digital media arts | University of Ჹɲʻ System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:50:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg digital media arts | University of Ჹɲʻ System News /news 32 32 28449828 Lights, camera, concert: 鶹ýMasterclass teaches how to build careers in music, media /news/2025/11/13/uh-masterclass-music-media/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:48:32 +0000 /news/?p=225307 Students worked alongside professional production teams at the Holo Holo Music Festival.

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Group photo with "I Can" signs
Image courtesy of Visionize Media
Group photo
Industry professionals and award-winning musicians who took part in the masterclass, from left: Teddy Barbosa, Brian Wallace, Chariya Willis, Keilana Mokulehua, Fia “The Artist Fia” Esene, Leiʻa Haff, Jewelyn Lui, Sanoe Damon, Antonio Agosto and Wendy Tatsuno (Image courtesy of Visionize Media)

The Art of Music Media Masterclass, recently hosted by the University of 鶹ý–West Oʻahu, offered local creatives—including working professionals, hobbyists and students—an intensive, free workshop merging film production and music industries. The masterclass, held two days in October, aimed to grow skills through real-world experience.

Nearly two dozen participants joined the workshop, including students from UH West Oʻahu, UH ԴDz, Honolulu Community College, and Kapiʻolani Community College. The goal was to build confidence and community through education.

Students learned technical skills, such as video lighting, shooting, editing and workflow, alongside professional aspects, such as backstage etiquette, ethics and professionalism. For the hands-on capstone, selected students shot content alongside real production teams during the Holo Holo Music Festival.

One student reflected, “Being part of a real working media team—whether in a studio setting or at a live concert—made the learning practical and unforgettable.”

Connected industry skills

Instructor Antonio J. Agosto, Visionize Media co-founder and a former UH West Oʻahu student, designed the program drawing on his 15 years of experience in concert and festival production.

Man sitting and playing an ukulele with a microphone in front of him
Josh Tatofi, Grammy nominated artist and multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards recipient, was among the talent who took part in the masterclass (Image courtesy of Visionize Media)

Agosto explained the course focused on educating photographers, videographers and storytellers on how to work in live music environments while also giving musicians and performers the chance to understand how media plays a role in their careers.

“The Art of Music Media Masterclass was created to bring together two industries that are often connected but rarely taught side by side—film production and the music industry,” Agosto said.

Agosto also emphasized that the training was designed to foster local talent.

“It wasn’t just about teaching camera skills; it was about showing how creatives in 鶹ý can build sustainable careers without having to leave home,” he said. “This masterclass wasn’t just a class—it was a reminder that 鶹ý can lead in storytelling. We just need the right opportunities and a strong community to make it happen.”

The collaborative effort was launched by Visionize Media, and presented by International Cultural Arts Network (ICAN) in partnership with UH West Oʻahu, KS Kaiāulu, Zippy’s, Good Vibez Presents and Visionize Media.

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

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Lights, camera, action! How Kainoa Kaeha honed his skills at Leeward CC /news/2025/08/20/lights-camera-action-kaeha-leeward-cc/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:26:10 +0000 /news/?p=220599 Leeward CC alumnus Kainoa Kaeha transformed campus opportunities into a thriving film future.

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In high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapalama, aspiring filmmaker Kainoa Kaeha wasnʻt sure where to start when it came to choosing a college. His high school advisors pointed him toward mainland universities, but Kaeha felt that Leeward Community College was the right fit.

Kainoa with camera
Kaeha behind the camera
Grad at podium
Kaeha speaking at Leeward CC graduation

“I chose Leeward because it’s more affordable, as well as their digital media program was right up my alley,” Kaeha said. “I regret nothing.”

At Leeward CC, Kaeha thrived in smaller classes and the close-knit environment. He gained valuable skills by getting involved on campus. Kaeha joined the student-produced campus publication to develop his photo, video and graphic design skills. Eventually, he got involved with student government, serving as president for a year and a half.

“I was making connections with my friends and coworkers, especially when it comes to leadership. I was starting to learn how to communicate effectively,” said Kaeha.

Scholarship support opens doors

After earning an associate’s degree in liberal arts and multiple digital media certificates from Leeward CC in 2024, Kaeha turned his sights to UH ԴDz. One concern was the cost of tuition. His plan was simple: apply for as many scholarships as possible.

The hard work paid off as he was awarded the UH ԴDz Presidential Scholarship, granting him full tuition for the school year and a total of $4,000 in stipend and travel grants.

“I’m more comfortable, I’m not stressing out as much so I can do better in class and make more connections,” Kaeha said. “The easiest word is thank you, and appreciation and gratitude. To give others that power of financial stability or comfort in order to do better in school, it’s really amazing.”

Kaeha plans to graduate from the School of Cinematic Arts in spring 2026.

