A bit of Hollywood at HTC: An instructor directs a movie with star power

Actor Laurence Fishburne (left) and director Todd Randall (right)

Brooklyn Park, August 5, 2021 – This summer, people are returning to theatres to enjoy movies – just in time to see a film with a connection to Hennepin Technical College (HTC).

HTC instructor Todd Randall directed “Under the Stadium Lights,” a movie that was released to select theatres nationwide. It is the inspirational true story of a high school football team and features several stars – including actor Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix).

When Randall isn’t busy with his full-time career in film and commercial production, he works part-time at HTC teaching a class in the video production department. A few of Randall’s HTC students also helped in the production of “Under the Stadium Lights” which was filmed in Owatonna, Minnesota and Texas.

“I enjoy working with really talented people. Everyone had high attention to detail. I am proud of the film and the story that we told,” said Randall.

Randall works for a commercial production company in Owatonna which produced “Under the Stadium Lights.” It is the first feature film Randall has directed. The movie is now available on streaming such as Amazon Prime and will be released to video late summer 2021.

In addition to Fishburne, other actors in the film include Milo Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge) and Abigail Hawk (Blue Bloods). The film depicts the 2009 high school football team in Abilene, Texas which overcame obstacles and difficult life circumstances to win a championship. The uplifting theme attracted well-known actors despite the film’s shoestring budget and quick production timeframe which are typical for independent films.

“We had comradery on set and we all rolled with the punches. With an independent film, there are a lot of punches,” said Randall.

Hollywood has not lured Randall away permanently. Randall will continue at HTC teaching a class on After Effects, an Adobe application for creating digital visual effects and motion graphics.

Randall is a graduate of HTC in video production. Just as his degree at HTC helped him to launch his dream career, he now enjoys helping students learn the skills needed to be successful in careers in film and commercial production.

“I have connected to numerous students with jobs in television and film. I tell my students that if they work hard in class and are dedicated to their craft that I will be there for them,” said Randall.

About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college has a diverse student population and offers degree and non-degree courses in over 45 programs. HTC is a member of Minnesota State, which includes 30 colleges and seven state universities.