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Production Master Class
This production initiative at Brandcenter turns student scripts into professionally produced ads.
At its core, the initiative is an ambitious experiment in collaboration, mentorship, and local film community development.
Graduate students from the Brandcenter’s Art Direction and Copywriting tracks are selected to have their original scripts produced, working alongside seasoned professionals to bring their ideas to life. Through this immersive experience, they gain a deep understanding of the full production process, and learn how to adapt and elevate their ideas in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
At Brandcenter, we prepare students for a future shaped by creativity and emerging technologies. As AI continues to transform creative workflows, this initiative reinforces the enduring value of traditional production skills. The Production Master Class provides a powerful foundation in creative collaboration, sharpening students’ craft and strengthening their ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead.
This opportunity is invaluable to our students as they head into their creative careers. Not only do they experience the steps of pre- and post-production first hand, but they also see how their ideas can improve through collaboration with professionals. Understanding that production is an adaptive, collaborative process is crucial in our industry. Plus, having a professionally produced spot in their portfolio can elevate how recruiters view their work.
Tom Scharpf, Chair of Art Direction, pictured above (far left) on the set of the Party City spot
The Work:
Nerds
Executive Producer: John McAdorey, GSD&M
Director: Megan Brotherton, Hungry Man
Brandcenter students: Miranda Arias (Art Direction, 2024), Shay Franzen
Expand Credits
John McAdorey, Executive Producer, GSD&M
Megan Brotherton, Director, Hungry Man
Buzzy Cancilla, Line Producer, Hungry Man
Caleb Dewart, Executive Producer, Hungry Man
Bebe Baldwin, Executive Producer, Cut and Run
Keith Munley, Producer, Cut and Run
Kevin Schlanser, Director of Photography, Hungry Man
Miranda Arias (Art Direction, 2024), Art Director/Writer, VCU Brandcenter
Shay Franzen, Copywriter, VCU Brandcenter
Tom Scharpf, Creative Director/Professor, VCU Brandcenter
Brian Camp, Director of Photography, Brian Camp Pictures
Raquel Fereshetian, Art Director/Copywriter, VCU Brandcenter
Jenn Valerio, Art Director/Copywriter, VCU Brandcenter
Tom Scharpf, Creative Director/Professor, VCU Brandcenter
Jody Boyd, Owner/Engineer, Red Amp
Marna Bales, Executive Producer, Red Amp
Brian Camp, Colorist/Conform, Brian Camp Pictures
Photo courtesy FWENS
This project reminded me that presenting creative work is more than just selling something. A great creative presentation invites people to collaborate on a shared vision.”
Henry Coffey (Copywriting, 2025), pictured above (second from right) as part of the U-Haul team
Industry Partners
These dedicated professional partners make the Production Master Class possible.