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辱ʻDZԾ CC, 鶹ýԴDz, 鶹ýWest ʻ students shine at college advertising awards /news/2025/06/17/2025-pele-awards/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 01:05:57 +0000 /news/?p=217531 Students earn statewide recognition for design, media, branding and digital storytelling.

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Retro lunch boxes with Sweet Tooth design
Sweet Tooth Dessert House by Emiri Miyaji

University of Ჹɲʻ students received top honors for their creative excellence at the , a statewide competition hosted by the (AAF) Ჹɲʻ to celebrate outstanding achievement in advertising and design.

辱ʻDZԾ Community College’s New Media Arts (NMA) program earned 13 of the 16 awards presented in the college division this year. Students from 辱ʻDZԾ CC, UH ԴDz, and UH West ʻ earned awards across categories, including packaging, editorial design, logo development, interactive media, and illustration.

Best of Show

Sweet Tooth takeout packaging design
Sweet Tooth Dessert House by Emiri Miyaji

Among this year’s honorees, 辱ʻDZԾ CC student Emiri Miyaji received College Best of Show, the top award in the college division, for her branding and packaging project, . This marks the eighth time a 辱ʻDZԾ CC New Media Arts student has won this award, and the second consecutive year the college has earned the title. Miyaji also received Pele Gold for the same project and a $1,500 scholarship through the Nella Media Group Network and Eleven 17 Creative Scholarship Program.

“As a beginner designer, building confidence can be tough, so having my work recognized by industry professionals I admire was truly an honor,” Miyaji said. “This project was my final submission for school, and with complete creative freedom, it was a joy to create. My habit of closely observing the world around me—whether through travel or simply appreciating everyday signage—sharpened my design instincts and gave me a rich pool of ideas to draw from during brainstorming.”

National award

Black and white images of S. Neil Fujita
S. Neil Fujita’s Visionary Fusion by Hanna Shibata

In addition to student recognitions at the state level, 辱ʻDZԾ CC student Hanna Shibata received a national AAF award in the category of online and interactive website (desktop or mobile) for her project .

“As an experienced designer who decided to challenge myself and expand my creativity in different disciplines, it is humbling to hear that my achievement is recognized at such a high level,” said Shibata. “I also believe it’s a testimony to the quality of education the NMA program that 辱ʻDZԾ CC provides. Learning at the New Media Arts program was an eye-opening, inspiring experience for me. The faculty was supportive, and my cohort was great people to work with.”

Across the UH System

Woman's face with magenta and blue lighting
Confidence by Tiffany Liu
Bottles, stickers, wearables and tote bag with ululani logo
Ululani’s Shave Ice Rebrand by Atash Imanverdi

Karen Brizendine, a 2013 graduate of 辱ʻDZԾ CC, was also honored with the AAF Ჹɲʻ 2025 Extra Mile Award for her contribution to the local advertising and media industry as a freelance animator, motion graphics editor and visual effects artist.

UH ԴDz School of Cinematic Arts student Tiffany Liu earned two bronze Pele Awards for her short film , which she wrote, directed, produced, and edited. The film, which follows a hip-hop dancer confronting her insecurities just before an international dance showcase, was recognized in the Film/Video & Sound and Elements of Advertising categories.

Atash Imanverdi, a student at the UH West ʻ Academy for Creative Media earned a silver Pele Award in the Logo Design category for .

Group shot of pele award winners
From left: Alysha Cayabyab, Jackie Choy, Angelica Palilio, Gabby Abbey, Amy Rhee, Michael Fiocco, Jason Cutinella (NMG Network), Cassidy Stolarek (Eleven 17 Creative), Emiri Miyaji , Tiffany Liu, Vivian Bui, Hoang Ho, Atash Imanverdi, Hanna Shibata, Paul Lam (Pele Awards Chair) (Image credit: Melissa Lum)

2025 Pele Award Recipients

Emiri Miyaji (Pele Gold & Best in Show)
Project:
Medium: Packaging
辱ʻDZԾ Community College
Winner of $1,500 cash scholarship from the NMG Network & Eleven 17 Creative Scholarship Program

Angelica Palilio (Pele Silver)
Project:
Medium: Packaging
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Alysha Cayabyab (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Cover/Editorial Spread or Feature Series
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Tiffany Liu (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Cinematography
University of Ჹɲʻ ԴDz

Tiffany Liu (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Television Advertising – Single
University of Ჹɲʻ ԴDz

Amy Rhee (Pele Silver)
Project:
Medium: Packaging
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Gabriella Abbey (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Collateral Material – Special Event Materials
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Hoang Ho (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Illustration
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Hanna Shibata (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Packaging
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Michael Fiocco (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Logo Design
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Amy Rhee (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Online/Interactive: App (Mobile or Web-Based)
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Hanna Shibata (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Online/Interactive: Website (desktop or mobile)
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Emiri Miyaji (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Logo Design
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Jackilyn Choy (Pele Gold)
Project:
Medium: Cover
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Vivian Bui (Pele Bronze)
Project:
Medium: Cover/Editorial Spread or Feature Series
辱ʻDZԾ Community College

Atash Imanverdi (Pele Silver)
Project:
Medium: Logo Design
University of Ჹɲʻ–W ʻ

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Hollywood to Ჹɲʻ: Chris Lee’s creative legacy at UH /news/2025/05/28/chris-lee-creative-legacy-at-uh/ Wed, 28 May 2025 20:23:27 +0000 /news/?p=216620 Academy for Creative Media founder Chris Lee has been named emeritus faculty by UH President Wendy Hensel.

