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�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

goersab — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:30:00 +0000

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’goersab January 28, 2026

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

As an instructor of documentary filmmaking at ��, Assistant Professor Keif Oss ��. professional interests in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking center on tools that can meaningfully inform and streamline the creative process.

Oss, program director of video production, is currently using AI to explore a conceptual documentary based on his grandfather ��. World War II journal from the Battle of the Bulge. His grandfather, Jack Mooney, served in Company D, 405th Infantry Regiment, 102nd Infantry Division, in the European Theater of Operations.

Jack Mooney, 1952

“Until now, his experiences were things I could only imagine through black-and-white films and the few stories he shared. After he passed, I gained access to his journal, and the vivid detail of his writing reads almost like a film. I wanted to see whether AI could help me bring aspects of his experience back to life,” Oss said.

The Battle of the Bulge was fought in the Ardennes region of Belgium during World War II, from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945. It was the last major German assault on the Western Front, in an unsuccessful attempt to break Allied lines.

Just as he encourages students in his documentary courses, Oss used the AI tools Elicit and Perplexity as elevated forms of research support. Elicit surfaced research articles on troop movements and the broader context of the battle, while Perplexity helped confirm geographical details and historical images of the terrain.

These tools allowed Oss to map locations from his grandfather ��. journal and cross-reference them with known Allied troop movements, giving him a clearer sense of where his grandfather may have been during the campaign.

Using a photograph of his grandfather from 1952, Oss mapped his likeness into an AI engine and generated period-accurate still images of him in the European Theater. He used a combination of period stock photography, processes, and tools to generate initial stills in Midjourney, then brought them into Runway to create short live-action sequences.

“The results, while clearly artificial, had an uncanny resemblance to how my grandfather might have looked as a young soldier. Sharing these with my family produced the same mix of fascination and emotional weight I felt while creating them,” Oss said. “For one scene – his account of being in a foxhole in a beet field in Belgium during a German assault – I combined his descriptions with uploaded reference photos of uniforms and landscapes.”

During the assault, his grandfather ��. unit was taken by German soldiers wearing harvested officers’ clothing from American troops. “He and one other soldier escaped. Otherwise, the whole unit was captured. He didn't know it until later,” Oss explained.

Oss also attempted to use AI handwriting tools to decipher difficult portions of the journal. “While some engines struggled with cursive without a training sample, the process helped clarify what AI can and cannot yet handle,” he said. “This project remains an ongoing personal hobby, and AI continues to be a meaningful part of my ability to study, visualize and interpret my grandfather ��. experiences.”

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at �� in summer 2026. The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by Oss and fellow faculty members Jonny Wheeler and Co O’Neill. Students in the course will produce a short narrative film, using AI tools from pre-production concepts to completion.

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Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes Keif Oss, AI research, documentary

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Keif Oss

Keif has an M.S. in Career and Technical Education and an MFA in Digital Filmmaking. He is an Assistant Professor of video production and serving as Program Director for the B.S. Video Production degree. Keif teaches a variety of courses in video production and photography with both narrative and commercial aspects.

Keif has worked on a range of professional and commercial video projects as a senior video producer and owner/independent contractor of A Creative Advocate, LLC. His work includes television/web advertising, documentary, motion graphics and a variety of marketing-oriented materials. Keif ��. expertise and creative contributions include work for 100+ clients including Mayo Clinic, Seventh Generation, State Farm Insurance, Royal Credit Union and others.

Keif has also worked on short and feature film projects in various capacities including writing, producing, directing, camera operation and post-production/VFX.

Full Name: Keif T. Oss

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

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Area of Expertise: Video Production Cinema Production Photography Graphic Communications Cross-Media Graphics Technologies

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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B.S. Video Production

Curriculum Vitae: Keif T. Oss CV (408.56 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Digital Filmmaking

University: Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Filmmaking

Degree: M.S. Career & Technical Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Graphic Communications Management

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmaking

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:50:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: New �� course sets AI-use as baseline competency in filmmakinggoersab January 14, 2026

Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films

Abbey Goers

This summer at ��, students in a new AI Assisted Film and Video Production course will use AI tools from pre-production concepts to completion, generating scripts, storyboards, shot lists, visual effects, video, music, voice-overs and sound effects to produce a short film.

With the course, �� video production faculty are establishing AI use in filmmaking as a baseline competency.

“The core philosophy of the course is that AI tools are utilized to handle the technical ‘grunt work,’” Assistant Professor Jonny Wheeler said. “By offloading labor-intensive tasks, we are opening the potential for a high level of creativity, allowing students to focus entirely on their narrative vision without being limited by traditional budget or production constraints.”

With creative freedom over their storylines, students will develop a complete concept package for an original film. The specific deliverables will include a creative pitch document, a sizzle reel and a short video teaser.

The course will incorporate AI-generated images and short films as examples, including “Relic” by Wheeler. “Relic” is loosely based on the Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” but which takes place on a post-human Earth with an intelligent ape as the hero.

The film is set in the overgrown, futuristic ruins of a once-great city. The lone warrior navigates this concrete wasteland to hunt down a powerful, ancient weapon to end a reign of terror. His journey leads him into the heart of a monster ��. lair, where he must use this artifact to vanquish the creature or face extinction.

Wheeler was inspired by “Beowulf” and the famous quote by science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

“I wanted to take the ‘magic’ of the Beowulf tale and give it a technological origin – reimagining the mythical swords and monsters as remnants of a high-tech past,” Wheeler said. “Using AI allowed me to cast an ape as the lead and create a massive, ruined world – elements that would have been impossible for me to film live with a meager budget.”

The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by professors Keif Oss, Co O’Neill and Wheeler.

�� . School of Art & Design is one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, and an M.F.A. in design. �� also has a new program in game and media studies.

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Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films Jonny Wheeler AI image, Cheetah, a frame used as an example in the summer class

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Is content a Story?: Yes

Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Jonny has a diverse and extensive background in stop-motion animation, photography, video production, graphic design, sculpture, and art/design education. Over the years, he has honed his skills across multiple disciplines, blending traditional techniques with contemporary technologies to create visually compelling and thought-provoking works. His work in sculpture, in particular, has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of physical and digital media, enabling him to explore how tactile, three-dimensional forms can enhance narrative storytelling in film and animation.

Jonny's formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, where he developed his foundational skills in the arts. He later earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education, equipping him with the tools to teach and inspire others in the creative fields. His academic journey culminated in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he further refined his expertise in design and creative processes.

In addition to his academic achievements, Jonny has dedicated much of his career to education, designing and hosting cinema workshops for secondary students, where he nurtures the next generation of filmmakers by guiding them through the creative and technical processes of filmmaking. He has also taught summer video production camps on campus, helping young students explore video production techniques and the power of storytelling through film. His ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging has earned him praise from both students and peers. He has also contributed to the Visioneers Design Challenge at the Peck School of the Arts, where he mentors students to develop innovative design solutions, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving.

Jonny ��. educational journey also includes a transformative study abroad trip to Iceland, where he taught photography. Immersed in the unique landscapes of Iceland, he shared his expertise with students while also drawing inspiration from the country ��. dramatic natural beauty. This experience deepened his understanding of visual storytelling and enriched his approach to teaching and creating art.

Currently, Jonny ��. research is focused on the development of narrative cinema, with an emphasis on virtual production—a rapidly growing field that integrates real-time digital environments with live-action performance. He is particularly interested in how new technologies, including AI, can enhance storytelling, automate certain aspects of production, and open up new creative possibilities for filmmakers and animators alike. His work explores the intersection of human creativity and technological innovation, with a keen eye on the future of the film industry.

In addition to his research, Jonny is actively involved in the development of the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival. This festival aims to bring together emerging and established filmmakers, animators, and creators who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling through both traditional and digital media. By embracing AI-driven creativity, innovative techniques, and cutting-edge production methods, the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival celebrates the evolving landscape of film, animation, and sculpture while fostering a space for collaboration and experimentation in the arts. Through this festival, Jonny hopes to inspire a new generation of creators to explore the limitless potential of storytelling in the digital age, encouraging the integration of multiple artistic forms, including sculpture, into cinematic experiences.

