A U-Haul spec spot created through the VCU Brandcenter Production Master Class has been recognized with a 2026 Gold Young Director Award, earning our partner and director duo FWENS distinction among this year’s emerging global directing talent.
Developed in collaboration with Richmond-based production partners FWENS (Micah Gendron (Art Direction, 2006) and Devin Whetstone), and Spang TV, the short showcases the hands-on, industry-level filmmaking experience at the heart of the Brandcenter Production Master Class, where students take work from concept to professional execution.
The recognition places the film alongside standout international work across the YDA’s 2026 selection, which celebrates rising directors whose craft and storytelling are shaping the future of film and advertising.
Congrats to the team!
- Directors – FWENS (Devin Whetsone & Micah Gendron (Art Direction, 2005))
- Production Company – FWENS
- Executive Producer – John McAdorey, Omincom Production
- Producer – Micah Gendron (Art Direction, 2005)
- Brandcenter students: Nithya Charles (Art Direction, 2025), Elio Conroy (Art Direction, 2025), Henry Coffey (Copywriting, 2025), Erin Kang (Creative Brand Management)
- Creative Director – Tom Scharpf (Art Direction, 1998), Chair of Art Direction
Full U-Haul Team Credits
- Production Company – FWENS
- Directors – Devin Whetstone & Micah Gendron (Art Direction, 2005)
- Executive Producer – John McAdorey, Omnicom Production
- Cinematographer – Kuni Ohi
- Producer – Micah Gendron (Art Direction, 2005)
- Art Director – Nithya Charles (Art Direction, 2025), Brandcenter
- Art Director – Elio Conroy (Art Direction, 2025) , Brandcenter
- Copywriter – Henry Coffey (Copywriting, 2025), Brandcenter
- Brand Manager – Erin Kang (Creative Brand Management), Brandcenter
- Actors – Julia Majerscak & Pete Peterson
- AD – Tom Prunier
- PA – Isaac Martin
- Production Designer – Sonny Fleming | Ready Set Go
- Art Director – Benny Perkinson
- Art Dept – Rebecca Gendron
- Art PA – Rubén Andrés
- Art PA – Ben Comenetz
- AC 1st – Alexandria Jones
- AC 2nd – Nick Rall
- AC – Nicolas Deunas Media
- PA – Oslyn Meija
- Gaffer – Alex Kent
- Key Grip/Safety – Robert Moose
- Grip – Eric Wakefield Thompson
- Grip – Avery Leavitt
- Grip – Derrick Chirinos
- Casting Director – Anne Chapman
- Casting Assistant – Carly Hough
- Wardrobe/HMU – Colter Beach
- Storyboards – Shelley Williams
- BTS – Ben Comenetz
- Spang Studios – Mel Cox
- Catering – Polpetti, Curry Caribbean
- Special Thanks: Ready Set Go! + RVA! + SPANG + SJ!
- Color – Coffee & TV
- Colorist – George Neave
- Color Assistant – Liam Van Rooyen & Lois Chapman
- Color Producer – Pete Burch
- Edit House – Cut + Run, Austin
- Editor – Adam Henderson
- Assistant Editor – James Kracht
- Executive Producer – Bebe Baldwin
- Finishing – Coffee & TV
- Flame Artist – Callum Wellby
- Executive Producer – Kat Thay
- Senior Post Producer – Tom Knight
- Audio – In Your Ear
- Sound Engineer – Paul Bruski
- Executive Producer – Carlos Chafin
- Casting – Anne Chapman
- Casting Director – Anne Chapman
- Casting Assistant – Carly Hough