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Chris Lee headshot
Chris Lee

Chris Lee, founder of the (ACM System), has been named emeritus faculty by University of 鶹ý President Wendy Hensel. Lee served as director of ACM for more than two decades. He led the UH ACM initiative, which spans all 10 campuses and continues to empower students to pursue careers in digital storytelling, with a strong emphasis on Indigenous narratives rooted in 鶹ý. Reflecting the state’s unique cultural diversity, ACM is the first majority Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander media school in the country.

group photo
Blue Bayou’s director Justin Chon and ACM grad/editor Reynolds Barney join Chris Lee and ACM students at a Master Class.

Now, the Hollywood veteran is stepping down, leaving a legacy that expanded 鶹ý’s creative pipeline and opened doors for homegrown storytellers and creators.

Lee said, “There are so many people to mahalo for this honor. I am so grateful to the 2004 Board of Regents, which originally approved ACM as a system-wide initiative, key alumni like Roy and Hilda Takeyama who gave generously to both start and sustain us, legislators and governors who financially supported the build out of the program across the islands, the local production industry that has embraced our students, our exceptional faculty and, most of all, our talented graduates who are driving 鶹ý’s growing and vital creative economy.”

Under Lee’s leadership, the ACM System launched UH ԴDz ACM (now known as the ), , , and program. It also supported the creation of at UH West Oʻahu, UH Esports, and collaborated with UH ԴDz’s (ICS) department to develop . Lee enhanced existing media programs at , , 鶹ý CC, , and .

Many of them are earning a living doing what they love, right here in 鶹ý, telling their stories to the broadest possible audience. That was always the goal.
—Chris Lee

Uniquely, ACM fostered the first comprehensive articulation agreements between all seven community colleges and UH West Oʻahu, where Lee also led the development and funding of ACM’s state-of-the-art Student Production Center.

“Chris Lee’s foundational leadership and contributions have catalyzed creative media education across the UH System and elevated 鶹ý’s stories to a broader audience,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “Drawing from his groundbreaking career in Hollywood, he helped build a thriving creative pipeline here at home. We thank him for his decades of service and are proud to honor him with emeritus status for his lasting influence at UH and our state.”

A systemwide vision

Raised in 鶹ý and an alumnus of ʻIolani School, Lee graduated from Yale University before starting a successful career as a motion picture executive and film and television producer. The first person of Asian ancestry to lead a major Hollywood studio, serving as President of Production at TriStar Pictures and Columbia Pictures, he oversaw iconic films such as Jerry Maguire, Philadelphia, As Good As It Gets and more.

Tom Cruise and Cruise Lee sitting
Tom Cruise and executive producer Chris Lee on the set of Valkyrie.

After returning to 鶹ý in the early 2000s, Lee was invited to “start a film school” at UH. He imagined a cross-campus network that could elevate creative media education statewide.

“Rather than just focusing on one campus at ԴDz, I visited every campus in the UH System,” Lee said. “I met with faculty, staff and students and saw what already existed, including the animation program at Kapiʻolani CC and the TV studios at Leeward CC, and thought, ‘What if we built something that connected all of them?’”

In January, 2004, the UH Board of Regents formally established ACM, and Lee became its Founding Director. Over time, the initiative grew into a coordinated system offering specialized pathways in creative media, animation, gaming and digital content creation.

Empowering students and communities

Roy and Hilda Takeyama and daughter UH Regent Jan Sullivan with 鶹ýadministrators when the

At UH West Oʻahu, now the flagship for ACM, students can now pursue degrees in creative media, game design, communications and more. UH ԴDz’s School of Cinematic Arts focuses on narrative filmmaking, animation and Indigenous storytelling. The community colleges and UH Hilo offer strong foundations in production, media theory and animation.

“What made this possible was the advent of affordable digital technology,” Lee said. “Thanks to early support from donors and UH alumni, including Roy and Hilda Takayama and Jay Shidler, we gave students a ‘Digital Toolbelt’—Macs with editing software, cameras and sound equipment. It let them tell stories that were true to themselves and shareable with the world through online platforms.”

Creating an industry pathway

From the start, Lee emphasized that ACM wasn’t just about making films. “It was about preparing a workforce that could thrive in the future digital economy, in storytelling, animation, games, immersive media and beyond,” he said. Today ACM graduates from every UH campus are driving 鶹ýʻs growing creative economy.

