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:
Five Hour Energy
Production Company – Bousquet Pictures
Director – Devin Bousquet
Producer – Danny Ryan, Arts & Letters Creative Co.
Gaffer & Key Grip – Mike Flinn
Art Director – Maddie Edwards (Art Direction, 2025), Brandcenter
Art Director – Emme Schumacher (Art Direction, 2025), Brandcenter
Brand Manger – Emma Kerencheva (Creative Brand Management, 2025), Brandcenter
Expand Credits
Actors – Kylee Márquez Downie, Dante Blake
Casting – Anne Chapman CSA
Extras Casting – Rubén Andrés
Production + Post – Mondial Creative:
Edit – Madison Hoffman and Nick Wurz
Color- Will Renton
Audio – Red Amp
Sound Engineer – Jody Boyd
Executive Producer – Marna Bales
Additional Production support from VCU Cinema
Producer + Consultant – Danny Caporaletti
AD – Rania Ashoor
Production Manager – Chris Debo
1st AC – Colin Earner
2nd AC (Student) – Jai Isaac
Gaffer – Eric Walkfield Thompson
Key Grip – Joe Wilson
Swing (Student) – Nicholas Nohe
Wardrobe/ART – Kara Michael
MUAFX / Hair – Amanda Blake
Art Department – Benny Perkinson
Art Department Assistant – Ella Saba
PA #1 – Jakob Tyree
PA #2 Extras Wrangler – Ruben Pagan
Steadicam Op – Xavier Velasquez
Additional Student Crew 1 – Oscar Vorster
Additional Student Crew 2 – Paityn Perdue
Additional Student Crew 3 – Hekla Petersson
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.
