharon Matusik was no stranger to complex projects when she joined the Leeds School of Management as dean in January 2017. The university was navigating a significant change at the time, and the first-generation college graduate brought a hard-won appreciation for opportunity and challenge to her new role.
It’s a long-game process, and McComas says it could be until 2025-26 before “Grace Unplugged” sees the light of day. But he believes it will satisfy a large and often overlooked audience, which supports family-friendly entertainment that carries a devotional message.
Jeremy Latcham has worked on blockbusters including Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. He joins Throb to talk about the secret ingredient that turns a good movie into a great one: music. From the iconic opening riff of Back in Black to the retro-rock deep cuts that made the Guardians soundtrack a surprise hit, Latcham shares his insights on the alchemy of marrying music and film.
Silicon Flatirons
At the heart of Silicon Flatirons is engagement with students. The center supports a wide variety of programs that help students develop the skills and experience to work in technology law and policy or entrepreneurship, including two clinics, a law journal, summer internship programs, and a number of competitions.
The Entrepreneurs Unplugged series brings star entrepreneurs to campus for a candid discussion of their startup experiences. The event also provides students and the community an opportunity to ask questions and connect with a successful entrepreneur.
Katherine cultivates relationships with the center’s diverse portfolio of supporters, from individuals to foundations and large corporations. She leads development through implementation of donor stewardship policies and strategies for alumni, donors, and sponsors; strategic fundraising campaigns; and media relations efforts. She is also a key player in the New Venture Challenge, CU Boulder’s entrepreneurial flight simulator that connects students to a network of mentors and real-world feedback during a nine-month program, culminating in a competition.