Many of those early students have gone on to make significant contributions to film and television, including Daniel Ledoux Miller, co-director and co-writer of Moana 2; Bryson Kainoa Chun, a writer for Moana 2 and Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., who, along with fellow UH alumnus Alika Tengan, was named to the inaugural Indigenous List recognizing top Native screenwriters.

ACM graduates work for Pixar, Disney, HBO, NBC and Netflix, but most have stayed in 鶹ý to build production companies or lead communications teams in sectors far beyond entertainment.

“Every business now wants an in-house videographer and social media content,” Lee said. “While graduates from UH ѲԴDz’s ACM like Christopher Makoto Yogi and Alika Tengan debuted their features at the Sundance Film Festival, students coming out of UH West Oʻahu are making TikTok capstones and going on to run campaigns for companies like BMW/Mini and even Honolulu City Hall.”

A hub for the future

two people cutting lei
Chris Lee and Maenette Benham at the grand opening of the ACM Student Production Center

The $37-million ACM Student Production Center at UH West Oʻahu opened in 2022 and has already become a hub for content creation, film and student collaboration. Adjacent to the facility is the proposed site of a state-of-the-art motion picture and television studio, currently under development.

The project, spearheaded by the Island Film Group team in partnership with UH, will include modern sound stages, production facilities, and a town square with live-work, retail, dining and lodging. The studio is envisioned as a transformative center for the West Oʻahu region and the state’s growing media industry.

“This is the natural next step in ACM’s evolution,” Lee said. “Combined with the UHWO Student Production Center, this complex will help elevate ACM to a global level. One of the project requirements is integration with ACM, which means our local students will have real opportunities—paid internships, mentorship and jobs with living wages.”

Driving innovation across the UH

Even as he steps back, Lee is helping guide ACM’s evolution through new initiatives. Most recently, he has been actively involved with the Aloha AI Institute, a proposed UH initiative that, like ACM System, aims to unite all 10 鶹ýcampuses. The project will equip students with the tools and opportunities to explore AI’s role in creative fields, particularly in integrating Indigenous knowledge and cultural narratives.

Lee also helped create a new computational creative media degree at UH ԴDz ICS, launched in fall 2024, which prepares students to use AI tools in video games, animation and digital content. His push into esports led to 鶹ý’s largest tournament in 2024, the 鶹ý Esports Invitational, hosted at UH West Oʻahu. The event brought together six UH campuses, out-of-state universities such as Michigan State, and local high schools, showcasing how ACM initiatives are preparing students for future careers while supporting economic diversification.

three men sitting in front of graphic screens
Jason Leigh. David Garmire. Chris Lee

A lasting impact

ACM’s transformation into a nationally recognized, culturally grounded media school stands as part of Lee’s enduring legacy—one that elevates 鶹ý’s stories and storytellers on the global stage.

“Everybody hopes they leave someplace better than how they found it,” Lee said. “Now we have hundreds of ACM graduates. Many of them are earning a living doing what they love, right here in 鶹ý, telling their stories to the broadest possible audience. That was always the goal.”

Reflections on Chris Lee

“Chris Lee’s story is about an island son done good—eventually reaching the highest levels of Hollywood success as a major studio executive. His dedication and passion for his craft, along with his unwavering vision to have our local students achieve similar successes, was the driving force that led to the creation of the Academy for Creative Media at UH and the establishment of the state-of-the-art Creative Media Facility at UH West Oʻahu. We are grateful to him and for his contributions to UH, our students, and the state—and we wish him well on his future endeavors.”

Vassilis Syrmos
Vice President for Research and Innovation, UH System

“What has been most impactful about Chris Lee’s accomplishment is giving students in Ჹɲʻ—aspiring filmmakers, game designers, and VR creators—the opportunity to train with cutting-edge tools that rival, and often surpass, those at the top media schools in the country. It’s not just opening doors to real careers—it’s also turning 鶹ý into a hub for creative talent from around the world. This is the foundational step that sets the stage for what comes next: the creation of a film production studio integrated with the ACM program. That means immediate job opportunities for graduates and a direct connection to industry professionals who can lead masterclasses, workshops, internships, and ultimately help grow a thriving, homegrown creative workforce in 鶹ý.”

Jason Leigh
Professor, Information & Computer Sciences, UH ԴDz

“Chris moved home to 鶹ý to pursue the bold vision of building a creative media industry to help diversify 鶹ý’s economy. This was a big goal that went far beyond academia–through his successful career in Hollywood he understood the link that was required to anchor academia to a constantly changing industry. He brought his energy and passion to pursue a vision of building something that didn’t exist. He is the rare person that had the tenacity and passion to pursue that vision despite the slings and arrows that face someone that is disrupting the status quo. We owe him a debt of gratitude for all that he created, and for the many students that he inspired.”

