News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

goersab — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:00:25 +0000

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hubgoersab June 24, 2026

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Los Angeles-based Wisconsin filmmaker Nathan Deming believes that there is an immense, untapped wealth of authentic storytelling in his Midwestern home state, and his goal is to continue highlighting regional characters and communities that audiences instantly recognize.

With his latest film, “Winter Hymns,” Deming also highlighted regional filmmaking talent. His professional crew worked alongside ��Ͽ� Polytechnic video production students and recent graduates: Doran Acero, Braden Borgerding, Parker Cmeyla, Bennett Johnson, Ethan Kulinski, Connor Nelson, Ryan Rumary and Caleb Sander.

“Making movies in the Midwest allows us to capture a genuine, grounded human element that also hasn’t been seen that many times authentically on film before,” said Deming, originally from Tomah.

Bennett Johnson (center left) and Parker Cmeyla (right) on the set of 'Winter Hymns.' / Parker Cmeyla

“Having ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students work alongside a more experienced crew was an incredibly rewarding aspect of this production. The creative energy on set was fantastic because the students brought an immense eagerness to learn, and the professionals involved were incredibly generous with their mentorship,” he said.

“Winter Hymns” was featured at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s 4th annual Unspooled Film & Animation Festival, May 9-10. This year’s festival placed a strong spotlight on regional talent and locally produced cinema.

Bringing filmmaking to the Midwest

With his creative roots firmly planted in the Midwest, Deming was at the forefront of the movement for Wisconsin’s new film office, Film Wisconsin. Operated by the Department of Tourism, Film Wisconsin promotes and supports the film and television industry in the state.

The office’s film tax credit makes $5 million available annually to assist the production of feature and short films, scripted and unscripted television shows, documentaries, broadcast advertisements, and production infrastructure in Wisconsin. The tax credit helps drive economic development, builds long-term investment in Wisconsin’s creative community, boosts domestic and global reputation and inspires movie tourism in Wisconsin.

Colleen Madden (left) in a scene from 'Winter Hymns.' / Peggy Trojan

Video production Lecturer Co O’Neill believes filmmaking is on the rise in Wisconsin, as productions decentralize from the coasts. “The passing of the film tax credit was a big deal for Wisconsin. Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan already had state film offices. The opportunity upped the profile of people already making movies here. More people now have a platform and are building a state network of resources for local folks,” he said.

Gabe Roeske, a department assistant in the School of Art & Design and 2019 alum, thinks that with the new tax credit being passed, more potential crew coming out of the university’s video production program, and more independent productions, like “Winter Hymns,” coming to the area, things are starting to move in a positive direction.

“There are already a lot of very passionate and incredibly talented video production people living in Wisconsin,” Roeske said. “They’re people who want to make films just as much as anyone else in the country, and they have the skills to pull it off. Unfortunately, with previous tax laws, lack of film incentives, and just a general lack of productions going on, a lot of people end up moving away in search of video production work.

“Hopefully projects like these, and the work of the video production professors and students, keep the momentum rolling and we can see Wisconsin filmmaking really flourish for the first time,” he said.

Doran Acero assists with sound on the set of 'Winter Hymns.' / Ericka Kreutz

Acero’s “You Must Destroy,” also featured at Unspooled, was filmed in his hometown of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Having graduated in May, he plans to remain in the region, knowing the rich storytelling culture and wanting to represent on film the places he feels most connected to.

“I am so happy to have been a part of the making of ‘Winter Hymns,’ and I want more films like it to be made here in the Midwest. I love the craft of filming and ideally, I can continue to pursue that here; in a place I love with people I love,” he said.

Bringing filmmaking to Wisconsin is something Johnson believes is “incredibly important, especially given the current state of the film industry. As independent filmmaking continues to grow and with the launch of the film tax credit, many young filmmakers in Wisconsin want our voices to be heard and our work to be seen around the world.

“Our goal is to help attract more film and television productions to Wisconsin and establish the state as a viable production hub,” he said. “Beyond the economic benefits, I think it’s an opportunity to showcase what Wisconsin truly has to offer. We are more than our accents or the Green Bay Packers – we’re a state with stunning landscapes, unique locations, and diverse, creative people whose stories deserve to be told.”

‘Winter Hymns’ – A golden opportunity

“Winter Hymns,” which was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio, was inspired by Deming’s father, a family physician who practiced palliative care late in his career. The unique drama, set over the course of a single day in a Midwest hospital, follows a dedicated palliative care doctor, played by Colleen Madden, who meets with a series of dying patients and their families.

Ethan Kulinski and Parker Cmeyla on the set of 'Winter Hymns.' / Parker Cmeyla

Working on a small budget, Deming reached out to O’Neill to see if video production students were available to help. O’Neill’s small-town connections also served well in helping Deming secure the lease of an affordable office building near the hospital in Menomonie for filming.

“Nathan learned about Stout’s program and the quality of our students,” said O’Neill, who’s taught video production for more than 20 years. “They’re composed, professional and excited to be on set. Working on the production of ‘Winter Hymns’ helped the university’s and the program’s profile, while giving the students professional experience. It was a symbiotic experience.”

