Transcript Staff Writer

Recent University of Oklahoma graduate Mark Potts is one of eight finalists in a national competition to determine the country's funniest college students.

The final round of competition in RooftopComedy's National College Comedy Competition will take place in a live online broadcast 7:45 p.m. CST today from the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colo., at www.RooftopComedy.com/college.

Potts, who graduated in May with degrees in film and video studies and professional writing, is one of four short-film makers whose films will be shown at the competition. More than 600 stand-up comedians and short-film makers were narrowed down to the eight finalists who will compete Saturday. Audience and online votes will be tallied to determine the winner.

Potts found out about the stand-up and short film comedy competition and submitted several pieces of work. A month later he was told his film "Icescraper" was one of 16 chosen to be included in online voting rounds. Then his film made the cut for the top four.

Now, RooftopComedy is flying him to Colorado for the competition. Potts said he's glad OU film is getting some recognition from the contest. No one automatically thinks good films are being made in Norman, he said.

Potts created his short film with friends Cole Felix, recent grad in film and video studies, and Kevin Costello, alumnus in professional writing.

"Cole and I, we have a lot of school pride," Potts said. So when asked why someone should vote for his film, Potts pulled the OU card.

"The money's nice, but the main reason we're doing this is 'cause I want OU's name to be out there," he said.

But the $1,500 prize couldn't hurt either.

Potts, originally from Enid, is applying for a graduate degree in broadcast journalism from OU.