Jan Naoe Sullivan
Chief Operating Officer, Oceanit
UH Board of Regents (2011-2021)

“When Chris was at Yale studying political science, he landed an internship with 鶹ý Congressman Cec Heftel in Washington, D.C. That summer, he moved in with me. While watching Good Morning America, he turned to me and said, ‘I’m going to work there next year.’ I laughed—but he got the job. That’s Chris: fearless, confident, and determined. He went on to lead one of Hollywood’s top studios in the ’90s, then returned to 鶹ý in the 2000s to build a world-class, system-wide film school. He’s transformed our creative media landscape and inspired a new generation of storytellers.”

Heather Haunani Giugni
Collections Specialist/Producer, ʻUluʻulu Archive, UH West Oʻahu

“For two decades, Chris Lee devoted his knowledge, talents, and experience as a Hollywood motion picture and television producer to creating the unique 10-campus Academy for Creative Media program within the University of 鶹ý. His vision for ACM has benefited generations of UH students with exciting career opportunities. A true champion of the power of storytelling and its economic impact, Chris recognized early on the potential of ACM to shape 鶹ý’s creative future. He deserves commendations and support for his vision, efforts, and achievements. Kudos and mahalo to Chris Lee!”

Doris Ching
Emeritus Vice President for Student Affairs, UH System

“Chris Lee leaves an indelible imprint on 鶹ý’s economy with the Academy for Creative Media expanding the number of creative media graduates throughout University of 鶹ý’s 10-campus system. Not only was he the first Asian-American to head production for a major American film studio, but he led 鶹ý government leaders in showcasing ACM and Waianae Searider students at Shanghai film festivals as early as 2004. His trailblazing efforts resulted in a wide range of media education partnerships between Asian higher ed institutions and UH. After completion of UH West-Oʻahu’s media production facility in 2022, Chris Lee has really put 鶹ý talent on the global map.”

Carol Fukunaga
鶹ý State Senator, District 11

“When I think about Chris Lee’s impact at UH West Oʻahu and across the UH System, I refer to the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau: ʻO ka piʻi nō ia a Kōkī o Wailau. This is used in admiration for someone who reaches the top despite difficulties. Chris challenged himself to build a system-wide emphasis on creative media across all 10-campuses; establishing a hub, the Academy for Creative Media (ACM) at UH West Oʻahu. He has created opportunities and has inspired imagination for so many of 鶹ý‘s youth. Who, because of ACM, are resourceful, resilient, and relentless. Indeed, ʻO ka piʻi nō ia a Kōkī o Wailau — we stand in admiration of Chris Lee.”

Maenette Benham
Chancellor, UH West Oʻahu

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ʻUluʻulu joins national project to preserve historic public TV programs /news/2024/06/17/uluulu-national-project-preserve-historic-public-tv/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:21:55 +0000 /news/?p=199411 PBS 鶹ý collection to become part of national archive through ʻUluʻulu.

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Betacam tapes from the P B S Hawaii archive

at the University of 鶹ý–West Oʻahu is part of a nationwide effort to digitize and preserve historic publicly funded radio and television programs across America, including .

The project, (AAPB), is a collaboration between the , and participating organizations across the country who care for archival public media.

“I’m so proud that the programs from PBS 鶹ý archived at ʻUluʻulu will soon be available to watch online through the American Archive of Public Broadcasting website,” said Janel Quirante, ʻUluʻulu head archivist. “The footage will be in good company with other public media icons like Julia Child and Mr. Rogers!”

ʻUluʻulu, 鶹ý’s official state archive for moving images, is coordinating the digitization and description of 2,000 films and videotapes from the PBS 鶹ý collection. The entire digitization project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The digitized programs will be made publicly available through ʻUluʻulu‘s online catalog and the AAPB website. The digital preservation masters will be stored at ʻUluʻulu and at the Library of Congress.

“We are in the business of preserving analog media—ensuring that these films and videotapes are carefully maintained, digitized, and made accessible to the public,” said ʻUluʻulu Collections Specialist and Producer Heather H. Giugni. “It is partnerships and opportunities like these that make our mission possible.”

ʻUluʻulu received the PBS 鶹ý collection in 2016, and the tapes are physically stored in a vault on campus. Over the years, ʻUluʻulu has been able to digitize portions of this collection through various grant funding. The new project will enable the digitization of the remaining videotapes, with the help of WGBH and a preservation laboratory in Pennsylvania.

Read more at .
—by Zenaida Serrano Arvman

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Journalism students showcase final projects on statewide TV station K5 /news/2021/12/20/uhmtv-on-k5/ Mon, 20 Dec 2021 23:22:34 +0000 /news/?p=153525 The shows were filmed in the new, state-of-the-art College of Social Sciences Digital Studios in the Sinclair Student Success Center.