Acero and Johnson joined Deming’s production team to help with lighting the week before principal photography. As second assistant camera, Johnson was responsible for changing lenses, helping build and prep the camera each day alongside Cmeyla, first assistant camera, and assisting with the on-set camera workflow. Acero served as production assistant, assisted the gaffer, operated the c-camera and ran sound.

Parker Cmeyla (right) on the set of 'Winter Hymns.' / Parker Cmeyla

The students also worked with sound recordist Roeske, who handed the main audio dialogue to a professional post-production sound mixer at Warner Bros.

“As the whole film takes place in a single room, we had to figure out how to make the doctor’s office visually appealing and squeeze a lot of visual variety out of this one location,” Acero said. “This short stint on an independent production was golden. I picked up so much new terminology, got to use tools that were a step above what I previously had, and I made professional connections that have already benefited me greatly.”

O’Neill added that watching professionals work, like cameraman Leo Purman, was life-changing for the students. “Watching his methods was an immersive experience for them that they wouldn’t have had in the classroom. In these guided experiences, they build soft skills while gaining knowledge of equipment and processes. They understand more and come back to the classroom changed in ways of professionalism,” he said.

Nathan Deming (right) and cinematographer Leo Purman on the set of 'Winter Hymns.' / Nathan Ouellette

2026 Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

The Unspooled Festival recognized outstanding achievements across multiple categories:

Best Documentary: “Making It” by Benjamin Mohr (M.F.A. design student).
Best of the Midwest: “A Date with Your Family” by Joel Sacramento (Madison)
Best Short Film: “Stay” by Aden Gonzalez (Racine)
Best Student Animation: “Badge of the Dead” directed by Hannah Brown (B.F.A. animation student)
Polytechnic Pioneers: “Delivery Life” directed by El Ovall (B.F.A. animation student)
Best High School: “Everything I Am, Everything I’m Not” by 17-year-old Xavier Alexander (Texas)
Best Student Short: “Seeing Diabetes” by Ryan Rumary (B.S. video production graduate)

The festival hosted animation premieres, including “Closet Combat 3” by alum Augustus Hinton, with support from a Minnesota Arts Grant; and “Glow” produced by Professor Jesse Woodward alongside several ��Ͽ� students.

Beyond screenings, the festival offered educational programming and workshops that provided hands-on industry experience to Wisconsin students, including ��Ͽ� Polytechnic students and secondary students from Eau Claire, Mauston and Milwaukee.

Guest speakers included Deming, who discussed the art of cinema and regional production, drawing on his decade-long “The Year Project” and his upcoming, untitled Wisconsin thriller. Jeff Kennel, an immersive documentary and editorial filmmaker who has documented conflict, post-disaster recovery, and poverty across 11 countries for NGOs like Americares, alongside commercial work for Trek Bikes and NMDP.

Eau Claire-based filmmaker Tim Schwagel joined the festival to share his invaluable expertise on the art of the short film. Guest speaker Hinton offered audiences an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his creative process. Bowling Green State University animation instructor Rachel Immel, Sacramento, and alum Reed Theship-Rosales led hands-on mentorship sessions for students.

The 2026 Unspooled Film and Animation Festival was supported by a $10,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation and the Modern Language Association.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s School of Art & Design offers bachelor’s 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.

Video Production

All Video Production News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie Video production, Winter Hymns, directed by Nathan Deming

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.

Learn More

Search Keywords: video production degreeWinter HymnsNathan DemingUnspooled Film and Animation Festival

Hero Caption: Nathan Deming (center left) directs Colleen Madden (center right) in a scene from 'Winter Hymns.' Photo by Nathan Ouellette.

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

giffeyt — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduategiffeyt June 2, 2026

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine Anderson’s creative ambition

Tom Giffey

Maya Anderson wanted to create something ambitious to cap off her B.S. video production degree at University of Wisconsin-Stout – something that would encapsulate her years of experience behind the camera, demonstrate her personal vision and set herself on a path toward professional success.

To meet these goals, Anderson traveled halfway around the world to Tokyo, overcoming jet lag and a language barrier to create a captivating music video with an underground Japanese rapper.

Anderson, who graduated May 16, had plenty of experience creating videos as part of the applied curriculum at ��Ͽ�, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University. “Even in my first week of freshman year we were already on shoots, setting up cameras and getting real-world practice,” she explained.

For her senior capstone project, Anderson sought a new challenge and a new locale, and she found herself drawn to the bustling capital city of Japan – a stark contrast to her small northern Wisconsin hometown of Marengo. “It’s always a goal of mine to keep shooting in new and unfamiliar places,” she said.

��Ͽ� video production student Maya Anderson, left, worked with Japanese rappers Mezz, center, and OnJuicy in an April video shoot in Tokyo. / Submitted photo

While she’s an experienced international traveler, Anderson had never visited Japan. However, she is fascinated with Japanese culture, especially its urban life, and cites director Gaspar Noé’s surrealistic film “Enter the Void” as an inspiration with its intimate, vibrant portrayal of Tokyo.

