The student Emmy nominations have sparked excitement, with BYU students taking the spotlight! In a remarkable achievement, BYU dominated the nominations, securing an impressive 5 spots across various categories.
But here's the real kicker: BYU's success isn't just a one-off. The university has been on a winning streak, especially in animation and commercial/PSA/promo categories, and this year is no exception. With 17 students nominated, BYU is poised to continue its reign.
The Television Academy Foundation's 45th College Television Awards received over 185 entries from colleges nationwide, and BYU advertising students rose to the top. Their creative prowess shone in the best commercial, PSA, or promo category, with three nominations:
- "Gap: Wear With Care" - A collaborative effort by Porter Christensen (director), Maren Edwards (writer), Jill Jackson, and Taylor Slade (producers).
- "Ink Up. Wash Out" - Mia Shumway's writing, Eli Rothas' production, and Kyle Gilmour's direction captured the judges' attention.
- "Never Leave Home" - Another strong entry by Mia Shumway (writer), Joseph Larsen (director), Carly Garrett, Abe Tullis, and Jeff Yi (producers).
A win for any of these BYU projects would extend their winning streak to an astonishing six years in this category!
But BYU's talents don't stop there. The university also snagged a nomination for Best Animated Series with "Love & Gold," a captivating tale of two thieves on a quest for a precious jewel. Produced by Jaysen Duckworth and written/directed by Connor Van Dyke, this film showcases BYU's animation prowess.
And this is where BYU's approach stands out:
"BYU's animation program is unique because students aren't just following instructions; they're actively driving their projects and developing their skills," said Kelly Loosli, co-founder of BYU's animation program. He further emphasized the university's focus on undergraduate education, a contrast to many other major institutions.
But here's where it gets controversial:
"At BYU, we have a collaborative approach, with students working together on large-scale films, which is different from the individual projects common at art schools." This approach has led to remarkable success, but it also raises questions about the balance between individual creativity and collaborative efforts.
BYU's comedy series "Thanksgiving" also made the cut, offering a hilarious take on a time-looped family dinner. Produced by Ryan Jones, directed by Austin Lawrence, and written by Abigail Tolley, this series is in the running for the best comedy series award, which comes with a $10,000 scholarship in honor of the late actor Chance Perdomo.
As the anticipation builds, the winners of the 45th College Television Awards will be revealed on March 28 in Los Angeles. Will BYU continue its winning streak? Only time will tell. And the debate continues—is BYU's collaborative approach the key to their success, or is it time for a new strategy? What do you think?