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Video stories by University of 鶹ý at ԴDz students gained a statewide audience on K5 in December. Journalism students from the in UH ԴDz’s produced two, 30-minute UHMtv news shows in fall 2021, featuring stories from the UH ԴDz campus and the community. The shows were written, hosted and produced by students in the Journalism 470 course, and filmed in the new, state-of-the-art College of Social Sciences Digital Studios in the Sinclair Student Success Center.

two people sitting on a desk
Charleston Cazimero and Georgia Clair Johnson-King

The first show aired on December 12, and covered the following topics:

  • UH’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate
  • How students can manage mental health during the pandemic
  • Feature on Ian ʻAkahi Masterson, who teaches his class from a surfboard (Related UH News story: UH students surf, learn culture, earn academic credit, May 10, 2020)
  • Alumni profile on award-winning TV journalist Stephanie Cooke

View this show on .

The second show aired on December 19 and covered the following topics:

  • UH‘s response to sexual violence on campus
  • How students and teachers are navigating distance learning
  • Why construction at UH ԴDz is booming
  • Talk story session with 鶹ý News Now reporter and proud UH alumna Lacy Deniz

View this show on .

“A lot of time and effort went into the shows this semester. Not many students get the opportunity to produce work that is broadcast on local TV, so we are very fortunate to work with Sherrie White and Bernadette Baraquio. They are heavily involved in the world of broadcast journalism and multimedia and there is so much to learn from their knowledge and experience,” said Erin Fujitani, student producer and senior journalism major.

Georgia Clair Johnson-King, student producer and senior journalism major, added, “Erin and I were both fortunate enough to be selected as anchors, which was an honour and a thrilling challenge! I was extremely happy with the selection of Charleston Cazimero, Krista Rados and Erin as my fellow anchors and think every student involved did an excellent job.”

This program is an example of UH ԴDz’s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

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NCIS: Ჹɲʻ on location at 鶹ýԴDz, students gain ‘incredible experience’ /news/2021/11/09/ncis-hawaii-on-location/ Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:50:45 +0000 /news/?p=151520 Students learned the film approval process, how many moving parts play into one scene and even talked story with Director LeVar Burton.

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people in masks standing for the camera

Several University of 鶹ý at ԴDz (ACM) students received a rare learning opportunity to visit the production set of CBSNCIS: 鶹ý, which filmed an upcoming episode at UH ԴDz on November 4.

The students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, learned location scouting, the film approval process, how many moving parts play into one scene, and they even talked story with Director LeVar Burton, who has starred in many different movies and TV shows, including the PBS series Reading Rainbow for more than 23 years.

people standing outside of a large truck

“I had an incredible experience shadowing the crew of NCIS: 鶹ý. This was my first time on a professional set, so now I know what that looks like and how it should be run,” said Brittney Kruzel, a UH ԴDz senior double majoring in digital cinema and business management.

Kruzel said the crew members were welcoming and answered any questions the students had.

“The locations department showed us the interior set that they had created, and we were able to watch a stunt scene filmed outside of the building. We also toured the trucks that carry each of the department’s equipment, and viewed the monitors to see what the scene was going to look like,” Kruzel said.

Key NCIS: 鶹ý staff member is UH alumna

person holding a camera on a beach
Shelby Harper scouting for a movie.

It all came back full circle for Shelby Harper. The UH ԴDz ACM alumna is a key assistant location manager for NCIS: 鶹ý and is responsible for finding locations where they will film, crafting the agreements for every location and providing everything to make it possible to film at a certain spot. Harper was one of two staff members to guide the current students on their tour of the production set. She also said other ACM alumni work in different aspects of the production, such as the camera department and props.

“It was fun to get to show them that really any skill set you have can be applied to the film industry, whether you’re a mechanic, a graphic designer, a scout, just whatever it is, there’s an avenue for you,” said Harper.

Harper, a native of South Carolina, earned her degree in 2015 and jumped right into working on productions in 鶹ý. After graduation, Harper worked in the production office for season 7 of 鶹ý Five-0, the locations crew for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and production office for seasons 8–10 of 鶹ý Five-0. Harper also worked on the productions of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Triple Frontier.

“Most of my classmates from ACM are now my co-workers, which is awesome,” Harper said. “The internships that UH was able to get for us was basically the whole reason I was able to transition straight into a job. I had more hands-on experience than a lot of the people that would come in. My first job outside of college was all thanks to my Professor Anne Misawa. She sent over my résumé, along with a couple of other grads, to 鶹ý Five-0 and that’s why they picked us.”

For current students, Harper had this advice, “Think about what really makes you happy and what doesn’t feel like a job every day to you, and that there is an avenue for that in the film industry. As far as trying to have hope after you graduate, because that was something that I felt lost like, ‘how am I going to get a job? What should I do?’ There are so many film studios here now and 鶹ý is honestly busier than ever film wise, so there’s so many opportunities. Don’t be afraid to just send your résumé to anyone you meet who’s in the film industry.”

