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:
MasterClass: Fashion Farmer
Art Director – Chen Li (Art Direction, 2026)
Art Director – Lori Tsai (Art Direction, 2026)
Copywriter – Casey Hickman (Copywriting, 2026)
Production Manager – Gabe Glassmann (Creative Brand Management, 2026)
Creative Director – Tom Scharpf (Art Direction, 1998), Chair of Art Direction
Director: FWENS (Micah Gendron+Devin Whetstone)
Producers: Christina Garnett, John Marin, Micah Gendron
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PRODUCTION + POST PRODUCTION:
Director: FWENS (Micah Gendron+Devin Whetstone)
Producers: Christina Garnett, John Marin Makes, Micah Gendron
Assistant Director: Brendan Riley
Director of Photography: Alex Kent
1st AC: Scott Inge
2nd AC: Eric Eaton
Gaffer: Trevor Hart
Key Grip (G&E Swing): Robb Barnes
2nd Grip: Seth Peterson
Production Designer: Mariya Boykova
Art Director: Lauren Healy-Flora
Art Assistant: Ruben Andres
Stylist: Esther J Han
Wardrobe Assistant: Colter Beach
Production Assistant: Christian Stephens
Casting Director: Sheri Bias
OCP (Non-Union): Byrdie Hearn
OCP (Non-Union): Rayna Wilson
OCP (Non-Union): Dave Hobbs
BTS: Ben Comenetz
Editor: Max Redinger
Assistant Editor: Sebastian Zufelt
Sound Design, Audio Mix: Revolve Audio, Paul
Color + Flame + Finish: Randie Swanberg
Post Production: No.6
Producers: John McAdorey, Laura Molinaro, Alex Tracy
Executive Producer: Craig Martin
Special Thanks:
VA Film Office
The Hanover House
Virginia production crews
Nerds
Executive Producer: John McAdorey, GSD&M
Director: Megan Brotherton, Hungry Man
Brandcenter students: Miranda Arias (Art Direction, 2024), Shay Franzen
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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
Executive Producer – John McAdorey, Omincom Production
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
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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
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 Chawpman
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
VRBO: Free Yourself
Art Director – John Marenic (Art Direction, 2026)
Copywriter – Maddie Seabolt (Copywriting, 2026)
Copywriter – Hal Mady (Copywriting, 2026)
Production Manager – Kyle Bonenfant (Creative Brand Management, 2026)
Creative Director – Tom Scharpf (Art Direction, 1998), Chair of Art Direction
Director: FWENS (Micah Gendron+Devin Whetstone)
Producers: Christina Garnett, John Marin Makes, Micah Gendron
Expand Credits
PRODUCTION + POST PRODUCTION:
Director: FWENS (Micah Gendron+Devin Whetstone)
Producers: Christina Garnett, John Marin Makes, Micah Gendron
Assistant Director: Brendan Riley
Director of Photography: Alex Kent
1st AC: Alex Jones
2nd AC: Eric Eaton
Gaffer: Patrick McLynn
Key Grip (G&E Swing): Robert Barnes
Production Designer: Mariya Boykova
Art Director: Lauren Healy-Flora
Art Assistant: Ruben Andres
Stylist: Lindsey Paulette
Casting Director: Sheri Bias
OCP (Non-Union): Nicole Shiflett
Production Assistant: Carolyn Hill
Home Location: The Riley Family
Vrbo Rental: The Ortiz Family
BTS: Ben Comenetz
Editor: Max Redinger
Sound Design, Audio Mix: Revolve Audio, Paul
Color + Flame + Finish: Randie Swanberg
Post Production: No.6
Producers: John McAdorey, Laura Molinaro, Alex Tracy
Executive Producer: Craig Martin
Special Thanks:
VA Film Office
The Ortiz Family
The Riley Family
The Hanover House
Virginia production crews
Old Fast Glass
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.