Full Name: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Job Title: Assistant Professor

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Area of Expertise: Photography Video Production Digital Cinema Fine Arts Curriculum Design

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

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Website: Jonathan Paul Wheeler

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Design

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.F.A.

University: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Degree: B.S. Art Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at ��

goersab — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at ��goersab January 12, 2026

AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026

Abbey Goers

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at �� in summer 2026. The course, possibly a first-of-its-kind in the Universities of Wisconsin, was developed by a video production faculty trio – Keif Oss, Jonny Wheeler and Co O’Neill. Students in the course will produce a short narrative film, using AI tools from pre-production concepts to completion.

“It is certainly on the vanguard. We are moving beyond ‘allowing’ the use of AI in filmmaking to establish it as a baseline competency. Students will use AI tools to generate scripts, storyboards, shot lists, visual effects, video, music, voice-overs and sound effects,” said Wheeler, who will teach the course.

The course will also include films and shorts as examples, including AI-generated images and shots used in a short by Wheeler that is loosely based on the Old English epic poem “Beowulf,” but which takes place on a post-human Earth with an ape as the hero.

An AI-generated still frame of a chimpanzee, from Jonny Wheeler's short film based on 'Beowulf.'

The idea for the course germinated in spring 2025, when Oss applied for professional development funding to attend the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las Vegas, specifically to study emerging uses of AI in video production, filmmaking and entertainment.

“At that time, most industry applications centered on productivity rather than replacing human image creation, though AI-generated imagery was clearly already a part of many preproduction and visualization pipelines,” Oss said.

While there, Oss connected with Curious Refuge, a leading AI production training company, and FBRC.ai (Fabric), which consults on AI workflows for feature films and other high production value projects.

An AI-generated still frame of a futuristic city taken over by the jungle, from Jonny Wheeler's short film based on 'Beowulf.'

Following NAB, Oss, Wheeler and O’Neill leveraged their combined experiences to apply for a Chancellor ��. Professional Development Fund grant supporting teaching excellence. With additional departmental support, they secured resources to purchase training with Curious Refuge and complete specialized online courses in AI filmmaking.

“We intentionally divided focus areas: Jonny concentrated on AI-driven narrative filmmaking, virtual production and speculative fiction; Co on advanced narrative workflows; and me on documentary production using AI-assisted methods,” Oss said. “This distributed learning diversely informed the development of our new course. Micheal Heagle, animation, had also been studying this extensively and provided valuable contributions to the course ��. design.”

Which tools do they use? Although new AI tools pop up daily, they recommend:

Artist.io for voice over, ElevenLabs for sound effects, Gemini for scripts, Kling and Midjourney for images, Sora to generate videos from images, Suno for music and VEO (Flow) for video.

However, everything is changing so fast, O’Neill said. “The best tool for something today might be a different tool next week, and new platforms – or new names for old platforms – are popping up monthly. Nano Banana, for example, is Google ��. image generator under a new name that they announced in November,” he said.

O’Neill, who used to work in visual effects, noted that many students are already using AI to brainstorm script ideas and camera shots, to experiment with visual effects, to generate mood boards or to adapt hand-drawn storyboards into pitch-ready deck elements.

An AI-generated image of a man repairing a machine, created by Co O'Neill.

“AI ��. potential in making amazing-looking visual effects without the time, expense and danger of a full production is undeniable. The speed at which a creator can iterate! AI is an amazing pre-production tool because you can try out thousands upon thousands of shots and shot combinations before getting the whole crew together,” said O’Neill, a fan of the democratization of the filmmaking process.

“I feel that AI tools are equivalent to inexpensive, high-quality cameras, editing software, lighting and other equipment. Any tool that helps someone visualize a story is a good thing,” he said.

With a focus on narrative cinema, Wheeler also sees generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) as most useful in the pre-production and ideation phases. “It is an incredible tool for ‘world-building,’ helping us visualize the iconography for a new landscape before we ever pick up a camera. It allows us to iterate rapidly on set designs, color palettes and lighting schemes,” he said.

An AI-generated image of a weathered 1970s neighborhood, created by Co O'Neill.

Oss ��. interests lie in how AI can accelerate informed decision-making and strengthen the overall filmmaking workflow. In his documentary courses, students use Elicit and Perplexity as elevated forms of research support. Elicit helps to cross-reference peer-reviewed journals and legitimate studies, while Perplexity enables them to investigate topics, identify resources and locate subject-matter experts. ChatGPT can help them confidently draft emails and clarify their goals when contacting potential interview subjects or organizations.

“I frame AI as a starting point, not a replacement for authentic communication, but for students who are apprehensive or inexperienced, it lowers the barrier to initiating human contact. In this way, AI becomes a scaffold that supports and strengthens their communication skills,” Oss said.

A means to enhance, not replace human creativity

While the video production faculty sees AI as a means to enhance the traditional creative pipeline, it cannot replace it, as all forms of AI filmmaking need human input. O’Neill and Wheeler do not recommend using AI to replace the human element of performance. “Gen AI should augment the diegesis, not entirely replace the elements that give a story its soul,” Wheeler said.

An AI-generated still frame of the monster Grendal, from Jonny Wheeler's short film based on 'Beowulf.'

O’Neill added, “Acting will never be good with AI because so much of performance is nuanced. AI could help with replacing wardrobe, de-aging or stuff like that. But there will never be enough data centers in the world that can replicate the delicate pauses and intonation of a performance like George Clooney in ‘Michael Clayton’ or Zoe Saldaña in ‘Star Trek.’”

Oss also noted that “AI isn’t always necessarily faster. It doesn't immediately get anything right. Almost every artifact you generate takes a further human curation and expansion,” he said, adding, “If your approach is to feed a prompt, copy it, then paste that as your work, 1) It ��. not your work, and 2) It ��. probably not good work. It only gets you to a point where you can leap from the idea lead and take the next steps.”

As �� continues to strengthen its 360-degree approach to artificial intelligence, embedding skills across all programs, faculty experts across degree fields build on their growing knowledge with research spanning GenAI, machine learning, AI deep research methods and more.

The university ��. AI Fellows and AI Innovation Committee, led by faculty and staff, ensures AI is embedded into learning, operations and innovation, while directing AI integration, governance, ethics and literacy. The interdisciplinary AI Fellows are supported by 2023-25 Workforce Development funding.

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AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026 Co O'Neill AI image, a red spherical drone

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Hero Caption: An AI-generated still frame of a red spherical drone on a prairie, created by Co O'Neill.

Keif Oss

Keif has also worked on short and feature film projects in various capacities including writing, producing, directing, camera operation and post-production/VFX.

Full Name: Keif T. Oss

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Video Production Cinema Production Photography Graphic Communications Cross-Media Graphics Technologies

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Video Production

Curriculum Vitae: Keif T. Oss CV (408.56 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Digital Filmmaking

University: Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Filmmaking

Degree: M.S. Career & Technical Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Graphic Communications Management

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

CSTEMM SOAD

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‘Making It’: Master ��. in design student ��. documentary is time capsule of London ��. underground music scene

goersab — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:30:00 +0000

‘Making It’: Master ��. in design student ��. documentary is time capsule of London ��. underground music scenegoersab September 11, 2025

Mohr creates artistic statement on what it means to be a musician in one of the world ��. most vibrant cities

Abbey Goers

Traveling across one of the world ��. most artistically vibrant cities this summer, �� Master of Fine Arts in design student Ben Mohr filmed a documentary to capture the climate and culture of the London underground music scene. “Making It” is an exposé that uncovers what it means to be a London musician and how they define success.

“London seemed like the perfect setting. Almost any type of music imaginable can be heard there. Being so diverse, we’d be able to gather a host of perspectives and hopefully create a universal artistic statement about the matter,” Mohr said.

Mohr developed the idea for “Making It” with his friend and fellow musician Sean Sevant. With a crew of friends, the team filmed everything from punk to rap, math folk, Afrobeat, rock and roll, and more.