This experience is an example of UH ԴDz’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

The post NCIS: Ჹɲʻ on location at UH ԴDz, students gain ‘incredible experience’ first appeared on University of Ჹɲʻ System News.]]>
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Atomic bomb, Pearl Harbor survivors meet in Leeward CC alum’s documentary /news/2021/10/26/atomic-bomb-pearl-harbor-survivors-leeward-cc-documentary/ Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:19:42 +0000 /news/?p=150489 Kamana Hunter’s World War II documentary has a national premiere.

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Japanese atomic bomb survivors and American Pearl Harbor survivors come face to face in a new documentary by a former student. Local writer and director, G. “Kamana” Hunter’s revealing documentary, , is scheduled to premiere nationally on New Mexico PBS on October 28 (7 p.m. MDT/3 p.m. HST), and will stream via the .

Two men
Everett Hyland with Kamana Hunter

The documentary offers rare, uncensored testimony and dialogue between former enemies who still bear physical and emotional wounds decades after the war. Hunter arranged this meeting at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center on Oʻahu as part of the process of remembrance, healing and forgiveness. Everett Hyland, a Pearl Harbor Visitor Center educator and Pearl Harbor survivor featured in the film passed away six weeks after the meeting, which made his interview his last testament to the world.

Hunter’s inspiration for Sakura & Pearls: Healing from World War II, which he wrote and directed, came from historic meetings during memorial services in 2016 between former U.S. President Barack Obama and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to commemorate World War II. He was also inspired during his first trip to Japan in 2017 where he was able to visit the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and meet his first hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor), Okihiro Terao.

Hands holding a photograph
Japanese atomic bomb survivor Mori-san holding a picture of him hugging former U.S. President, Barack Obama

“Terao-san agreed to let me film an interview when I came back to Japan. There was only one problem. I knew almost nothing about capturing video,” Hunter said.

This led him to enroll in a program at Leeward CC. Among his classes were Film Analysis & Storytelling (DMED 150) and Introduction to Digital Video (DMED 131), where he developed foundational knowledge and skills that prepared him to put together a feature length documentary.

Assistant Professor Irwin Yamamoto, was the first teacher Hunter told about his dream to bring together Japanese atomic bomb survivors and U.S. Pearl Harbor survivors.

“Kamana was a unique individual who was driven to spread his message of peace, hope and healing,” Yamamoto said.

Two men holding a large picture
Jimmy Lee with Irwin Yamamoto

As an instrumental part of Hunter’s filmmaking journey, providing guidance and support over the years, Yamamoto also introduced him to Pearl Harbor survivor Jimmy Lee, who became one of four central elders featured in the documentary (Lee passed away months after filming the documentary).

“I’m particularly grateful to Irwin who even helped me choose the right camera for the film. He’s an amazing professor and we’re lucky to have him at Leeward CC,” said Hunter.

More information about how to watch Sakura & Pearls: Healing from World War II is available on . Upcoming appearances and projects include a about Sakura & Pearls: Healing from World War II on November 11 (Veterans Day), a talk for Pacific Historic Parks called “Their Legacy Lives On” (stories from Jimmy Lee and Everett Hyland), and a short documentary called Searching for Toshi that is about Jimmy Lee searching for his childhood friend Toshi after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Learn more about .

Cherry blossoms
Sakura & Pearls promotional image
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New certificate to fast-track students to creative media employers /news/2021/05/16/new-certificate-creative-media/ Sun, 16 May 2021 18:00:36 +0000 /news/?p=141527 To earn the certificate, students must complete 18 credits with a 2.5 minimum grade point average.

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Reading time: 4 minutes

Cutting edge skills in new media fields, including video game and esports design, digital film production, and new media theatre and dance performance, are the focus of a new certificate for undergraduate students.

(ICS) Professor Jason Leigh was one of seven faculty members who developed the . He teaches two elective courses offered in the program on data visualization and video game design and development. Leigh said the certificate will empower students with computer-savvy skills to prepare them for careers in the media industry, which was worth about $235 billion in 2020, including $166 billion in video games.

So, if you have the passion, we’ll give you the skills.
—Leigh

“The game industry itself is growing at a rate of 13% per year and computer-related jobs are at about 11% per year, and that’s a rate that’s double on average of all jobs in the United States,” Leigh said. “Because there is such a huge demand for people with these kinds of skills right now, what we hope this certificate will do is fast track students to employers in these digital industries.”

Leigh added, “The program is not an easy program. And, of course, it’s not an easy program because media companies aren’t going to pay you a lot of money if you don’t have the passion and the skills. So, if you have the passion, we’ll give you the skills.”

Impact across departments

people looking at a screen

The CCM certificate program was established through a collaboration between ICS, (ACM), (ECE) and the . To earn the certificate, students must complete 18 credits from in all four departments with a 2.5 minimum grade point average. All UH ԴDz undergraduate students are invited to enroll in the program.

Leigh said the certificate was created not from a set of “talks” but a set of “dos.” Individual courses were initially launched after faculty and students were interested in developing these new media skills. Leigh said the success of those courses resulted in a larger program.

