UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A promotional video about Penn State’s Student Engagement Network that was produced by students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications earned first place in the annual Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts competition.
More than 1,750 entries from 300 colleges and universities were considered in the competition, which includes categories for audio, documentary, film and video, interactive multimedia, news, scriptwriting, sports and two-year colleges.
The student-produced video claimed first place in the promotional category. It was created by students in CommAgency, the Bellisario College’s student-run production agency that regularly works with other Penn State administrative units, centers and colleges — providing hands-on experience for the students and content for the clients.
“Creating client-based content is a unique challenge for our students in every division, but client work doesn't mean it's not engaging and creative storytelling,” said Catie Grant, the director of CommAgeny and a lecturer in the Bellisario College. “The SEN team pitched their unique vision, the client loved it, and they really raised the bar for what branded content can be."
Six other Penn State entries were recognized in the BEA competition. They were:
- “Constant Dripping Hollows Out the Stone,” Micro Documentary, Award of Excellence
- “Seeds of Resilience,” Student TV Long News Feature, Third Place
- Matt Yarosewick, Television Weathercaster, Second Place
- “Yabucoa Baseball’s New Beginning,” Television Sports Story/Feature Long, Award of Excellence
- “Coopers Fight Cancer: Minions Rally Around Mo,” Television Sports Story/Feature Long, Award of Excellence
- “The Comeback: Deportes en Puerto Rico,” TV Sports News Program, Award of Excellence
The BEA is the premiere international academic media organization, driving insights, excellence in media production and career advancement for educators, students and professionals. The Festival of Media Arts, a national showcase for student work, seeks to enhance and extend creative activities, teaching and professional standards in broadcasting and other forms of electronically mediated communication.
For a complete list of winners, click here.