That challenge served as the catalyst for a collaboration between the School of Literature, Media, and Communication (LMC) and the Boys and Girls Clubs that has culminated in a commercial that’s now slated for national distribution. The project will serve as a strong portfolio item for the students as they pursue future opportunities in film production while helping build awareness and donations for the Boys and Girls Clubs. 

“It was very exciting to get to work on something with such a big impact and real-life application,” said Lila Parker, the project’s student director. She will graduate this Spring with a degree in Literature, Media, and Communication.

Parker’s vision was selected from a series of competitive pitches delivered by six students enrolled in a special topics cinematography course overseen by John Thornton, LMC's director of film and media. Students Charity Dawson, Jordan Green, Natalie Howlette, Taylor Lee, and Erica Yun comprised the crew and took on various roles to make the commercial a reality.

“During our first meeting, Tiffany told us to dream big. That stuck with me and evolved into the concept for the ad, which I titled, ‘Not Just a Dream,’ Parker said. “The ad starts with a kid sleeping and transitions into a whimsical, dreamy sequence showing pursuits like art and athletics. It then switches to show that this is actually reality for these kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs. The message is that the club provides the resources to make these big dreams come true.” 

The partnership originated when Simmons sought a fresh perspective from a younger demographic to modernize the organization’s creative content. 

The production involved a two-day shoot, including location filming at a Boys and Girls Club venue and studio work in the Skiles Building, where students designed and constructed their own sets.  

Beyond academic credit, participants gained hands-on experience in pre-production, script finalization, and equipment coordination. 

The resulting commercial will be integrated into the Boys and Girls Clubs’ paid advertising on television and YouTube to drive awareness and donations. Simmons said she intends to share those metrics with the students to help bolster their resumes. 

“In my twelve years of marketing, these students are by far the most advanced I have ever worked with,” Simmons said. 

The initiative, which Simmons said she expects will become an annual partnership, highlights LMC's commitment to providing students with industry-standard opportunities that bridge the gap between the classroom and the professional media landscape, according to Thornton. 

“It’s a tremendous advantage for college graduates who are interested in pursuing film as a career to leave school with meaningful real-world examples of the kind of work they’re capable of doing,” he said. “These are the kinds of opportunities we’re excited to offer at LMC, and we’re grateful to the Boys and Girls Club for the opportunity to partner on this great project.” 

The School of Literature, Media, and Communication offers a concentration in media, including film, as part of the Bachelor of Science in Literature, Media, and Communication, as well as a minor in film and media studies.