The other members involved were ICS Associate Professor Guylaine Poisson, ACM Founding Director Chris Lee, ACM Chair and Professor Christine Acham and Assistant Professor Brittany Biggs, ECE Assistant Professor Darren Carlson, and Theatre and Dance Chair and Professor Markus Wessendorf and Associate Professor Kara Jhalak Miller.

“In addition to enhancing our ACM students’ animation and filmmaking skills, I believe those who participate in the CCM certificate program will develop stronger communication and organizational skills, and they’ll learn how to work effectively in a team setting,” Biggs said. “They will also be exposed to concepts from these complementary fields, so they’ll have that bigger picture understanding of what’s required in these innovative creative productions.”

“Interactive multimedia systems like video games, mobile apps, vehicle displays and digital health tools increasingly pair software with advanced sensors, actuators and other hardware systems—providing exciting and lucrative opportunities for engineers from a variety of disciplines,” Carlson said. “For example, many modern video games are developed by multidisciplinary teams of programmers, electrical and computer engineers, mechanical engineers, and a wide range of artists and designers working in tandem to produce immersive digital experiences that feature richly detailed storylines and engaging gameplay.”

Miller said that the certificate program will deepen theatre and dance students’ tool kit, expand their imagination and respond to the role of digital technology as a catalyst for change locally and globally.

“It provides our students with the interdisciplinary training necessary to enter into job markets relating to digital film, screendance, theatre and dance virtual performance, and movement media art installation. Theatre and dance students who pursue this certificate will have a competitive edge in the performing arts workforce,” Miller said. “One of the key puzzle pieces that the Department of Theatre and Dance contributes includes sharing experts in the performing arts field that create choreographies that form the foundation of movements that are then digitized into movement media art.”

Learn from world-class resources

people looking at a screen

Leigh is also the director of the (LAVA), which features numerous ultra-high-resolution stereoscopic 3D and 2D touch-enabled display walls, and the world’s highest resolution hybrid reality visualization system, created by Leigh.

“The virtual reality class, the video game design class and the data visualization class all use LAVA for their work,” Leigh said. “At LAVA, we have the best virtual reality systems in the world, the highest-end computer graphics cards to develop video games with, so it’s all there. But we’re also expanding. We’re creating a sister-lab at UH West Oʻahu called CreateX and this will be housed in the new building.”

Related UH News stories:

How to apply

Undergraduate students intending to complete the certificate are advised to to be assigned an advisor and added to the program mailing lists for special events, guest speakers and employment opportunities. Registering will also help organizers adapt class sizes to meet demand. After completing the program, students must file a verification of minor or certificate form with their respective college prior to graduation.

For a list of courses and more details, .

This program is an example of UH ԴDz’s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

The post New certificate to fast-track students to creative media employers first appeared on University of Ჹɲʻ System News.]]>
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‘Unreal’ fellowship elevates professor to creative media industry forefront /news/2020/10/02/fellowship-elevates-professor-creative-media/ Fri, 02 Oct 2020 21:48:00 +0000 /news/?p=128145 Assistant Professor Brittany Biggs will use her fellowship experience to enhance her teaching curriculum.

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A University of 鶹ý at ԴDz (ACM) professor’s experience at the propelled her knowledge and instruction to the cutting edge of the industry.

Assistant Professor Brittany Biggs recently completed the highly competitive, 30-day fellowship hosted by , a leading gaming company that created , a gaming engine used for popular video games, such as Fortnite, and is finding applications in other industries, including architecture, film and television content creation and more.

headshot of Brittany Biggs
Brittany Biggs

More than 6,000 film, VFX (visual effects) and animation professionals applied and only 102 were selected. The goal of the fellowship’s blended learning experience was to enable its participants to “develop a strong command of state-of-the-art virtual production tools, and foster the next generation of teams in the emerging field of real-time production.” Virtual production is now heavily relied on by Hollywood to continue film production during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even prior to the pandemic, Disney found success utilizing real-time workflows with Unreal Engine during the production of The Mandalorian.

“To say the Unreal Fellowship in Virtual Production was one of the most amazing experiences is an understatement,” Biggs said. “I’m astounded how much I learned in only four weeks, and I’m excited to incorporate Unreal and real-time workflows into my research/creative work as well as our ACM curriculum.”

For the final fellowship project, Biggs was required to create a 30–60 second chase sequence after being provided with the characters and environment. Biggs was responsible for the story concept, camera/cinematography, mocap (motion capture) animation (cleaning and stitching it together), keyframe animation, facial animation, set extension of the ocean, lighting, editing and sound design.

“We were very excited by her selection for this fellowship which will allow UH ԴDz ACM animation students to learn the latest animation techniques and the real time workflows currently used in the industry,” Chair Christine Acham said. “This will continue to make our students very competitive when they enter the job market.”

—By Marc Arakaki

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