Kevin Costner is in Aberdeen this weekend to participate in the South Dakota Film Festival. Today he talked with film students about his experiences making movies---the triumphs and the let downs.

Costner says that Norg Sanderson influenced his decision to come to Aberdeen. Norg is part of the Northern Route to the Black Hills.

Costner started the day by talking to students about his life experiences.

Students listened intently to Costner explain how he came to be involved in film. Costner said he originally went to college for business because he wanted his parents to be proud of him but later found a passion in movies.

Costner's discussion is a source of motivation for the students and he says he found his own path to success.

Dawn Crawley: "You mentioned when you were talking to the students at the Capitol Theatre that you are very cognizant of your success in Hollywood and the lifestyle that it has allowed you to lead. The country is in the middle of a recession right now. How is Hollywood reacting to that?"

Kevin Costner: "They have certainly cut back on the amount of films they are making and they also make a certain type of film. They are not willing to risk on smaller films. The films that they look at are films they feel have the biggest chance of making the most mney and so it's become very much about business and not so much about the art form."

Dawn Crawley: "Has that affected your projects?"

Kevin Costner: "It doesn't affect the projects I choose. It affects it that they are not really an outlet for me to help me finance my movies. I have to go find financing in different other places.

The Northern Route to the Black Hills announced their official ending point. Kevin Costner owns Tatanka, The Story of the Bison in Deadwood.