Originally, Anderson had intended to travel to Japan to create a stylized travel montage, said Assistant Professor Keif Oss, director of the B.S. video production program. As the project evolved, however, Oss and other faculty members encouraged her to produce something that could expand her portfolio in a more strategic and professionally marketable way, he said.

Anderson decided to make a music video – something she already had experience doing in the United States. Having honed her focus, Anderson was inspired to seek out creative partners in Japan. Through an online forum about underground Japanese rappers, she discovered a hip-hop artist, Mezz, and messaged her through Instagram. “Let’s do it!” responded the musician, and the pair planned and scheduled the video shoot over Zoom.

Maya Anderson's video for "Under the Moon," featuring Japanese performers Mezz and OnJuicy / YouTube

‘A crazy yet rewarding experience’

With the help of a student research grant through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Anderson booked a trip to Japan in late March and early April.

“Coming off a 13-hour flight, entering a 15-hour time zone change, then shooting a full music video within 24 hours was such a crazy yet rewarding experience,” Anderson said.

The young filmmaker collaborated on the video shoot for the song “Under the Moon” with Mezz, OnJuicy (another hip-hop artist), a gaffer, and a hair and makeup artist.

“Mezz was the only one who spoke English,” Anderson explained, “so I was directing using her and Google Translate, which worked out really well. It turned out to be one of my favorite shoots I’ve ever done.”

��Ͽ� student Maya Anderson talks about her video May 5 during Research Day at the Memorial Student Center.

Anderson said she tries to make her videos as immersive as possible to give viewers the sense they are experiencing them with her. “This is a huge reason I shoot almost everything handheld, so it gives my work a human feeling, with all my movements being intentional,” she said.

Eight hours of shooting were followed by a week-long editing process that was both digital and analog. “I love incorporating mixed media into my videos, which ends up being the most time-consuming part,” Anderson said. “I print out every frame of a specific section of the video, then individually draw or cut out each frame, scan them with my printer, and go frame by frame making the images into a video again.”

��Ͽ� video production student Maya Anderson, center, collaborated with Japanese performers and crew members to make a music video in Tokyo. / Submitted photo

Video enjoyed by viewers worldwide

The final video premiered online May 1 and immediately gained praise on social media – although once again Anderson had to rely on Google Translate to read what Mezz’s fans were saying.

Other praise came from closer to home when Anderson shared her video on campus May 5 during the annual Research Day event.

“I’m incredibly proud of her on many levels, and I think the work speaks for itself,” said Oss, who lauded the video as “creatively unique, beautifully designed, and very well executed.”

“Maya’s willingness to travel internationally and pursue a project of this scale says a great deal about both her drive and her creative ambition,” Oss continued. “Producing a film abroad requires a high level of initiative, independence, planning and resilience, especially as a student balancing the demands of a capstone production.”

Behind the scenes of the video shoot for "Under the Moon" in Tokyo. / Submitted photos

Oss added that Anderson’s experience reflects positively on ��Ͽ�’s video production program, which encourages students to think beyond the classroom and pursue real-world projects.

“Maya’s project is an example of students being supported in taking creative risks, applying for research funding and developing work that has personal vision and professional-level scope,” he said. “While not every student will travel internationally for a project, the program is designed to foster that kind of initiative, independence and experiential learning mindset.”

Anderson is thrilled that her capstone experience created a video that people around the world are enjoying.

“It’s an unreal feeling to have had this ambitious idea turn to reality,” Anderson said. “I definitely made my freshman-year self proud. I’m so grateful to have completed this project during my time at Stout, and I’m excited for what’s yet to come.”

Video Production

All Video Production News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition ��Ͽ� video production student Maya Anderson with Japanese musicians

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.

Learn More

Search Keywords: B.S. video production

Hero Caption: Maya Anderson was among the ��Ͽ� students who presented their work during the annual Research Day on May 5 at the Memorial Student Center.

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’s 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

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

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

goersab — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Productiongoersab May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary (’26)

Hometown: Watertown
Degree: B.S. Video Production
Minor: Graphic Media & Print Management

During his junior year in high school, Ryan Rumary took basic-level video production classes, creating media with minimal equipment.

“It sparked an interest in me to pursue the field further. I wanted an experience that allowed me to learn by doing, not by listening or watching someone else,” he said.

Rumary researched schools for video-related programs but found that many only offered minors or lecture-only classes.

“��Ͽ� stood out and offered me something different – a hands-on experience, where I would be able to produce meaningful creations that would further my skills, portfolio and myself,” he said.

Rumary received his B.S. in video production from ��Ͽ� on May 16, among more than 1,000 of his peers. He was hired before graduation as a full-time video content media manager for Pest Badger and will have a range of responsibilities, including photographing employees, writing scripts, filming content and uploading polished videos to social media feeds.

Of this year’s graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

Video production is such a vast field with tons of categories and niches. Production can range from short narratives, documentary forms, feature-length films, product photography and much more.