Veronica, an R&B/Reggae singer, performs at The Engine Rooms / Ben Mohr

“To be a musician today takes a lot of hard work and passion. Nobody does it to get rich. In the end, it ��. all about making art, bringing people together as a community and doing what one loves.

“While the exact definition of success was different for every musician we interviewed, the trend tended to be that the musicians viewed true success as being able to continue making their art. This ultimately is what it is all about,” Mohr said.

The making of ‘Making It’

While earning his bachelor ��. in art education at ��, Mohr studied abroad at University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, United Kingdom, 20 miles north of London. As a musician, he met many music-oriented people at Hertfordshire, including Sevant.

The band Boz plays at Ram Jam Records / Ben Mohr

With advanced planning for their film, they leveraged Sevant ��. network of musicians for interviews and permission to film at shows, partnered with organizers, and held their own gig for filming. The team interviewed 12 musicians and filmed more than 20 bands and solo musicians, attended performances and open jams, and captured B-roll around the city.

“None of this could have been achieved without the efforts of all parties involved,” said Mohr, who served as director and camera operator. His fiancée, Delilah Schuster, recorded audio, while Sevant helped produce and run interviews. Mohr ��. friend Declan Coker also helped organize gigs and contacts.

The team was based on the east side of London, with most of the gigs and nearly all of their interviews in the middle of the city or on the west side. Their locations included The Jago, a live music venue that hosts Tao Sol, an all-inclusive open jam where musicians gather to connect and play, and Ram Jam Records, which hosts open mics and artist performances.

“Not being from London, I had no appreciation for how truly massive the city is until after we started filming. Each day was a regular routine of getting up, riding a train for about 60-90 minutes to the general location of our shoot and then hiking to the location with a suitcase full of camera supplies,” Mohr said.

Lukas, a trumpeter in the Tao Sol house band, plays at The Jago / Ben Mohr

With air conditioning rare in many English buildings, especially the places where musicians hang out, they often worked in 90-degree heat. They usually held interviews during the day and filmed gigs at night, before returning home by train or bus and not arriving until after midnight. Before going to bed, Mohr offloaded footage from the day to have adequate storage for the next day ��. filming.

“Despite all of this, we had the pleasure of listening to the music of some of the best bands ever and watching artists do their thing. Truly, I would not trade this entire experience for anything,” Mohr said.

“Ben ��. thoughtfulness and natural curiosity exemplify the strengths of our M.F.A. in design program. His focus area in video production has allowed him to flex his broad, multidisciplinary skills in ways that continue to surprise me,” Professor Erik Evensen said.

With more than 20 hours of footage to edit, Mohr plans to complete the hour-long “Making It” in November and will disseminate it in several ways, starting with providing a copy to the University Library Archives. He also plans to create a 15-minute short film to submit to national and international film festivals and organize screenings both on campus and in the Twin Cities.

Chinedu, a rapper, is interviewed by Delilah Schuster, Sean Sevant and Ben Mohr / Ben Mohr

“I’d like to thank Professor Jonny Wheeler and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at Stout for helping me with the grant that allowed me to create this film; Delilah, Sean, and Declan, who were instrumental in helping this project come to life; and all of the musicians who made ‘Making It’ possible,” Mohr said.

Mohr graduated with his degree in art education in 2021 and worked as a K-12 art teacher for a couple of years before returning to �� to pursue his M.F.A. in design. “I felt this would afford me better career opportunities. Having received my bachelor ��. degree from Stout, I was already familiar with the rigor of its School of Art and Design. I felt like there was more I could learn there,” he said.

While a lifelong lover of cinema, Mohr ��. move to filmmaking was a recent one. When researching graduate programs, he discovered that �� offers video production courses and decided to pursue a concentration in filmmaking for his master ��. degree.

“It attracted me because it combines many of my interests, including writing, visual media and music. It didn’t take long before I fell in love,” added Mohr, who is now a teaching specialist in the School of Art and Design.

The M.F.A. in design is part of �� . School of Art and Design, the largest public art school in Wisconsin. Accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design, SOAD offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production.

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Hero Caption: The band French Toast plays at The Greyhound. Photo by Ben Mohr.

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Going national: �� undergraduates’ research on robotics, animation, more presented at national conference

giffeyt — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Going national: �� undergraduates’ research on robotics, animation, more presented at national conferencegiffeyt April 10, 2025

Blue Devils among 4,000 students sharing work at National Conference of Undergraduate Research

Tom Giffey

University of Wisconsin-Stout provides ample applied opportunities for students to grow their knowledge and skills, so it ��. only fitting that several students recently presented their research focused on growth, in one form or another, to a national audience.

From a project that explored the use of an app-controlled robot to optimize plant growth to an animated short film about a mysterious gardener on a futuristic oil rig, a dozen �� students presented their research April 7-9 at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Pittsburgh.

The annual event, which drew 4,000 students from institutions across the United States, promotes research, scholarship and other creative activity by undergraduates. “Attending a national conference on undergraduate research provides students with invaluable opportunities to present their work, network with peers and professionals, and gain insights that can shape their academic and career paths,” said Anne Hoeltke, director of �� . Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. “It fosters a sense of community and inspires students to pursue their passions with greater confidence and enthusiasm.”

Students Jessica Qualich, left, and Lindsey Redepenning measure kidney beans in the Jarvis Hall Greenhouse last summer. Qualich recently presented research at NCUR. / Keith Wojciechowski

Robotic study seeks optimized plant growth

Among �� . undergraduates was Jessica Qualich, who presented research she conducted last year as part of LAKES REU, an interdisciplinary research program that draws undergraduates from around the nation to �� each summer. Qualich, a junior from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, used a FarmBot, an automated robotic farming system, to grow kidney beans in the Jarvis Hall Greenhouse Lab. Her research, “Experimental Design for Optimizing Plant Growth Using a Programmable Farming Robot,” was meant to lay the groundwork for future experiments using the robotic system, which among other things can water and weed a plant bed and monitor seedling growth, said engineering Professor Devin Berg, Qualich ��. faculty mentor.

Using a programmable web app to control the robot and gather data, including through an onboard camera, Qualich spent two months tracking how different inputs impacted the growth of bean plants. “Research was not something I ever planned on doing,” acknowledged Qualich, a mechanical engineering major. “But taking the time and doing the whole process of research, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would like to continue doing research throughout my career after I graduate from Stout.”

Berg said taking part in NCUR is a valuable experience because it allows undergraduates to demonstrate their own research contributions rather than just remain in the background providing support to graduate students and faculty. “The ability to present their work in that kind of national venue is really useful,” he said.

�� student Sarah Vicchiollo poses with her display at the NCUR conference. / Submitted photo

Examination of Alzheimer ��., dementia draws high-level praise

Another of the student researchers was Sarah Vicchiollo, a senior from Greenville majoring in video production, who shared a book she created, “Growing the Garden of Change: Sharing the Stories of Those Affected by Alzheimer ��. and Dementia.”

Vicchiollo ��. book began as an assignment in the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography course taught by Professor Keif Oss. The assignment asked students to delve deeply into a movement or an organization, challenging them not only to take photos but to make contacts and dig deeply in pursuit of a story, Oss explained.

Vicchiollo decided to focus on Alzheimer ��. because of how her grandfather ��. diagnosis with the disease had impacted her family. She began by photographing Walk to End Alzheimer ��. events in New Richmond, Minneapolis, and Eau Claire.

A girl holds a colorful flower at an Alzheimer's disease awareness event in this image from Sarah Vicchiollo's book, "Growing the Garden of Change." / Sarah Vicchiollo

“I was able to talk to a lot of people and hear about their stories,” she said. Oss encouraged Vicchiollo to go beyond simply documenting these walks, and she accepted the challenge and used the network she developed to interview and photograph families impacted by Alzheimer ��. and dementia as well as professionals who work with them.

