USU alumnus wrutes and directs movies
Gregory C. Haynes was an all-conference football player and team captain for Utah State University and graduated in 1992 as the first black American at USU with a degree in mechanical engineering – now he’s writing and directing movies.
“I have fond memories of USU,” Haynes said. “I’m a true Aggie.”
Haynes said he got much of his inspiration and motivation to go into theater from Vosco Call, who taught Haynes’ theater elective. Haynes’ parents were also novelists.
“I decided that was what I wanted to do when I was about halfway through the engineering program. It taught me a lot of discipline to finish it,” Haynes said.
His most recent work is called “Cowboys and Angels.” Haynes said the story line is similar to his own life.
In the movie, the main character, Danny, is dumped by his fiancé and is searching for true love. Haynes said his true love was his college sweetheart he dated for five years, and who left him a month before their wedding.
“He’s the kind of character I want in my own life,” Haynes said. “I live vicariously through him.”
“Cowboys and Angels” was produced entirely in Utah. Much of the filming was done in downtown Salt Lake City and surrounding areas, according to James Buie, with mkl Public Relations.
The film received the 2000 Heartland Film Festival award in Indianapolis.
It’s the first full-length film from Bristone Films, which was started by Gregory Peck from Orem and his wife, Liza. The couple is committed to producing entertainment that is not based on sex or violence.
“Gregory Peck has been amazing to work with,” Haynes said. “He’s been 100 percent supportive of me.”
Haynes said Peck has been a “real blessing” and has helped “find a light inside of me.” He said the movie is about hope and brightness.
The premiere was held at the Villa Theatre in Holladay on Feb. 8. The ticket proceeds, about $2,000, were donated to Steve Young’s Forever Young Foundation.
It is now playing in theaters throughout Utah. It is rated PG for adult drinking and mild violence.
Haynes said he plans to produce a movie each year and hopes he will be able to reach audiences across the country.
He said he had hoped “Cowboys and Angels” would be able to do that, but in Hollywood “little films are lost in the shadow of bigger films.”
“It’s been my life-long dream to provide a better theater for USU,” Haynes said.
He said he plans to make a blockbuster movie, and that will be his donation to the university.