Over the weekend of March 20-22, 2026, a dedicated crew gathered for an intensive 3-day spec commercial shoot for a dog food brand. The shoot served as a bridge between the professional world and education. It was a weekend defined by long hours, technical challenges, and the unique collaboration between professionals and the next generation of filmmakers. Students from the DMAD program joined forces with instructors and Starscape media to bring the spec to life. Professor Lee Jones stated the most enjoyable part to him was the aspect of teamwork and the opportunity to learn. Being on set allows for a level of creative energy and camaraderie that reminds everyone why they chose this art in the first place. This spirit was especially evident in the collaboration with former student, Collin Teperino, validating that the digital media community is built on long-term mentorship and paying it forward. Filmmaking is a marathon, not a sprint. The crew worked long days, maintaining high energy from the first take to the final wrap. Professor Joseph Strickland served as the Assistant to the Head Grip, playing a vital role in the logistics of the weekend. In the grip department speed and safety are of the utmost importance. Strickland’s work ensured the shoot ran smoothly, so the creative team could focus on the perfect shot.
A classic cinematic look that requires more effort than it appears on screen is that of a “rainy window”. To pull it off, the team relied on a coordinated effort between the grip and lighting crews. Creating a consistent rainy look meant managing water flow and light refraction to display that perfect high-end commercial aesthetic. The grip team stayed busy with not only the lighting, but with providing rain coats and ensuring the equipment stayed dry while the “rain” continued on.
Beyond the footage captured, the weekend was also about the experience for the students and faculty. Seeing how a professional crew handles a multi-day shoot, and the technical hurdles that accompany it, is an education that a classroom cannot replicate. It is amazing what can happen when a group of passionate people decide to spend their weekend in the “rain”.