Oss said Vicchiollo excelled at pursuing multiple angles as well as working around obstacles, such as when the widow of a man who died of dementia declined to be photographed. “I thought she was really resilient,” Oss said of his student. “She takes advice, and she doesn’t take the easier choice all the time.”

Ultimately, the project resulted in a 40-page printed book which made its way into the hands of an executive with the Alzheimer ��. Association, who was so impressed by Vicchiollo ��. work that he reached out to her and was surprised to discover she was a college student.

In addition to being accepted by NCUR, where it won a second-place award in the “Elevating the Arts” exhibit, Vicchiollo ��. work received Student Honorable Mention Award at �� . Research Day in April 2024.

“It has been an extremely rewarding experience,” Vicchiollo said. “I definitely hold a lot of respect for Dr. Oss for pushing me to continue to pursue opportunities to share my work. I think that ��. the greatest highlight of the video production major and Stout being polytechnic: It pushes you to really apply yourself and show the work that you can do.”

A poster for the student-produced animated film "Jilly & Juno." / Submitted image

Students explore efficient melding of 2D, 3D animation

While much of the research presentations at NCUR consisted of posterboard displays, a team of �� students used the conference to showcase their innovative animation efforts. Alexis Bellotti, a senior from Kaukauna, shared work that she and four other animation and digital media majors did to create an animated short, “Jilly & Juno,” for their capstone course under the mentorship of Professor Michael Heagle.

The film is a charming tale of two young sisters living on a futuristic oil rig, one of whom pushes the other down a mysterious pipe, causing her to encounter a flower-cultivating robot. Appropriately, Bellotti ��. presentation is titled “Exploring Mixed Media Pipelines for Animated Short Films.” The mixed media, in this case, is the combination of 2D and 3D animation employed by the team, which is blended to create the final product – an approach increasingly taken by professional animators in such films as “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

“We knew we wanted to do a big world, and drawing big worlds is very time-consuming, especially with 2D, and so is drawing robots in 2D,” explained senior Sarah Pflughoeft, of Menomonee Falls.

Creating certain elements in 3D allowed for a quicker workflow to create frames that could be blended with more traditional hand-drawn 2D images, she added. Pflughoeft is part of the project animation team that also includes Casey Blackwood, of Waukesha; Megan McDowell, of Albertville, Minnesota; and Emery Christian, of St. Paul.

Bellotti said she was excited to represent the team at the conference, as well as to represent and inspire other School of Art and Design students who might not think of their work as research because it doesn’t involve traditional experimentation or data collection. “I hope that we paved the way for future art and design students to know that this is something you can do,” she said of taking part in the research conference.

Four images show the evolution of the animation of a frame from "Jilly & Juno." / Submitted image

Broad spectrum of research

NCUR, the largest symposium of its kind, featured several other �� students from a variety of disciplines. These students, their projects and faculty advisers are:

Madeline Candline, of Pooler, Georgia, chemistry, “Changes in Chemical Properties of Surface Waters in Dunn County,” adviser Ana Magdalena Vande Linde.
Valacia Casper, of Taylor, applied social science, “Political Opinions Over Women ��. Health Care and its Effect on Female Voters,” advisers Tina Lee and Courtney Juelich.
Luke Denney, of Byron, Minnesota, computer science, “Kintsugi 3D Builder: User Experience Design & Implementation,” adviser Michael Tetzlaff.
Addy Lanthier, of Esko, Minnesota, professional communication and emerging media, “SMARTArt Development and Curation: Salvador Dali ��. Inferno,” adviser Mitchell Ogden.
Marshall Leininger, of Appleton, studio art, “Sing Into My Mouth: Evaluating the Intersection Between Nature and the Internet,” advisers Tamara Brantmeier and Amy Fichter.
Emery Christian, of St. Paul, applied social science, “College Students Opinions on Workers Unions, Minnesota and Wisconsin” and “The Loneliness Epidemic and Political Alignment, Exploring How Politics Influence the Social Connections of College Students,” advisers Nels Paulson, Lee and Juelich.
Nik Nelson, of Minneapolis, and Corey Brisiel, of Eau Claire, applied social science, “Off-Campus Housing in Menomonie Wisconsin,” advisers Lee and Juelich.
Cassie Sciarra, of St. Paul, applied social science, “Social Determinants of Substance Use Disorders and Addiction Treatment: Evidence From Arbor Place Professionals,” advisers Lee and Juelich.
Dane Talbott Settle, of Madison, industrial design, “Hungry: Alternative to Touchscreens in Toys,” adviser Emily Pieper.

In addition to these students, �� faculty mentors Arthur Kneeland, Kim Zagorski, Tetzlaff, and Lee, as well as Chela Cea and Hoeltke from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs attended the conference.

University of Wisconsin-Stout provides ample applied opportunities for students to grow their knowledge and skills �� student Jessica Qualich, left, conducts research at the Jarvis Hall greenhouse.

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Video production, graphic design students win international award for Adobe Express Play

goersab — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:44:51 +0000

Video production, graphic design students win international award for Adobe Express Playgoersab March 17, 2025

Team receives D&AD New Blood Award for Gen Z ad

Abbey Goers

A crew of video production and graphic design students at �� won an international 2024 D&AD New Blood Award for their advertisement geared toward Gen Z, for which they built a unique mobile gaming app from scratch.

Designers were given a selection of briefs to create an innovative branding solution set by real clients, including Adobe, Airbnb, Coca-Cola, Google Fonts, IMAX, Kraft Heinz, Universal Music and more.

The �� team selected a prompt to “Make Adobe the Go-To Tool for Gen Z Creatives.” Within their one-minute video ad, they debuted the app, Adobe Express Play, a concept of their own design.

Adobe Express Play team members Cole Finn, Ella Johnson, Ava Hedlund and Doran Exline, with their Wood Pencil award / Cole Finn

Adobe Express Play aims to teach graphic design through interaction with the mobile app, while providing a fun introduction to learn Adobe Express and Photoshop toolsets. Players receive a random daily creative prompt to complete in a short amount of time, competing with friends, anytime and anywhere.

The international ad competition for students and aspiring designers is judged by the industry ��. top creatives. The Adobe Express Play team received the New Blood Awards’ Wood Pencil as the best of the year in advertising, design, craft, culture and impact. The students’ roles in the collaboration played off of their individual strengths:

Cole Finn: director, cinematographer and editor; Mondovi
Ella Johnson: writer, electric and graphics; Hugo, Minnesota
Ava Hedlund: electric, sound and color correction; Rochester, Minnesota
Doran Exline: electric, sound and graphics; Marathon

Watch the team's Wood Pencil award-winning ad for Adobe Express Play / Adobe Express Play team

“We needed to tap into what motivates Gen Z as creators and reach them by implementing Adobe Express and Photoshop in their culture and subcultures and build their awareness of Adobe ��. apps and products,” Johnson said.

“The directions we could take were endless in how we wanted to create this campaign. After going through the creative process, we decided to create a mobile game to be the center of our campaign. There was no game like Adobe Express Play before,” she said.

Adobe Express Play: Create anything, anywhere

After extensive brainstorming and research, they developed Adobe Express Play, born from more than 20 proposals. As members of Gen Z, the team had the advantage of being able to directly relate to their target market.

“We thought about what Gen Z does and doesn’t like in advertisements. They like relatability and being able to seamlessly add a fun and creative task in their everyday lives,” Hedlund said.

They also focused on one of Gen Z's main challenges in everyday life: finding cures for boredom.

A still frame from the ad, featuring Mia Hazen / Adobe Express Play team

“The idea that kept sticking with us was of being able to create anything, anywhere,” Finn said. “This soon sparked Ella ��. idea for developing an advertising campaign around an Adobe mobile game app, and she developed the script from the idea in her head.”

Finn and Johnson finalized the script and storyboard for the commercial, ultimately choosing one that functioned like Pictionary. Johnson designed the app interface and notifications, Finn animated the assets used by players in the commercial, and Hedlund and Exline provided audio effects to complete the overall experience.