My favorite part of the process is the editing phase. I deeply enjoy seeing my efforts come together into one final comprehensive story. I would love to leave a transformative impact on the editing process by creating visuals that make people question how I was able to achieve such a thing.

My goal is to inspire people to think and create outside the box.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

Thanks to ��Ͽ�’s hands-on learning approach, I’ve been able to turn theory into practice. There hasn’t been a semester where I haven’t had the opportunity to create something with my hands that pushes my portfolio and skills further.

My first semester here, I was even able to create a short film, “Chairs,” with my newfound friends. It’s a short film about sentient furniture and their long history of interacting with each other. Seriously, who thinks of something like that? “Chairs” was selected for the 2024 Unspooled Film & Animation Festival and the 2025 Ely Film Festival. It was the inaugural winner of the Best Comedy – Short Film at the 2024 Milwaukee Independent Film Awards.

From there, I’ve gone on to develop multiple more projects, such as “Unrest,” my first short film project as a director; “Caffeine Cultures,” a documentary about the reliance on caffeine in our society; and a marketing campaign called “Step into the Movement” for the global 2025 D&AD New Blood competition. Most recently, my senior capstone project, “Seeing Diabetes,” is a poetic documentary showcasing the vignetted realities of an individual struggling with Type 1 Diabetes. It was awarded Best Student Short at the 2026 Unspooled Film & Animation Festival.

What were your greatest lessons or projects in your internships?

I’ve had plenty of both volunteer experience and real-world work opportunities because of Stout. My most recent client work was with the Menomonie Rotary Feeds Club, where I created a personalized workplace explainer video to help train new volunteers. For the past two years, I’ve also been an Unspooled Animation & Film Festival volunteer, helping set up the event and photographing important moments for their socials. My corporate photography group and I were even able to produce a department overview video directly for the chair of the English, philosophy and communication studies department.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

Some of my favorite memories have been made here at Stout, and I’m grateful for that. I’ve met so many wonderful people; friends that I’ll carry on through the rest of my life, and professors that I can rely on when I need advice.

One of my favorite leadership opportunities was getting to help teach new video production students in our early program courses. Being a Video Production Lab assistant allowed me to help educate new students about our specialty video gear and lighting techniques across two different core classes.

I was even able to achieve one of my major dreams by snorkeling in a coral reef during my study abroad in Belize. Not to mention also getting to view flocks of scarlet macaws and interacting with multiple cultures different from my own.

I truly believe these memories will carry on with me as I go forward in my life, and I’m truly thankful that I was able to achieve all this in only a small matter of time.

How did your involvement impact your experience?

The Video Production Club would meet every Tuesday night, and I would frequent it as often as I could. VPC was where most of my friendships turned into strong ones. We were able to share our videos, photos, ideas, and other creations freely with people who had the same desire to grow and better their skillsets. It’s a fun club that’s not video production exclusive, so anyone, regardless of their major, can join.

The video production program also has a special Mac Lab on the first floor of the Communications Technology building, where other students and I would gather and work on projects. I’ve probably spent most of my college career in that lab, and I’ve loved every minute I’ve gotten to share in that space with my friends. The VP Mac lab is truly a mix of the perfect work environment, post-class lounge or high-energy hotspot. There’s been plenty of secret late-night pizza parties there, too (don’t tell Matt Wysocki).

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

I took an aggressive approach to completing my major. I came into Stout with the intention to graduate as soon as I could. That quickly changed as I realized that if I wanted to properly learn and develop new skills, I would need to pace myself and learn at a speed where I could comprehend what was being taught to me. There were plenty of instances where I would bite off more than I could chew, and managing multiple high-level projects at once really took a toll on me. But despite that, I was able to fall back and rely on my friends to help me get through those tough times.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

The thing I’m most proud of as I finish this chapter of my life and my degree, is that I was able to look an opportunity in the eyes and seize it. I’ve gotten to do so much throughout my time at Stout,

I’ve made wonderful lifelong friends, created astounding things alongside incredibly talented individuals, worked for various clients, secured a job in the field, and even studied abroad in Belize. The memories I’ve captured here will last me my lifetime.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It’s not where you are in the room; all that matters is that you’re in the room. Be kind and compassionate to your fellow humans; after all, it’s their first time living, too. Be happy and proud of the work you’ve made thus far, but don’t ever stay complacent; always push yourself and strive for something greater. That way, you not only help yourself but also inspire those alongside you.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their ��Ͽ� Polytechnic Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

Inspiring Graduate: Rosella Wille, B.S. Business Administration

Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger Ryan Rumary

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.

Learn More

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ��Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning

Search Keywords: B.S. Video Production

Is content a Story?: Yes

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Canon selects ��Ͽ� for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographer

giffeyt — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Canon selects ��Ͽ� for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographergiffeyt April 23, 2026

Shana Hagan, ASC, has worked on everything from Oscar-winning documentaries to hit sitcoms

Tom Giffey

Shana Hagan, right, is shown filming actress Amy Poehler for an episode of "Parks and Recreation." / Photo courtesy Shana Hagan

Cinematographer Shana Hagan, ASC, whose work ranges from Academy Award-winning documentaries to hit TV sitcoms, brought professional advice and hands-on inspiration to ��Ͽ� recently as part of Canon’s Explorers of Light program.

