by Nick Thomsen
5 student film maker finalists from partnered universities received $15,000 to create a 35 second film for the Coca Cola Regal Films nation-wide competition. Today, SCAD’s “Choose Happy” team was announced the grand prize winner.
The commercial was manned entirely by SCAD students. Production designers, art directors, gaffers and many more were given the opportunity to choose happy. Director and second year student, Devon Solwold, teamed up with Producer and fourth year student, Shayain Lakhani, to produce a winning script that received full funding by Coco-Cola and Regal.
Marketing Coordinator and Producer, Emily Dillard, spoke about the creative process with Coca Cola and Regal. “It’s the best icing on the cake to be recognized for those accomplishments on behalf of the team,” said Dillard, a second year student.
“Choose Happy”s Instagram account boasts 10,000 followers, showing the unyielding support students and people across the country have had for the student film. In addition to behind the scenes coverage of their endeavors, separate shorts were released for social-only to encourage the audience to continue sharing and supporting the filmmakers.
Solwold and Lakhani flew to CinemaCon in Las Vegas this week to hear that they officially won the Coca-Cola and Regal competition. CinemaCon is a five-day event where industry professionals and creatives come to discuss the future of film and current projects brewing.
Olivia Wilde announced the winners on her personal Instagram, stating that the winners will receive a RED camera and Zeiss lenses for themselves and SCAD as well.
“Choose Happy” will be shown at Regal Cinemas nationwide starting this summer.
Nick Thomsen is the Chief Photo Editor at District. He is currently a Sophomore Photo Major who will graduate in 2021.