“We outlined key details, including popular Gen Z locations, actor profiles, props and storyline. Using rough draft storyboards, we mapped out our advertisement, scouted locations and cast actors,” Johnson said.

Once they hit the greenlight for production, filming took three days to compete at three different locations, including Golden Leaf Café, and featured fellow students Mia Hazen, of Bloomington, Illinois; Kyle Mialkowski, of St. Michael, Minnesota; and Ana Kanzler, of Hayward.

Using the slider to film in the moving car / Ava Hedlund

Everyone had a role on set to keep things moving smoothly. Postproduction involved integrating visual effects and graphic design, editing, reshoots and additional graphic elements. “This collaborative process allowed us to create a relatable but also effective campaign,” Johnson said.

“For a lot of the project, we thought we were scrambling with creative ideas until we had the idea for Adobe Express Play. Even as we were actively working, we felt lost sometimes. Sometimes it was difficult, like when we made camera movements on two tripods in a moving car,” Hedlund said. “Working together and having effective meetings really helped push our project along. When someone needed help with something, we offered our time and skills. Filming days were long but productive.”

Finn and Johnson graduated in spring 2024 and were notified of the team ��. win a couple of days after graduation.

“The competition was an excellent opportunity to be provided with a professional creative brief and develop an advertising campaign from start to finish,” Finn said. “The award was the perfect way to close this chapter in my life – a five-year academic journey that was full of ups and downs. I feel it best represents what you can accomplish within a team of highly creative and motivated people in the best way,” Finn said.

Johnson thinks that as a creative person, it is important for her to take risks, develop a wide variety of unique and outside-the-box creations, and share them with those around her. “Doing this with my group during my last semester of college was rewarding, but it is also surreal to know people worldwide saw what we created and felt it deserved this award,” she said.

Power in collaboration proven in D&AD New Blood win

�� students have taken part in the D&AD competition for three years. Participation is a required assignment in the Advertising Photography and Video course. The 2024 New Blood winners were in a section taught by Assistant Professor Jonny Wheeler.

“As their instructor, I feel tremendously proud that their hard work was recognized by being awarded such a prestigious award,” Wheeler said. “Each of the group members contributed their unique skills to the project, working together to develop an advertising campaign from the whiteboard to the final screening. They’ve proven the undeniable power in collaboration.”

A still frame from the ad, featuring a daily 'play' notification / Adobe Express Play team

Video production Program Director Keif Oss called the team ��. recognition “impressive. Our students achieved the same award level as the Miami Ad School, one of the top 10 ad schools worldwide.

“The video production program provides students with applied experiences that result in portfolio work resembling the fields they may work in,” he added. “The New Bloods Awards provide a platform to legally use major brands’ IP and address-specific messaging goals through the audio/visual platforms of video and photography. Participating in the D&AD competition connects students’ work to the pipeline of a multichannel campaign spanning design and marketing fields.”

D&AD is a nonprofit advertising and design association founded in England and Wales in 1962. Its mission is to stimulate, enable and award creative excellence in design and advertising. Its awards are recognized globally as the ultimate creative accolade.

Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

�� will host the annual Unspooled Film and Animation Festival on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, in Harvey Hall Theatre. The two-day festival will feature incredible short films and animations, showcasing the talents of students and professionals from both near and far. Screenings will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and be inspired by creative stories from around the world. Tickets will be available online.

Emerging and seasoned storytellers are invited to submit their films for consideration. Films must be received by Sunday, March 30.

�� . School of Art and Design, one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest, offers bachelor ��. degrees in animation and digital media; game design and development-art; graphic design and interactive media; illustration; industrial and product design; interior design; studio art; arts administration and entrepreneurship; fashion design and development; and video production, as well as an M.F.A. in design.

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Wheeler ��. ‘Relic’ offers students glimpse into possibilities as they create original films

January 14, 2026

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AI-Assisted Film and Video Production class to open summer 2026

January 12, 2026

Team received D&AD New Blood Award for Gen Z ad New Bloods Wood Pencil award

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Keif Oss

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�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025

goersab — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:03:12 +0000

�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025goersab January 28, 2025

Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase

Abbey Goers

From exhibits celebrating a lifetime of photography, illustrations to “Marvel” at and historical moments, to a musical inviting the audience to step into Wonderland in “Alice by Heart, concerts that transport listeners to outer space, film screenings of “February” and “The League,” and literary and civic conversations, there are arts events for everyone at �� this spring.

Many events are free and open to the public, and several will be held in conjunction with �� . Destination Weekend, Friday, April 11, to Sunday, April 13; and Spring Showcase in April and May.

Visual Arts

Furlong Gallery ��. spring season will open with an anticipated exhibit – Bill Wikrent: Capturing the Moment in the North Gallery; and artist and illustrator Matt Talbot in the South Gallery, on view through Saturday, March 1.

A reception for the exhibit Bill Wikrent: Capturing the Moment will be on Feb. 20, with a plaque unveiling ceremony at 5 p.m.

For 27 years, Wikrent worked with �� . Instructional Technology Services, contributing significantly to the university and surrounding area ��. visual history. This exhibition includes highlights of his campus work, as well as his personal photographs, highlighting his expertise and artistic voice. Wikrent passed away in April 2023. A reception will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, with a plaque unveiling ceremony at 5 p.m., in Micheels Hall Atrium.

Talbot is an illustrator and graphic designer from the seacoast area of New Hampshire. His clients include Marvel Studios, Sony, Mondo, Entertainment Weekly, Archie Comics, Fangoria and more. The exhibit includes both personal projects and client work. A meet and greet will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Furlong, with an artist talk following at 6 p.m., in Applied Arts room 321.

Matt Talbot's illustrations and designs include both personal projects and client work

Other exhibits across campus include:

Sunday, Feb. 2, to Sunday, March 30: The Library Art Lab, on the first floor of the University Library, will host Patient No More: People with Disabilities Securing Civil Rights. This traveling exhibit tells the stories behind a moment in history when protests across the country were held to have Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 signed into law, which ultimately made it illegal for any federally funded facilities or programs to discriminate against people with disabilities. It is a collaborative project with the university ��. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Disability Services and Involvement Center. A reception will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
Monday, March 10, to Wednesday, April 19: Associate Professor Daniel Atyim will showcase his sabbatical work at Furlong.
Monday, May 5, through September: The Student Artist-in-Residence Exhibition at Furlong will feature studio art majors Lily Smith and Ellie Eklof. A reception will be held during the School of Art and Design Show from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 9.
Rotating exhibits of student works will be in Gallery 209, the Student Gallery in the Applied Arts building on the second floor.

'Alice by Heart' will be performed at Harvey Hall Theatre April 4-12.

University Theatre

Students will perform “Alice by Heart,” led by Director Audric Buhr, at Harvey Hall Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, 10*, 11 and 12; and 2 p.m. on April 6.

“Alice by Heart” is a musical that encourages everyone to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times, and explores the poignancy of first love, loss and finding the courage to move forward.

Set during World War II, in the rubble of the London Blitz, Alice Spencer ��. teenage life is turned upside down, when she and her friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

* An accessible performance will be held on April 10, with a more informal atmosphere aimed to welcome those with sensory difficulties or autism. The performance will remain the same but with small adjustments. House lights will remain on, loud noises will be softened, and audience members are free to leave and re-enter.

Tickets will be available soon at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

'Please' by SAIR artists Ellie Eklof, and 'worth it' by SAIR artists Lily Smith

Concert Performances

Stout Choirs, under Director Jerry Hui, will present Life on the World Scale at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Our Savior ��. Lutheran Church, 910 E. 9th St., in Menomonie. Join in a musical journey from the microcosmos to the cosmos and back. Whether it is in the microbes, the places we live in, in nature, or the universe, we see faces looking back as we reflect our life experiences, big or small.
The Symphonic Band, under Director Erika Svanoe, will perform Around the World at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. The concert will feature music celebrating different places, cultures and composers from around the world, including Minneapolis-based composer Samantha Hogan ��. new piece “A Tour of Minnesota,” which commemorates the state flag.
The Blue Devil Jazz Orchestra, under Director James Anderson, will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, Harvey Hall Theater. Blast off into infinity and beyond with selections of Gustav Holst ��. “The Planets,” and hear classics like Frank Sinatra ��. “Come Fly with Me,” Hoagy Carmichael ��. “Stardust” and Dizzy Gilespie ��. “Manteca!”