The Canon program, which recruits world-class cinematographers and photographers as brand ambassadors, only visits about 10 campuses annually. Hagan came to ��Ͽ� April 13-15, speaking to video production students about her career, holding a screening of her work, working with video and photo classes on topics such as editing and production, and reviewing student portfolios.

Hagan was among the first six cinematographers added to the Explorers of Light program in 2024. Her 30-year resume as a cinematographer and director of photography includes work on TV series like NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” and HBO’s Peabody and Emmy-winning “Somebody Somewhere”; documentaries such as “Queen of Versailles,” “Taylor Swift: Miss Americana” and the Oscar-winning “Breathing Lessons.” Hagan won an Emmy for her work on the documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” and was nominated for an Emmy for the hit reality series “Survivor.”

“My week at ��Ͽ� has proven to me that the future is bright,” Hagan said. “I was absolutely blown away with the quality of work from the students. I admire their passion for filmmaking and their thirst for knowledge.”

��Ͽ� Lecturer Co O'Neill, left, and cinematographer Shana Hagan watch video monitors during a student-led video production exercise.

Cinematographer shares professional skills

Hagan offered lectures and hands-on workshops during her visit, focusing on topics such as camera coverage, lensing choices, lighting techniques and set etiquette. During a workshop with B.S. video production seniors on April 14, Hagan covered all these subjects and more while helping students record a short mockumentary-style video.

As Hagan offered suggestions, about 20 students adjusted lighting, prepared cameras and monitors, hoisted boom mics, and performed in the brief sketch, which will be used to introduce students’ films during the upcoming School of Art & Design Senior Show on Friday, May 8. During a break in the action, Assistant Professor Keif Oss explained that the workshop allowed Hagan to demonstrate her mockumentary-making skills. Among her many Hollywood credits are mockumentary-style series such as “Parks and Recreation,” “Arrested Development” and “Welcome to Flatch.”

“Embrace the imperfections,” Hagan told the students before they began multiple takes of the sketch. “Sometimes the imperfect makes it feel more real.”

Cinematographer Shana Hagan, right, consults a script with ��Ͽ� video production students Luka Sunjic, center, and Sam Cheney, left.

Early in the process, Hagan advised the camera operators to stand in the space and watch a take of the scene unfold with only their eyes, not through a monitor or camera eyepiece. “The No. 1 rule on set is to pay attention,” she explained.

The director of the classroom project, senior Luka Sunjic of New Berlin, said it was a privilege to work with someone who had such extensive industry experience.

“Shana was so knowledgeable and down-to-earth, and she really cares about the medium,” Sunjic said. “I learned a lot about her style. I think what I appreciate most about Shana and her work is how she is able to use cinematography to convey emotion in the frame.”

Sunjic, who will graduate in May, said he attended nearly every event Hagan held on campus. “Shana offered a unique perspective into the industry and offered a lot of helpful advice that I will take with me after graduation,” he said.

Cinematographer Shana Hagan, left, and Assistant Professor Keif Oss, consult before Hagan shares some of her film work with students.

Canon builds strong relationship with ��Ͽ�

Oss, who is program director for the video production program, said ��Ͽ� has built a strong relationship with Canon over the past six years, hosting annual fall visits that include hands-on production workshops using the latest cameras and lenses.

“Canon tends to choose schools where students demonstrate strong engagement and enthusiasm for the craft, which our students have continually shown during these interactions,” Oss said. “I frequently hear the engagement level by ��Ͽ� video production students stands out in a national crowd.”

Taking part in intensive workshops with an award-winning professional of Hagan’s caliber is a clear demonstration of ��Ͽ�’s polytechnic identity, Oss added.

“Bringing consistent, outside industry expertise into the classroom strengthens the connection between theory and practice, ensuring students gain immediately relevant, career-ready skills,” he said. “This kind of engagement adds meaningful value across every aspect of what defines a polytechnic education.”

Hagan said she advises students to get as much experience as possible in school and to work on as many projects as they can, taking each as an opportunity to make a new connection, hone a new skill or use a new piece of equipment.

“I love that this next generation of filmmakers has so many opportunities for work,” she said. “Studios and networks along with streamers and other online platforms provide so many different avenues for an incredibly diverse variety of content.”

��Ͽ�’s School of Art & Design is one of the largest public art schools in the Midwest. It offers bachelor’s 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. ��Ͽ� also has a new program in game and media studies.

Video Production

All Video Production News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

Shana Hagan, ASC, has worked on everything from Oscar-winning documentaries to hit sitcoms Cinematographer Shana Hagan and ��Ͽ� video student

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.

Learn More

Search Keywords: video productionindustry partnershipsCanon Explorers of Light

Hero Caption: Cinematographer Shana Hagan, right, works with video production major Sam Cheney during a recent visit to ��Ͽ�.

