Students in Focus

Finding Your Passion
Premiered: May 11, 2024

From student production to professional filmmaking! This Students In Focus Season One Finale features a student spotlight on Gabi Cuascut, a rising producer from Utah Valley University, and expert insights from filmmaker Nic Edwards, a skilled 1st Assistant Camera and camera operator. Both interviews offer a unique perspective on the filmmaking process.

From Students to Oscar Nominees
Premiered: April 27, 2024

This Student In Focus episode spotlights the world of filmmaking through two exceptional women. First, we meet Madi Pickett, a junior at UVU studying Film Production. She's a student producer for the FEMME program (Females Empowered by Movie Making Experiences), championing women's representation both in front of and behind the camera. For our filmmaker spotlight, we have Jerusha Hess, the writer/director known for Austenland (2013), the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite (2004) and most recently, the Academy Award-nominated short film Ninety-Five Senses (2023). Join us as we explore their journeys and the impact they are making on the film industry.

Redefining Possibilities
Premiered: April 6, 2024

In this Students In Focus episode, we feature two gripping student documentaries an industry spotlight from Nathan Efstation, an audio engineer at PBS Utah, who'll share his expertise on the art of sound design. Immerse yourself in the talented work of aspiring filmmakers and learn what it takes to excel in this industry.

Reel Inspirations
Premiered: March 23, 2024

Celebrate Women's History Month with "Students In Focus," a showcase that shines a spotlight on the talents of young filmmakers across Utah. In this episode, we amplify the voices and honor the achievements of inspiring women in filmmaking. Enjoy pieces by Kaylee Russell, a student filmmaker from Uintah High, a documentary crafted by an all-female crew, and gain invaluable insights from an interview with industry expert Virginia Pearce, the director of the Utah Film Commission, as she shares her knowledge and experiences, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.

Inspired by Community
Premiered: March 2, 2024

Students In Focus shines a spotlight on the talents of young student filmmakers across Utah. In this episode, student host Katie Neal sits down with Liz Adeola, producer and host at PBS Utah, to discuss her career path and passion for storytelling. We also showcase captivating student documentaries and news segments that cover topics important to Utah’s students today.

Crafting Our Story
Premiered: February 10, 2024

Get ready to be inspired by Utah's creative and diverse student filmmakers in this episode of Students in Focus! Tune in and experience how these filmmakers use their artistic skills to shed light on some of the pressing issues on students' minds today. We also hear from a music video director who started in action sports, he shares his story about how his film career grew into what he's most passionate about today.

Next Gen Filmmakers
Premiered: January 27, 2024

In this episode of Students In Focus we'll showcase two films made by Utah's student filmmakers, highlighting their unique perspectives and artistic voices. We'll also hear from a University of Utah film graduate, currently working as an Associate Producer, who will share their journey from student to professional.

Journey of Dreaming
Premiered: January 13, 2024

In this episode of Students In Focus, you'll meet some remarkable students using film as a medium to express their thoughts and emotions about the world around them. This episode features a poetic documentary, a stop-motion animation and a personal narrative.

Creativity in Progress
Premiered: December 16, 2023

Filmmaking has its own mix of styles, but what brings it all together is each filmmaker's passion for sharing their own perspective. In this episode of Students In Focus, we’re featuring a short film about a struggling student in math, stories from the FFA and ASL clubs at Copper Hills High School, and an interview with Josh Gunn, the creative director at Planet Nutshell.

Perfecting the Craft: Spotlight on CJ Stokes
Premiered: December 2, 2023

Meet CJ Stokes, filmmaker and student at Judge Memorial High School. In this episode, CJ is sharing with us his inspiration for pursuing filmmaking and the stories behind two of his pieces, "All State or All Star?" and "Voices for Ukraine."

Voices of the West
Premiered: November 18, 2023

In this episode of Students in Focus, students from the Voices of the West apprenticeship program at Spy Hop Productions use their filmmaking skills to introduce us to some remarkable individuals who are making a positive impact in Utah's rural communities.

Finding Our Voice
Premiered: November 4, 2023

This episode of Students In Focus features talented filmmakers from Spy Hop Productions and Judge Memorial High School, sharing personal stories about their passions, challenges and hopes for the future.

What Makes Us Human
Premiered: October 21, 2023

This episode of Students In Focus features talented students from Spy Hop Productions, Box Elder High School, and Copper Hills TV. From local issues to personal stories, these students are using their filmmaking skills to highlight the topics that matter most to them.

Belonging
Premiered: October 7, 2023

In this episode of Students in Focus, we hear from three students: two from Spy Hop Productions and our very own host, Katie Neal. Hear their unique perspectives on their education, their passions, and their hopes for the future.

Tumbleweeds Festival for Kids Special
Premiered: September 16, 2023

In this episode of Students in Focus, our host, Katie Neal, is accompanied by Ramona from the Utah Film Center to interview the finalists of the 2023 Tumbleweeds Film Competition for Kids. Join them as they delve into the creative minds of these young filmmakers and uncover the inspiration behind their short films.

Pilot
Premiered: September 2, 2023

Join us for the premier episode of "Students in Focus." This new series spotlights exceptional student creations from across Utah, including documentaries, narratives, and thought-provoking pieces that delve into the pressing matters in students' minds today. In this first episode, we are featuring three talented students from Spy Hop Productions, a local nonprofit empowering Utah students through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.