SCAD Dominates 2026 Southeast Emmy Student Production Awards

With 11 wins and 31 nominations, SCAD students lead a competitive field of universities from across the Southeast

ATLANTA and SAVANNAH, Ga. — March 24, 2026 — Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) students dominated the 2026 Southeast Emmy Student Production Awards, winning 11 of the 23 awards presented and earning 31 nominations overall — including sweeping all nominations in eight separate categories.

Presented by the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the awards recognize outstanding student work in television and media production from across the Southeast region, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina. This year's ceremony was held Saturday, March 21, at SCADshow at SCAD Atlanta, bringing together students, faculty, and industry professionals to celebrate emerging creative talent.

Among the top honors, several SCAD productions distinguished themselves with multiple awards, highlighting the university's depth of talent and industry-driven approach to filmmaking. The horror anthology Souls of Savannah stood out, with film and television seniors Sam Prim winning Best Director and Chris Kleinmann earning Best Long-Form Fiction, respectively. Filmed on the 11-acre SCAD Film Studios backlot in Savannah, the series brought together more than 90 students across university disciplines, operating at a scale that mirrors professional productions.

Similarly, Lodged!, SCAD's latest multicamera sitcom, earned Best Writer for senior film and television students Aiden Gottschalk and Luke Bobalek. Filmed at SCAD Film Studios in Savannah and Atlanta, the show engaged more than 100 students in a live studio environment reflecting the demands of a network television series. The short film This Is Not a Commercial also earned multiple honors, with film and television students Luke Park (Best Photographer), Elin Arzac (Best Sound), and Patricia Pedrajas (Best Overall Short Film) recognized for their work. The satirical film, which explores society's obsession with beauty, was shot on a soundstage at SCAD Film Studios in Atlanta.

"These awards are a powerful reflection of the extraordinary craft, ambition, and collaboration that define SCAD student productions," said Andra Reeve-Rabb, dean of the SCAD School of Film and Acting. "We are incredibly proud of our students, not only for earning this level of recognition, but for consistently creating work at a professional standard. Honors from the Southeast Emmys carry real significance as an early-career milestone, opening doors to internships, jobs, and meaningful opportunities in the industry. To see our students earn 11 awards in such a competitive field speaks to the strength of our programs and, more importantly, to the passion, talent, and future impact of these emerging storytellers."

• Best Fiction Film, Long Form: Chris Kleinmann (B.F.A. film and television) — Souls of Savannah
• Best Fiction Film, Short Form: Patricia Pedrajas (B.F.A. film and television) — This Is Not a Commercial
• Best Non-Fiction (Documentary), Long Form: Jack Bart (B.F.A. film and television), Nathan Oliva (B.F.A., film and television, 2025), and Grace Lavery (B.F.A., film and television, 2025) — Cornellskop: Freedom from Fear
• Best Commercial: Michelle Chwala (B.F.A. film and television) and Charlie Richardson (B.F.A., film and television, 2025) — Heinz – Wake It Up
• Best Music Video: Mateo Lara (B.F.A., film and television, 2025), David Levy (B.F.A., advertising and branding, 2025), and Charlotte Pinkerton (B.F.A. fashion) — Sisifa
• Best Director: Sam Prim (B.F.A. film and television) — Souls of Savannah
• Best Writer: Aiden Gottschalk (B.F.A. film and television) and Luke Bobalek (B.F.A. film and television) — Lodged!
• Best Editor: Maria Pelletier (B.F.A., film and television, 2025) — Heinz – Wake It Up
• Best Sound: Elin Arzac (B.F.A., film and television, 2025) — This Is Not a Commercial
• Best Photographer: Luke Park (B.F.A., film and television, 2025) — This Is Not a Commercial
• Best Animation/Graphics/Special Effects: Luna McKee (B.F.A., animation, 2025) — Lost Track

For more information on 2026 Southeast Emmy Student Production Award winners and nominees, visit southeastemmy.com. To learn more about SCAD’s top-ranked degree programs, visit scad.edu/programs.

SCAD School of Film and Acting

With resources that rival Hollywood studios, award-winning professors, stunning locations, professionally run casting offices, and stellar film and television festivals, the SCAD School of Film and Acting is the ideal place to launch into the film and television industry. Students are prepared to command roles on stage, screen, and behind the scenes in live performances, sitcoms, dramatic series, music videos, commercials, and more.
 

SCAD School of Animation and Motion

SCAD School of Animation and Motion students deliver captivating moments across multiple platforms. From illuminating fantastical realms and characters to expertly integrating motion media in virtual studio environments and public spaces, students develop the acumen, creativity, and dexterity necessary to launch their creative careers.

SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited university, offering 100 graduate and undergraduate degree programs across locations in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and online via SCADnow. SCAD enrolls approximately 18,500 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 100 countries. The future-minded SCAD curriculum engages professional-level technology and myriad advanced learning resources, affording students opportunities for internships, professional certifications, and real-world assignments with corporate partners through SCADpro, the university’s renowned research lab and prototype generator. SCAD has earned top rankings for degree programs in interior design, architecture, film, fashion, digital media, and more. Career success is woven into every fiber of the university, resulting in a superior alumni employment rate. A 2025 study found that 99% of recent SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation. SCAD provides students and alumni with ongoing career support through personal coaching, alumni programs, a professional presentation studio, and more.
 

Michelle Gavin
Executive Director of Communication
[email protected]
912.323.5321

Wendy Gardner
Senior Director of Public Relations
[email protected]