Tickets will be available soon at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Patient No More will be on exhibit at the Library Art Lab Feb. 2 to March 30.

Film and Literary Events

Two film screenings and Q&As with the directors will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4:

“February,” with director Nathan Deming and lead actor David Duran, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Harvey Hall Theater. “February,” filmed in Eau Claire, recently won multiple awards at the Wisconsin Film Festival. The event is hosted by the video production program and Video Production Club.
“The League,” with filmmaker Byron Motley, 7 to 9 p.m., Memorial Student Center Terrace. Directed by Sam Pollard, “The League” celebrates the dynamic journey of Negro League baseball's triumphs and challenges through the first half of the twentieth century. The event is hosted by �� Athletics and the Office of Student Opportunity & Excellence.

The Literature Committee will host a virtual talk and reading with Andrew Krivak, author of “The Bear,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.

Author Peter Geye will present and read from his new novel, “A Lesser Light,” from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at Harvey Hall Theater. The novel will be released on Monday, April 15.

�� Athletics and the EDI Office will host a screening of 'The League,' directed by Sam Pollard, on Feb. 4.

Civic Events

�� . Center for Applied Ethics will host several national and international speakers:

Wednesday, March 26: Is Abortion Morally Permissible if the Embryo is a Person?, with Kate Greasley, associate professor and Tutorial Fellow in Law at Oxford University.
Thursday, April 3: Assisted Dying: A Slippery Slope?, with Bonnie Steinbock, professor emerita at the University at Albany/State University of New York.
Wednesday, April 30: “Valuing the Diversity of Languages in a Multicultural World,” with Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, CEO of Gael Linn.

The Center also hosts Philosophers’ Cafés, informal, friendly conversations on contemporary issues. Meetings are open to all and are led by �� and UW-Eau Claire faculty. Upcoming conversations will be held at 7 p.m., at Brewery Nonic in Menomonie:

Monday, Feb. 10: Where the Wild Things Are. Moderator: Professor Julie Beston, biology
Monday, March 24: Is Free Speech Too Free? Moderator: Professor Tim Shiell, philosophy
Monday, April 7: Free: Priceless vs. Worthless. Moderator: Professor Chris Ferguson, economics

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February 25, 2026

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Engineering, technical, design competitions prepare young people for future careers

February 25, 2026

Year of Design celebration central to ��'s spring 2026 event schedule

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February 11, 2026

Community programs include exhibits, ‘Alice by Heart’ musical, concerts, film screenings; coincide with Destination Weekend, Spring Showcase Bill Wikrent, photo collage

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Hero Caption: Furlong Gallery ��. spring season will open with an anticipated exhibit – Bill Wikrent: Capturing the Moment. It is on view through Saturday, March 1.

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Video production seniors shoot Western short ‘Ghosts of Gold Creek’ in Montana

goersab — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:18:11 +0000

Video production seniors shoot Western short ‘Ghosts of Gold Creek’ in Montanagoersab April 26, 2024

Fourteen capstone movie trailers screened at School of Art and Design Senior Show May 3

Abbey Goers

Traveling 1,200 miles from Menomonie to Anaconda, Mont., nine �� students recently hiked through snow-dusted mountain meadows, wooded gulches and streams to film a Western short.

Loosely inspired by true events, the video production seniors’ capstone project “Ghosts of Gold Creek” is set in 1868, when a U.S. marshal investigates the murder of a mayor in a small mining town.

'Ghosts of Gold Creek' crew Ethan Kulinski, Lucas Falkavage, Nicos Wiard, Marshall Jacklin, Will Pilegaard, Payton Kosiorek, Parker Cmeyla, Sydney Schmidt and Zach Hoffmire / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

Fourteen senior capstone movie trailers, including “Ghosts of Gold Creek,” will be featured at the School of Art and Design Senior Show from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Meet with nearly 120 graduating SOAD seniors and talk about their creative works in exhibits throughout Applied Arts and Micheels Hall.

The making of ‘Ghosts of Gold Creek’

For their period piece, which runs 12 to 13 minutes, co-writers Zach Hoffmire and Nicos Wiard researched the region of western Montana and the era they wanted the movie set in. They found the story of Thomas Francis Meagher, a territorial governor who supposedly drowned but whose body was never found.

“But what if he didn’t drown? What if he was murdered?” said Wiard, of Minneapolis, who also served as sound recordist.

Crew members with actor Joseph Garland, sheriff, preparing for a scene / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

“Based on Thomas’ death and suspected foul play, we wrote the story having him as an over-the-top villain, choosing to do more of a suspense/investigation piece instead of a classic shoot-’em-up Western. We felt a bit bad taking a historical figure and twisting him to be a greedy monster, when in reality, he was mostly just an unsuccessful politician. But that's fiction, I guess,” added Hoffmire, of Kenosha, who directed the film.

Hoffmire and producer Payton Kosiorek wanted a location with a ghost town feel. In their online search, they found three locations and also reached out to the Montana Film Office for suggestions.

They landed on Gunslinger Gulch, an Old West-style guest ranch in the Leavengood Gulch, between Bozeman and Missoula.

“Gunslinger Gulch was our favorite by far. When we asked if we could film there, the owners said yes right away. They let us shoot and stay there for free,” Hoffmire and Wiard said, adding that they did some photography and drone footage for the ranch ��. website as an in-kind trade.

Actor Joseph Garland, sheriff, on camera / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

Kosiorek, of St. Paul, raised funds for the crew ��. food and travel and to pay the three-member cast found through the Montana Film Office website and a casting Facebook page. After virtual auditions and line recordings, they cast Joseph Garland, sheriff; Mark Plonski, miner; and Jake Barciz, mayor.

Members of the movie crew were:

Parker Cmeyla, director of photography, Menomonie
Lucas Falkavage, assistant director, Stevens Point
Marshall Jacklin, best boy, Slinger
Ethan Kulinski, assistant producer, Stevens Point
Will Pilegaard, first assistant camera, Edina, Minn.
Sydney Schmidt, second assistant camera and makeup, Menomonie

Parker Cmeyla, director of photography, on the hills above Gunslinger Gulch / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

With a project so ambitious, the crew was challenged most by their limited budget and time. Where a movie of this scale might have an actual budget of $40,000-$50,000, they had about 10% of that with the funds Kosiorek had raised as producer.

After their long drive to Gunslinger Gulch, they had one day of planning and three to shoot their film the week of April 8.

“It was tough working with locations we hadn’t seen in person before. We were finding locations at the last second,” Wiard and Jacklin said. They used the hunting app onX Maps to find public land to film in the gulch and surrounding hills.

“We were working on the fly and trusting each other,” Wiard added.

Actors Mark Plonski, miner; and Jake Barciz, mayor, behind the scenes / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

Wiard and Hoffmire think that was the best part of the process. “There ��. something satisfying in working with everyone, knowing each other ��. strengths and each of us focusing on our own job. The professionalism makes it all possible,” they said.

As they graduate and begin working with new teams in their careers, they remember their professors' advice to focus on what they do best.

“We show our new teams what we can do and prove it to them,” Jacklin said. “There ��. a lot of word of mouth in this industry. Networking is how we find our jobs. Since we know each other ��. strengths, we can let each other know if someone is looking for them and that they fit the role.”

Program Director Keif Oss believes the merit and execution of “Ghosts of Gold Creek” align with the program ��. goals for graduates and is the most location-ambitious project he ��. seen.

“But it ��. also a period project, which is difficult in its own right. It speaks to the tenacity of our students to make great work while navigating a complex project environment,” he said. “I’m so impressed with this team's ability to execute on a budget with high expectations. They raised the funding necessary and were organizationally savvy in securing their location, professional acting talent, everything necessary to complete the work.