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

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10

goersab — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:21:20 +0000

Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10goersab April 21, 2026

Teen drama ‘Badge of the Dead’ and supernatural comedy ‘You Must Destroy’ among diverse lineup

Abbey Goers

Girl Scouts and turkeys and zombies! Oh, my! Animation and digital media and video production seniors are busy wrapping up their capstone projects before setting their cinematic monsters loose at the 4th Annual Unspooled Film & Animation Festival on Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, at ��Ͽ�’s Harvey Hall Theatre.

“Badge of the Dead” – a six-minute animated short, created by a team of nine students under the name Studio Juice – invites viewers to camp out with three scouts as they navigate life, death and teen drama in the zombie apocalypse.

“You Must Destroy” – a 15-minute short film written and directed by Doran Acero – is a supernatural comedy love letter to growing up in an exceptionally strange and beautiful place.

Sana, Charlie and Mack ready for an epic zombie battle in 'Badge of the Dead.' / Studio Juice

Unspooled showcases the very best in independent filmmaking and animation from both emerging and seasoned storytellers, offering a diverse lineup of genres and styles to enjoy.

Beyond the screenings, the festival offers unique workshops led by industry professionals, guest speakers, and lively panel discussions. Gain insights into the filmmaking process and get a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of cinema.

Purchase tickets to Unspooled, part of ��Ͽ�’s Spring Showcase lineup of events.

‘Badge of the Dead’ by Studio Juice

After they’re left to the mercies of the undead during a zombie apocalypse, scouts Charlie, Mack and Sana must find a way to get along and work together to escape camp or be eaten by an onslaught of other campers and zombified forest creatures.

“Badge of the Dead” is created by Studio Juice:

Creative director, writer: Hannah Brown, of Appleton
Technical producer, master editor: Mady Hill, of Monroe
Character design lead: Jenna Good, of Victoria, Minnesota
Key art, background, merchandise: Kaleigh Kahl, of Mazeppa, Minnesota
Background, cleanup, social media: Renee Smith, of Janesville
Background, sound design: Novie Touchstone, of Waukesha
Special effects, compositing, editing: Jordan Grover, of Minneapolis
Rough animation: Paige Atherton, of Elysian, Minnesota
Rough animation, cleanup: Jack Carson, of St. Paul.

Studio Juice members Jenna Good, Kaleigh Kahl, Mady Hill, Renee Smith, Novie Touchstone, Paige Atherton, Jordan Grover and Hannah Brown.

Brown was a Girl Scout and would often play around with the idea of apocalyptic survival scenarios. She was inspired to make “Badge of the Dead” during an animation class last summer. “I created this weird art in class of a hardened warrior-scout with a nail bat and a gas mask,” she said.

“Every good idea starts with a piece of art,” Grover added.

'Badge of the Dead' movie poster and early concept art by Hannah Brown. / Studio Juice

With a heavy emphasis on character relationships, “Badge of the Dead” is geared toward teenagers and pre-teens. The setting is similar to the popular graphic novel-turned Netflix hit “The Last Kids on Earth.” Their style of animation in Good’s character designs and Kahl’s stylistic backgrounds are reminiscent of the Disney XD show “Gravity Falls.” Their capstone advisor, Professor Michael Heagle, worked with Touchstone to compose several soundtracks.

Studio Juice’s biggest challenge came in a moment they called “Bus Gate.” Scene six of “Badge of the Dead” is an action sequence – the piece de resistance – when the scouts must find a way to escape on a bus. “We animated scene six early on because it’s so big, but there was a huge continuity issue between shots of the bus in the background created by different animators,” Touchstone said.

Either the door placement was wrong, or the bus would be facing different directions from scene to scene. “In early production, there is such a cinematic importance to have 100% agreement by the team,” said Good, who created the team’s 10-page animation style guide.

Angular animation styles in 'Badge of the Dead' are reminiscent of the popular show 'Gravity Falls.' / Studio Juice

Studio Juice received a Student Research Grant through ��Ͽ�’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to study how having the biggest animation capstone group to date affects their productivity and project management. They’re looking to prove that a larger capstone group works if structured right and will set ��Ͽ� up to have better animated shorts in the future, replicating the industry standard for larger crews.

Historically, ��Ͽ� has had small capstone groups. With Studio Juice having nine members, they feel that their group is the most on track this semester to have their project completed ahead of time. From December through mid-April, they clocked 1,037 hours working on “Badge of the Dead.”

“Larger teams allow people to work at their best within their niche. It leaves room for specialization,” Good said. “It also helps with consistency between shots because it’s easier to catch errors with more eyes in the editing process.”

Relationship building between the characters Sana, Mack and Charlie is a major theme in 'Badge of the Dead.' / Studio Juice

The grant funds supported the purchase of ToonBoom Harmony licenses for each animator. “This is the animation software that’s available on Stout’s campus computers, but we wanted our own personal Mac licenses so that we could work wherever. That way, we aren’t chained to the computer lab to get work done, which has greatly improved our productivity,” Brown said.

