Students in Digital Storytelling 492C, a special topics course in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, earned seven Crystal Pillar awards at the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Production Awards (NATAS).
The recognition contributed to a strong overall showing for ComArtSci, whose students earned 15 Crystal Pillar awards and 33 nominations across categories including news, sports, documentary, fiction film and commercials production — the most of any school in the state.
Presented annually by the NATAS Michigan Chapter, the Student Production Awards recognize excellence in student-produced television and media work among both high school and college students across Michigan. Crystal Pillar awards represent the competition’s highest honor.
Digital Storytelling 492C: Building Your Creative Portfolio is a two-semester course designed to help students build professional portfolios through hands-on production experience. Amol Pavangadkar, professor of practice in the School of Journalism and instructor of the course, submitted 10 student projects for consideration. All 10 received nominations, and seven earned Crystal Pillar awards.
“It’s a testament to the students’ effort and commitment,” Pavangadkar said. “The course is run more like a production environment than a lecture course, so students experience the same kind of collaboration, competition and teamwork they’ll encounter in the industry.”
Pavangadkar said students in the course gain experience using RED cameras and other industry-standard equipment while developing technical and professional skills including problem-solving, multitasking and team management. Students also receive mentorship from Brian Kusch, broadcast and systems information engineer and instructor; Brant Wells, senior director of station operations at WKAR Public Media; and Tim Kelley, an award-winning sound designer.
“In a competitive job market, experiences like this help students build confidence,” Pavangadkar said. “They’re learning how to organize projects, work across multiple teams and present themselves professionally before they graduate.”
Because the competition also recognizes high school student work, the event brought prospective students and families to campus for the ceremony. Attendees had the opportunity to tour facilities, meet current students and learn more about the college’s academic programs. Pavangadkar said several high school students attending the event spoke with current students afterward about potentially joining the program in the future.
A full list of nominees and winners is available through the NATAS Michigan Chapter.