“Our program's professional advisory committee advocates the need for strong communicators who know how to plan and play well as a team. These students embody those qualities; their only trajectory is up. I already miss them,” Oss said, as the seniors will graduate on Saturday, May 4.

Actors Mark Plonski, miner; and Joseph Garland, sheriff, on camera / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

SOAD Senior Show exhibits

During SOAD Senior Show, video production and animation seniors’ movie trailers will run on one-hour loops at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., in Applied Arts 210.

Other Senior Show exhibit spaces include:

Ceramics and enameling: AA room 101
Painting and sculpture: AA room 121
Printmaking: AA rooms 202 and 203
Photography: AA room 205
Studio Art: AA Gallery 209
Industrial and product design: AA room 216
“Illuminate”: AA room 217
Interior design: AA rooms 219 and 220
Graphic design and interactive media: AA room 221E
Furniture design: AA room 226 
Comics: AA room 234  
Game design: Micheels room 184
Animation production: Micheels room 290

Co-writer and sound recordist Nicos Wiard / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

Fine art sales by students will be held throughout the buildings, and cow sculptures will be on display in the Furlong atrium.

The Stout Game Expo, western Wisconsin's largest game developers’ event, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. SGX features demo games, virtual reality and interactive experiences created by students, including Boogie Beyond, a dance-style detective game choreographed by members of the Blue Devils dance team.

Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

Many of the seniors’ capstone films, including “Ghosts of Gold Creek,” will be featured at the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival, Thursday, May 9, to Saturday, May 11.

Actor Joseph Garland, sheriff, in the wooded creek / Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

The annual juried event features films and animations by regional and international independent storytellers – professionals and students, alike. Films are screened at �� . historic Harvey Hall Theatre. The event also offers workshops and guest speakers. Tickets are available online.

May 9, 4 to 9 p.m.: Student films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre. The “Ghosts of Gold Creek” crew will also lead a panel discussion.
May 10, 4 to 9 p.m.: Independent films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre and Brewery Nønic
May 11, 1 to 9 p.m.: Animation films and awards, Harvey Hall Theatre and Zymurgy Brewing

An exhibit of Unspooled film stills will be showcased over the summer in the Art Lab, on the University Library ��. first floor.

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Fourteen capstone movie trailers screened at School of Art and Design Senior Show May 3 Ghosts of Gold Creek, photo by Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin

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Hero Caption: Video production senior capstone movie trailers, including “Ghosts of Gold Creek,” will be featured at SOAD Senior Show on Friday, May 3. Photo by Nicos Wiard and Marshall Jacklin.

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Total package: Students earn two firsts, third in international sustainability challenges

polingj — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 18:33:33 +0000

Total package: Students earn two firsts, third in international sustainability challengespolingj November 20, 2023

Students from five majors collaborate to reimagine packaging

Is there a better way? More importantly, is there a more sustainable way?

Those were the questions at top of mind when three teams of �� students entered two international, industry-sponsored packaging competitions that challenged their technical and design skills — and visions for the future.

Turns out �� had the whole package, winning and taking a third place recently in the Paperboard Packaging Alliance student competition in San Diego and winning the International Molded Fiber Association challenge in Scottsdale, Ariz.

They did it by creating new, sustainable solutions for three consumer products — lip balm, shampoo and a desk lamp — and through cross-collaboration via seven students from five majors, including video production, graphic communications and mechanical engineering.

Assistant Professor Kate Liu, second from left, at the PPA event with students, from left, Erika Jackett, Zach Hoffmire, Starr Gong, Ethan Myers, Lukas David and Buddy Moreno. / Contributed photo

“This competition taught us the paramount importance of and inherent creativity needed in substituting plastic product packaging with paperboard,” said Starr Gong, of Altoona, a senior in graphic design and interactive media, who was on the PPA third-place team. “It's not just a design choice but a commitment to sustainability and a greener future. The experience has heightened our awareness of the environmental impact of packaging choices in today's world.”

Ethan Myers, of Kenosha, a senior majoring in packaging who was on the winning PPA team, agreed. “Sustainability is growing more and more every day, and being able to work with it is vital to finding success in the field of packaging.”

�� offers a minor in sustainability.

Kate Liu, assistant professor in the engineering and technology department, was the students’ adviser for both competitions. “The designs, replacing plastic packaging with paperboard while minimizing material usage and aiming for zero waste, speak volumes about the students' understanding of the pressing environmental issues we face today,” Liu said.

Lip balm packaged in sustainable paperboard, instead of plastic, garnered a �� student team first place in a national competition by the Paperboard Packaging Alliance. / Contributed photo

“The cross-discipline strategy to team up packaging students with graphic design and video production students proved successful. We’re super excited about the results. It is tough to make the top three in the PPA challenge because of the competition nationwide,” she added.

PPA challenge: Vision and teamwork

The PPA contest required students to design recyclable paperboard packaging for a personal care product that typically comes in plastic.

Myers, fellow packaging major Lukas David, of Johnson Creek, a senior, and Zach Hoffmire, of Kenosha, a senior majoring in video production, created paperboard packaging for lip balm. The paperboard can be peeled away from the top of the stick as it ��. used and resealed with a cap.

Hoffmire created an advertising-style video as part of the challenge.

B.S. Packaging

Our B.S. Packaging program provides hands-on training in package printing and design, business, quality management, and research and development.

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“I feel like our design stood out because of the attention to detail. At first glance it looks gimmicky and basic, but the intricacies of the design are what make it great. Everything from the psychological tricks that allow us to control how you handle our design to the coatings that allowed us to fill it with a liquid, we really dove deep into the details,” Myers said.

“These design competitions pull in aspects from every single packaging class we take. When we are at events like this, I also feel confident in holding conversations with professionals because of how much I’ve learned from these classes,” said Myers, who won another competition earlier this year with David and Hoffmire.

“I am just blown away by what I get to do at Stout. I attend a lot of packaging conferences, and have met many people from every single packaging school in the U.S., and even some from Canada. And of all of these schools, Stout is the only one that lets their freshman get into the lab. I got more hands-on experience as a freshman than most students at other schools get as seniors,” Myers said.

Gong ��. team included Buddy Moreno, of Florence, who graduated in May in packaging with a minor in sustainability, and Erika Jackett, of Port Washington, a senior majoring in graphic communications. They prototyped packaging for shampoo made from a solid bar and created a glossy paperboard display holding three round disks. They also created a video ad for the product.

Shampoo made from a bar and packaged in sustainable paperboard earned a �� team third place nationally in the PPA competition. / Contributed photo

“Placing third nationally was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the hard work and innovation put in by our entire team. It's an honor to see our efforts recognized on a national level,” said Gong, who was part of a campus cross-collaboration design project in 2022.

“By crafting a packaging design devoid of plastic, reducing material usage by 50% and ensuring sustainability and recyclability, we addressed the challenge in a way that aligned with today's pressing environmental concerns. The feedback we received emphasized the uniqueness and practicality of our solution,” Gong said.

Moreno agreed. “Paperboard is a thin material, but it has more strength than you would think. After attending the conference in San Diego, I have seen how far paperboard packaging can go, things that I never thought were possible,” Moreno said.

The PPA winning team earned $5,500 and the third-place team $1,650. Earlier this year, Gong and Jackett received national scholarships. �� also received $6,500 — $5,000 for first and $1,500 for third; the money will be used for program improvements.

California Polytechnic took second place in the PPA contest, which drew close to 90 teams from universities around the U.S. and Canada. The top three were invited to present at the PPA conference in San Diego, where their final standing was revealed.

“The emphasis on creativity, problem-solving and the encouragement to think beyond traditional boundaries prepared us to tackle real-world challenges,” Gong said.