Follow the progress and view concept art for “Badge of the Dead” on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

‘You Must Destroy’ by Doran Acero

“You Must Destroy” is set in the fictitious town of Devils Kettle in northern Minnesota and follows two U.S. Forest Service personnel, Glen and Joey, who are tasked by Head Ranger Rusty to destroy their old mascot costume, Twigs the Turkey. When they improperly dispose of the suit, they find out why there were strict protocols in place – it’s alive and is coming back after them.

'You Must Destroy' Director Doran Acero on set with crew outside of Grand Marais. / Doran Acero

Growing up in Grand Marais in the north woods on Lake Superior, Acero has both heard stories of and borne witness to natural wonders, the metaphysical world and strange true crime.

“I was lucky enough to grow up in this environment, and I wanted to make a short film that captures some of its humor and magic. This world has been bouncing around in my head for so long,” he said.

In his research, Acero found that the U.S. Forest Service had a protocol for destroying its old mascot costumes of Woodsy Owl, and that the costumes should be disposed of by incineration beyond recognition. “I don’t know. It seems extreme. It seems weird. It inspired me to make a short film,” he said.

U.S. Forest Service Rangers Glen and Joey, played by SJ Olson and Kelly Harris. / Doran Acero

Acero also wanted to work with people he already knew. The main cast of characters is:

Rusty: He's got to wear a lot of hats – boss, father figure, medic. Played by Audric Buhr, theater director at ��Ͽ�.
Glen: The youngest old-timer you will ever meet, who is utterly bored with the town of Devils Kettle, but who is also expected to take over the department when Rusty retires. Played by SJ Olson, director of education at Duluth Playhouse.
Joey: A new recruit – it’s literally his first day. Played by Kelly Harris, a video production student from Eau Claire.

Head Ranger Rusty, played by Audric Buhr. / Doran Acero

Filmed in Grand Marais, featuring local establishments like The Fisherman’s Daughter and Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters off the Gunflint Trail, Acero leveraged the perks of coming from a small town and generous community. And with filming completed in just three days, Acero acknowledged that “something like this, you cannot do as a team of one.”

“You Must Destroy” crew includes video production alumni, students and friends: assistant director MG Gillis-Gambrell, director of photography Ethan Kullinski, assistant camera Bennet Johnson, runner Shelby Kraco, gaffer Nick Houchin, craft services Hartley Newell-Acero, script supervisor Brynn Crandal, sound Adam Trampel, and production assistants Cammi Bertossi and Nina Kitts.

The cast and crew of 'You Must Destroy.' / Doran Acero

The short film is supported through generous donations on the crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark. Acero also received a Student Research Grant through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs to obtain a professionally-made turkey mascot costume. The suit arrived just two and a half weeks before shooting.

“I was getting nervous, but all’s well that ends well,” said Acero, who hopes to continue to build the folklore and supernatural stories surrounding his characters. “I do want to keep doing projects like this – to make fun, creative narrative stuff in this place that I love. I have wanted to make something like this for a very long time, just ask my mom. She has had to put up with a thousand half-baked supernatural comedy plot lines for years now.”

Additional Spring Showcase events

Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m.: Stout Fashion Show, showcasing innovative capstone collections from fashion design and development seniors.
Tuesday, May 5: Research Day, celebrating the research and creative work of students, faculty, and staff from all fields.
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.: Stout Game Expo (SGX), western Wisconsin’s largest game developer exhibition.
Friday, May 8, 6 p.m.: School of Art & Design Senior Show, celebrating more than 120 graduating seniors’ creative works.
Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28: Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, is a collaborative group of community organizations bringing in international mural artists.

��Ͽ�’s School of Art & Design offers bachelor’s 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. ��Ͽ� also has a new program in game and media studies.

School of Art & Design

All School of Art & Design News

Students, staff turn community into a canvas during Murals in Menomonie

Muralists from around the U.S. and world join university artists and volunteers for public art event

High school students complete university-level project to create spaces that inspire

Interior design camp, industry-standard software introduces campers to career paths in residential, commercial design

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Teen drama ‘Badge of the Dead’ and supernatural comedy ‘You Must Destroy’ among diverse lineup You Must Destroy, Unspooled 2026

University Marketing

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

A ��Ͽ� supported community event showcasing innovative works of film and animation by students and independent producers.

B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media

Combine your passions for art, design, and technology while enjoying collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Search Keywords: Unspooled Film and Animation Festival

Hero Caption: Glen, played by SJ Olson, stares into the soul of Twigs the Turkey in 'You Must Destroy.'

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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

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

��Ͽ� professor brings aspects of grandfather’s 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

Abbey Goers

As an instructor of documentary filmmaking at ��Ͽ�, Assistant Professor Keif Oss’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s experiences.”

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assisted Film and Video Production course will launch at ��Ͽ� 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.

Video Production

All Video Production News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

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

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.

