BYU students dominate the College Television Awards!
Utah's pride and joy, Brigham Young University, has once again proven its exceptional talent in the world of television and advertising. With an impressive 17 students nominated for the prestigious College Television Awards, BYU has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in student media.
But here's where it gets controversial... often referred to as the "student Emmys," these awards recognize more than just technical skill. They celebrate imagination, innovation, and the unique perspectives of young minds. And BYU's students have certainly delivered on all fronts.
In a remarkable feat, BYU students swept the category for commercials, PSAs, and promos, securing all three nominations and guaranteeing a win for their university. This is the fifth consecutive year that BYU has dominated this category, a testament to the consistent excellence of their advertising program.
One standout nominee is Mia Shumway, a recent BYU graduate who has already made her mark in the industry. Shumway, the writer behind two nominated projects, won a College Television Award last year for her powerful PSA on gender equality in sports. Her projects this year are equally impressive and diverse.
"Ink Up. Wash Out" is a hilarious Crayola ad featuring a child tattoo artist, bringing a unique twist to the brand. Shumway's collaboration with producer Eli Rothas and director Kyle Gilmour resulted in a spot that perfectly blends humor and creativity. "It was like finding the perfect puzzle pieces," Shumway said, reflecting on her "perfect teammates."
Her other nominated project, "Never Leave Home," is a heartwarming U-Haul ad that follows a family of ducks on their migration journey. Inspired by her own observations of ducks near her home, Shumway's story showcases the emotional connection between viewers and the brand. "It was an escape from my stressful senior life, and I wanted to share that feeling with others," she explained.
Shumway is grateful for the talented team that brought her vision to life, including director Joseph Larsen and producers Carly Garrett, Abe Tullis, and Jeff Yi. "It's a fun feeling, knowing we all bonded over this project and made something special together," she said.
The final nominated ad from BYU, "Gap: Wear With Care," is a poignant reminder of the impact our words can have. Written by Maren Edwards and directed by Porter Christensen, with writers and producers Jill Jackson and Taylor Slade, this ad highlights the generational impact of self-talk. It's a powerful message delivered with sensitivity and creativity.
As a professional now working in New York City, Shumway reflects on the unique nature of BYU's advertising program. "It's an intense, portfolio-based program that gives students real-world experience. We're not just learning concepts; we're creating and making things," she said.
Advertising professor Jeff Sheets couldn't agree more. He attributes the success of BYU students to their drive, creativity, and the program's focus on providing opportunities. "My job is to give them windows of opportunity, and they fly right through them. They have the talent and the determination, and it's an honor to watch them shine," Sheets said.
And this is the part most people miss... BYU's success extends beyond advertising. The university has a long list of award-winning animation students, including Jaysen Duckworth and Connor Van Dyke, who were nominated for their film "Love & Gold." Students Ryan Jones, Austin Lawrence, and Abigail Tolley also received a nomination for their comedic piece "Thanksgiving," which has a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship in memory of the late actor Chance Perdomo.
Before the awards show in March, nominees will participate in professional development events with industry leaders. It's a chance for these talented students to network and continue their journey towards success.
So, what do you think? Is BYU's dominance in these awards a testament to their exceptional program, or is it a sign that other universities need to step up their game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
