Some may fantasize about reinventing Beach Blanket Bingo during spring break. But for those who desire a more creative adventure, making your own movie can prove just as hormonal.

Harnessed on your shoulder, the camera can capture the imagination unbridled. Anyone can press record to make a cool road movie or sci-fi flick complete with tin foil alien craft.

"A couple of friends of mine raised a couple of thousand dollars," said Andy Biscontini (freshman-communications), who worked on a monster-meets-serial-killer movie. "It was a real son of a bitch -- but it was always a lot of fun."

Fresh off your Viewmaster, a first film can vent bizarre ideas. Whether it be filming a colony of ants or scoping the underbelly of American life -- any amateur filmmaker can present something worth watching.

"If you have the enthusiasm about doing something, that's what it takes," said Doug Defalco (senior-film/video). "A college kid might want to mess around, film a party or even film him and his girlfriend, I don't know."

Whether it be 16 mm, Super 8 or video camcorder, deciding which media to use often comes down to accessibility.

Cost can play a big factor in choosing a camera; buying used is a viable option. Jacquie Dormer (senior-photography) purchased cameras through classified ads with success.

"I have a Minolta and Chinon. It was basically whatever I could find I used, but they're good," Dormer said.

Dormer works with Super 8 cameras because of their greater creative capabilities and user-friendly advantages.

"You can cut it and splice it together and what you see from the TV is not as clear. The cameras are also a lot smoother," Dormer said. "Just push the button and shoot, it's pretty easy."

Sixteen-millimeter provides another way to shoot a personal vision. The film size is larger than Super 8 and is also more readily available at camera shops.

"A good beginning 16 mm camera to use would be the Bolex. That would probably be the easiest camera to learn on," Defalco said.

A Bolex, which Defalco said could cost around $400, might not be the safest investment for students under tight budgets.

The reliable camcorder is certainly the least complicated of the three and the most popular. It also requires no editing, which lends for instant gratification.

"A lot of people start out with a video camcorder, that's as good as any," said Don Cleese (senior-film).

Somewhere between Circuit City and Sears, students are bound to find a most comfortable and affordable recording medium.

"The range is out there and the names are out there such that you have