Learn More

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

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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

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

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

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

Abbey Goers

This summer at ��Ͽ�, 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, ��Ͽ� 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’s 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.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

��Ͽ� gets $19 million federal grant to manage statewide manufacturing program

MOC gets federal designation as Wisconsin’s statewide leader in supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers

��Ͽ� AI experts give AARP readers tips on navigating a chatbot-powered world

��Ͽ� AI technologist, STEMM professor recommend thinking critically, protecting personal data

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and ��Ͽ� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

Wheeler’s ‘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

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.

Learn More

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’s 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’s dramatic natural beauty. This experience deepened his understanding of visual storytelling and enriched his approach to teaching and creating art.

Currently, Jonny’s 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

Include in Directory: Yes

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

Program

All Degree Programs

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

Web Production

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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

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

On the vanguard: An artificial intelligence filmmaking course emerges at ��Ͽ�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 ��Ͽ� 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s not your work, and 2) It’s 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 ��Ͽ� 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’s 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.

Video Production

All Video Production News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Students, alums assist in Deming’s unique medical drama ‘Winter Hymns,’ filmed in Menomonie

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Language barrier, jet lag can’t undermine video production student’s creative ambition

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

Hired before graduation as video content media manager for Pest Badger

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

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.

Learn More

Artificial Intelligence at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic

Explore how ��Ͽ� is leading AI innovation with hands-on research, industry partnerships, and real-world solutions.

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

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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

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

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

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

Abbey Goers

Traveling across one of the world’s most artistically vibrant cities this summer, ��Ͽ� 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’s 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’s in art education at ��Ͽ�, 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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 ��Ͽ� to pursue his M.F.A. in design. “I felt this would afford me better career opportunities. Having received my bachelor’s 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’s move to filmmaking was a recent one. When researching graduate programs, he discovered that ��Ͽ� offers video production courses and decided to pursue a concentration in filmmaking for his master’s 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 ��Ͽ�’s 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’s 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.

Design

All Design News

Inspiring Graduate: Bex Cermin, M.F.A. Design

Prepared as an artist and designer to be an entrepreneur

#StoutProud Alum: Andrew Murphy ('18)

Andrew Murphy shares about his time at ��Ͽ�, leadership influences and how he is giving back to others.

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

Mohr creates artistic statement on what it means to be a musician in one of the world’s most diverse cities

Mohr creates artistic statement on what it means to be a musician in one of the world’s most diverse cities Ben Mohr, London musicians documentary

University Marketing

M.F.A. Design

Our M.F.A. Design program combines your passions for practical problem-solving and innovative teaching.

Learn More

Search Keywords: Master of Fine Arts in Designmaster's in design program

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

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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

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

Going national: ��Ͽ� 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’s 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 ��Ͽ� 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 ��Ͽ�’s 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 ��Ͽ�’s 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 ��Ͽ� 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’s 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.

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

Examination of Alzheimer’s, 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’s and Dementia.”

Vicchiollo’s 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’s because of how her grandfather’s diagnosis with the disease had impacted her family. She began by photographing Walk to End Alzheimer’s 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’s 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’s Association, who was so impressed by Vicchiollo’s 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’s work received Student Honorable Mention Award at ��Ͽ�’s 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’s 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 ��Ͽ� 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’s 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 ��Ͽ� 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’s 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’s 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, ��Ͽ� 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 ��Ͽ� student Jessica Qualich, left, conducts research at the Jarvis Hall greenhouse.

University Marketing

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

We support students, faculty and staff with research efforts, grant funding and applications, IRB protocol, and more.

Search Keywords: National Conference of Undergraduate ResearchNCURResearch Day

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

News

Video production program work highlights viability of Wisconsin as film hub

Bringing filmmaking to the Midwest

‘Winter Hymns’ – A golden opportunity

2026 Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

B.S. Video Production

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ���Ͽ� graduate

‘A crazy yet rewarding experience’

Video enjoyed by viewers worldwide

B.S. Video Production

Inspiring Graduate: Ryan Rumary, B.S. Video Production

B.S. Video Production

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ���Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Canon selects ���Ͽ� for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographer

Cinematographer shares professional skills

Canon builds strong relationship with ���Ͽ�

B.S. Video Production

Animation, video seniors' short films featured alongside seasoned storytellers at Unspooled, May 9-10

‘Badge of the Dead’ by Studio Juice

‘You Must Destroy’ by Doran Acero

Unspooled Film & Animation Festival

B.F.A. Animation & Digital Media

B.S. Video Production

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

B.S. Video Production

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

B.S. Video Production

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

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

A means to enhance, not replace human creativity

B.S. Video Production

Artificial Intelligence at ���Ͽ� Polytechnic

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

The making of ‘Making It’

M.F.A. Design

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

Robotic study seeks optimized plant growth

Examination of Alzheimer’s, dementia draws high-level praise

Students explore efficient melding of 2D, 3D animation

Broad spectrum of research

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

Creating music video for underground Japanese rapper is culmination of degree experience for ��Ͽ� graduate

Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ��Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

Canon selects ��Ͽ� for exclusive Explorers of Light program with award-winning cinematographer

Canon builds strong relationship with ��Ͽ�

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

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

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

Artificial Intelligence at ��Ͽ� Polytechnic

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