UIW Communication Arts Students Participate in San Antonio 48 Hour Film Project Competition

Communication Arts students from UIW's School of Media and Design competed in the San Antonio 48 Hour Film Project this month, a competition in which film makers are challenged to develop a short film within a 48-hour time frame. Participants were assigned a film genre at random, given specific film requirements, then utilized the two-day time frame to write, shoot and edit a short film.

This year marks the second year that UIW has participated in the competition. A team of students, put together by Dr. Theresa Coronado, Communication Arts senior instructor, took on roles such as film director, assistant director, script writers, script supervisor, camera operators, still photographers, production assistant, digital imagining technician, actors and support team members who contributed to elements such as lighting, sound and editing.

"In the Communication Arts program, students learn to produce films, write screenplays and engage in a wide range of creative media-related activities," explained Coronado. "We were fortunate enough to also work with Dr. David Armstrong (associate professor of English), who led the screenwriting and ideation process for us."

This year, UIW's team was assigned the science fiction genre. The group developed a short film about humans who try to assimilate to an alien lifestyle to avoid being destroyed when the extraterrestrials come to earth.

"This was my first time leading such a large crew as director and I can say I've benefited a lot from this experience," shared Madison Campbell, Communication Arts graduate student and film director. "This wasn't just a class assignment. This was something a bunch of people came together to work on because they are passionate about film. Not only did I work with people my own age, but I also worked with people who are younger and older than me, which happens every day in any work field. They all trusted me to guide the story, and I am honored that all respected me and guided me through this process."

Campbell expressed that UIW's Communication Arts department prepared her and her team with the necessary skills to confidently compete in this challenge.

"The Communication Arts department has helped to equip not only myself, but my classmates and other alumni with the skills that we've acquired from our classes. From working in radio and the University's news station to learning Photoshop and graphic design, you really get to experience everything the communications field has to offer. These experiences benefit myself and my classmates, especially in situations like the film challenge," explained Cambell.

The team's film was screened at The Brick at Blue Star Arts Complex in front of a live audience on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Films are currently being evaluated by a panel of judges who will deliberate on a range of awards, including Best Film, which will go on to represent 48 Hour Film Project - San Antonio at Filmapalooza 2025 and compete for Best 48HFP Film of 2024.

"It's always an incredible experience for students to see their work in front of a large audience. Screening their work outside the UIW community introduces students to the broader city-wide network of filmmakers," said Dr. Coronado. "It also allows students to assess how audiences respond to their story. I'm extremely proud of our students. They consistently demonstrate high levels of creativity, work together to support and assist one another, and most importantly have lots of fun in the process."

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Team Members

Director

• Madison Campbell

1st Assistant Director

• John David Gamez

Writing Team

• Jonah Guerrero
• Nevaeh Peters
• Adam Tellez
• Macie Lippke
• Trey Guinn
• Dan Wilson
• Maurilio Cruz
• John David Gamez

Camera Operator 1

• Marisa Allen

1st Assistant Camera

• Jaden Medina Camera

Operator 2

• Frank Flores

1st Assistant Camera

• Dan Wilson

Lighting Department

• Vanessa Palacios
• Kase Victoria
• Fabiola Palacios
• Jonah Guerrero

Sound Department

• David Mendez
• Adam Tellez
• Gabrielle Garza

Sound Grip

• Zac Morrow

Script Supervisor

• Nevaeh Peters

Still Photographer

• Nevaeh Peters

Production Assistant

• Maurilio Cruz

Digital Imaging Technician

• Dan Wilson

Editing

• Lelend Campbell
• Adam Tellez
• Madison Campbell
• Jaden Medina
• John David Gamez
• David Mendez Actors
• Trey Guinn
• Macie Lippke
• Oscar Aguilar
• Frank Flores
• Kase Victoria
• Jaden Medina
• Fabiola Palacios
• Susanna Alford
• Dan Wilson
• Nevaeh Peters
• Maurillo Cruz

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