Kent State University Independent Films (KSUIF) received its first Bronze Telly Award for an original JMC student-produced music video, “Freaky Love” at the 35th Annual Telly Awards.
Students were advised by JMC faculty members, Associate Lecturer Traci E. Williams and Associate Professor Dave Smeltzer, but were ultimately responsible for the video’s concept and creation. The student crew endured long days of filming throughout the semester, in addition to their classes and jobs, to create the award-winning music video. 
“I advised, but this project was completely produced by students,” remarked Williams. “I’m just so proud of the great work that they did.”
The video was filmed for the Columbus-based band, Captain Kidd, in March and was shot in Kent, Columbus and Youngstown. The video has a unique concept that follows lead singer Nate Baumgard as he goes on dates with an "unconventional" girl.
“I am very honored to receive such a prestigious award for this project,” said JMC alumnus and “Freaky Love” director and producer Tyler Pina, ‘14. “The students on my crew are so talented and worked extremely hard to create this video.”
The Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video and films. Nearly 25% of entries are chosen as winners of the Bronze Telly, and with nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.
“If it weren't for the hard work of this administration and amazing professors like David Smeltzer and Traci Williams, we would never have this opportunity,” added Pina. “It is because of these skills that we have learned and developed at Kent State University that we were able to produce this music video. It really feels great to be honored for our hard work, and I am so proud of everyone that was a part of this production.”
To watch the music video, visit the Captain Kidd YouTube page.
“Freaky Love” Student Crew
Director/Producer: Tyler Pina, ‘14
Producer: Kirsten Charlton, ‘14
Director of Photography: Matt Petrunak, ’14
2nd Camera Operator: Josh Quiros, ‘14
Wardrobe/Makeup: Hannah Ward, ‘14
Casting Director: Buddy Candela, ‘14
Caption: Concert crowd in the “Freaky Love” music video.