Gong, Moreno and Jackett also received the Stout University Foundation's Jordan R. Tracy Award for their cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The �� team ��. IMFA winning design for a desk lamp, right, uses sustainable fiberboard and is much more compact than current packaging for the product, at left. / Contributed photo

“Pairing packaging with the power of Stout's graphic design and printing capabilities, it really showed how three majors can come together and make something great — just how it would be in the real business world,” said Moreno, who was hired at Target corporate in Minneapolis as a packaging engineer after graduating.

Gong found that her graphic design courses “provided the fundamental skills that served as the backbone” for the entry. “Moreover, the focus on user experience in my coursework has proven invaluable. It's not just about creating visually appealing designs but ensuring they are practical, user-friendly and align with the needs of the audience.”

Students worked on the projects last spring outside of class time, putting in dozens of hours in the labs.

IMFA challenge: Less is more

In the IMFA competition, Myers and David teamed with Gage Rusch, of Delafield, a second-year student majoring in mechanical engineering. Teams searched the market for a packaged product weighing between five and 20 pounds that used polystyrene or other plastic material, then created new packaging using molded fiber.

�� student Gage Rusch receives the award in Scottsdale, Ariz., from the International Molded Fiber Association for winning the student design competition. / Contributed photo

The �� team redesigned the BenQ desk lamp by replacing the materials for sustainability and reducing cost by reducing the size of the packaging. Their design cut the size of the lamp box by 78%, largely because molded pulp can nest, or be layered, as opposed to the existing packaging.

The team estimated that if 10 trucks were filled with the old packaging, the number could be reduced to three trucks with the new boxes. Also, 4½ times more lamps could be shelved in the same space as currently allowed in a retail outlet.

Rusch was sponsored by IMFA to attend the annual conference Oct. 4 in Scottsdale, Ariz., and present the winning design. The team also received $1,000.

Sustainable efforts at PackExpo

In September, seven packaging students along with Associate Professor Min DeGruson, the program director, participated in the PackExpo in Las Vegas.

�� had a booth about its program sustainability efforts, and it was one of the four universities selected to display a research project, led by Liu, centered around sustainability.

Also, student Nick Harpstead, a sophomore from Plymouth, Wis., was on a team that took second place in the student Amazing Race competition. A total of 23 teams from 13 universities tried to conquer challenges in a timed event that involved nearly one million square feet of exhibit space.

�� also offers an undergraduate program in plastics engineering. Students are researching how the plastics industry can be more sustainable, including by using more recycled materials, as they prepare for their careers.

###

Students from five majors collaborate to reimagine packaging PPA 4

University Marketing

Packaging students take home top honors in Amazing Race at international Pack Expo

For packaging students like �� . Anna Kent, attending the recent four-day, international Pack Expo conference in Chicago was a chance

Xiaojing (Kate) Liu

Full Name: Xiaojing "Kate" Liu

Job Title: Associate Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Engineering & Technology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Packaging

Curriculum Vitae: Kate Liu CV (196.61 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

University: Wuhan University of Technology

Degree: M.S. Mechanical Engineering

University: Wuhan University of Technology

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

University: Wuhan University of Technology

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Photo, video students learn interdisciplinary aspect of industry from alum, creative director at Smartpress

goersab — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:53:44 +0000

Photo, video students learn interdisciplinary aspect of industry from alum, creative director at Smartpressgoersab July 7, 2023

Classes connect with professionals, see creative production process firsthand

Abbey Goers

Students in �� . Product Photography and Video classes recently gained working knowledge of the relationship between creative direction and photography teams from a multimedia design alum.

Ferenc Andaházy, a 2006 graduate, is creative director with Smartpress, a web-to-print and visual merchandising company in Chanhassen, Minn. Andaházy presented recently with Tim Galdunick, his director of photography, who owns Tim and Madie Photography, in St. Paul.

In 2022, Smartpress decided to increase the number of videos it produced, Andaházy explained to the classes. He, Galdunick and their small team worked for months creating the company ��. spring 2022 video ad.

They contracted and collaborated with many others to bring their video to life – from concept brief to mood boards to “the pitch,” from setting a budget to scheduling shot locations, renting gear, creating custom-designed prints featured in the ad, casting hand models and voiceover actors and hiring score and sound designers, and finally, the set-up before the final cut and post-production.

Digital marketing technology graduate Gabby Granger and video production student Lucas Falkavage / Photos provided by Granger and Falkavage

Lucas Falkavage, a video production major, and Gabby Granger, a digital marketing technology major, learned from the presentation that being able to work with others is one of the most important aspects of video and photo production. They list clear communication, initiative, responsibility and empathy as the most important skills for teamwork.

Falkavage, of Stevens Point, saw the amount of problem-solving that goes into creative projects, even at professional levels. “It ��. really good for students to see industry professionals and their processes. From using a camera they weren’t familiar with, to creating a rig out of PVC to create the perfect slow-motion shot. Creative work means problem solving at all levels,” he said. “Teams can do so much more than individuals. When the time comes to fulfill your role, take charge and do it to the best of your ability.”

Granger, of St. Paul, was most interested to learn about the importance of having different areas of expertise to support an idea. “Everyone has a role they need to execute, and they must work together to achieve the project ��. goals,” she said. “When working on a project, everyone has their unique job and role. It is extremely important to be able to work together to ensure a successful project.”

Video production Program Director Keif Oss said the course “is designed to represent the interdisciplinary aspect that reflects the industry. We train our students to work as both a creative and production team in roles such as director, director of photography, camera operator, lighting gaffer, digital image technician, set design, styling and more.

“Ferenc is a great example of this,” Oss added. “His background in e-commerce, graphic design and, ultimately, creative direction put him in a place where he had to know the fundamental mechanics of photo and video work to direct aspects of his campaigns. Guests like Ferenc and Tim bring value to our classroom by showing students the approaches they are learning are real and applicable. They validate the work we do, and we thank them deeply for their contribution of time, knowledge and experience.”

Video production students collaborate in the Green Screen Lab / ��

The course includes students with a photography and video minor, in majors including video production, DMT, graphic design and interactive media; and fashion and retail.

“Inclusion of the minor students is important as students may find themselves working together in the future, while from differing roles in a project ��. pipeline,” Oss said.

“The course taught me valuable lessons about the importance of mastering product photos that appear in digital marketing projects like social media and web design,” Granger said. “Understanding the process for creating high-quality product photos for the web will enable me to produce more impactful results. I am grateful to have this knowledge at the start of my career.”

Focusing on creative careers

Granger chose the DMT degree because of its mix of creativity and technology. “I am able to use my creativity on projects like social media, web design and marketing; and my technology skills on projects like search engine optimization, coding and web programming,” she said.

She graduated on May 6 and is looking for a career where she can contribute to the success of an organization and continue to learn and grow in the industry.

“I valued the willingness of professors to guide me along the way and pass along their industry knowledge. This allowed me to narrow in on not only what I enjoyed, but what I excelled in,” she added.

Falkavage will graduate in May 2024 and wants to go into freelance video production and editing.

“I have always wanted to do creative work. I am inspired by filmmakers and videographers who are able to make people feel real emotions and show them new perspectives through video. My video classes give me the practice and portfolio work to build and show my skills, while the business and marketing classes have prepared me to be independent,” he said.

Falkavage ��. short film “Shared Space” was recently featured at �� . Unspooled Film and Animation Festival.

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Classes connect with professionals, see creative production process firsthand Video production students in the Green Screen Lab

University Marketing

B.S. Video Production

You can have the advanced technical knowledge and skills to create and edit your video and media products. Our team environment will teach you how.

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Keif Oss

Keif has also worked on short and feature film projects in various capacities including writing, producing, directing, camera operation and post-production/VFX.

Full Name: Keif T. Oss

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Video Production Cinema Production Photography Graphic Communications Cross-Media Graphics Technologies

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: School of Art & Design Design Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Video Production

Curriculum Vitae: Keif T. Oss CV (408.56 KB)

Education:

Degree: M.F.A. Digital Filmmaking

University: Anaheim University Akira Kurosawa School of Filmmaking

Degree: M.S. Career & Technical Education

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

Degree: B.S. Graphic Communications Management

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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�� arts and humanities events scheduled for spring 2025