Striped Chair of Vilas Hall

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Striped Chair of Vilas Hall Do you remember me? You probably sat in me while you were waiting for some filmmaking gear, perhaps you took a nap on me between classes.

Maybe you don’t remember me at all, but I’m still in good old Vilas Hall, and I want to reconnect with you. Fill out our survey and stay in touch with me and other Com Arts filmmakers:
https://forms.gle/NdHatMJRpCXhD8oS7

What is Com Arts 658? ➡️ New for spring 2027, Com Arts 658 is a 4-credit course where you can master your production ski...
10/21/2026

What is Com Arts 658? ➡️ New for spring 2027, Com Arts 658 is a 4-credit course where you can master your production skills by working in a single supporting role on a 20-25 minute production for the entire semester. Applications for this course and other production courses will go live this week.

This course is a companion course to Com Arts 659. In previous years, we required students to take both 609 and 659. Now, enrolling in just 658 allows students to gain experience in filmmaking without the 7 credit commitment.

In this new formulation, 14-16 students will enroll in both 658 and 659 (those who enroll in 659 will still be required to enroll in 658), BUT we’ll also have a smaller group of students who want to learn filmmaking with a lower time commitment in just 658. Those students will have fewer capstone project responsibilities and fewer demands on their time.

If someone takes only 658 in the Spring and then wants to take both 658 and 659 in the future, they can! We made 658 repeatable for credit.

658: Capstone Films and Pilots Techniques: Film & Television Workshop (4cr)
Fridays: 9am – 12:00pm Lab: 12:30 – 2:30
659: Capstone Films and Pilots Production: Film & Television Workshop (3cr)
Tuesdays: 2:30pm – 5:30pm

Application will be at this link:
go.wisc.edu/filmproduction

Join us for an informal, in-person discussion on directing with Com Arts alum Chris Barry (‘87) on Friday, October 16, f...
10/15/2026

Join us for an informal, in-person discussion on directing with Com Arts alum Chris Barry (‘87) on Friday, October 16, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm in Room 3153, Vilas Hall.

Chris is the Senior Director of Yellow Tag Productions at Best Buy, a Fortune 100 retail company. In this session, Chris will delve into the directing process and offer an in-depth look at how a recent Best Buy video evolved from conception to completion. He will also share insights from his extensive experience producing and directing hundreds of videos, commercials, and live events.

At Best Buy’s Yellow Tag Productions, Chris leads creative communications and collaborates with executives to advance business strategy and brand culture through impactful storytelling. He is also dedicated to professional development and mentorship.

Based in the Twin Cities, Chris has produced and directed projects for major clients including Target, Polaris, Rollerblade, 3M, Carlson Companies, and Benetton, and has contributed to shows on HGTV and Food Network.

🎞️ Chris is an accomplished filmmaker whose work includes the documentary “The Road to Guatemala” and the narrative short “Don’s Head.”

→ Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about directing from Chris. ←

Sponsored by the Digital Cinema Production Certificate and Communication Arts

Com Arts alums Mary Rohlich and John Tymus (OmaChance Productions) are teaming up to make a documentary about the Frank ...
10/08/2026

Com Arts alums Mary Rohlich and John Tymus (OmaChance Productions) are teaming up to make a documentary about the Frank Lloyd Wright AD German Warehouse in Richland Center, WI .🏬

The film will document the planned renovation of the 1915 AD German Warehouse, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only warehouse. Mary, John, and Co-directors Tim Grant and Andy McMillan (Mississippi Sticks) will follow an eclectic team of educators and artists working to complete Frank Lloyd Wright’s last remaining unfinished building in Richland Center, the famed architect’s hometown. 🦡

Congratulations to Mary and John for securing a film tax credit incentive commitment from Film Wisconsin, the reopened “Wisconsin Film Office" 🎥.

For those of you familiar with the Continental Studios office on Apple TV's The Studio, you will recognize it as borrowing from Wright’s Mayan style, which he used on the warehouse.

We can’t wait to learn about the untold history and see this story unfold!

Considering Careers in Com Arts?☞ Meet with Com Arts Alums☞ Learn about their careers☞ Make real-world connections☞Conne...
10/06/2026

Considering Careers in Com Arts?
☞ Meet with Com Arts Alums
☞ Learn about their careers
☞ Make real-world connections
☞Connect with directors, editors, marketing managers, sports communicators, and many others
Comm Arts at Work: October 13, 2026 | 5:30-7 pm | Memorial Union, Tripp Commons
Register Here: go.wisc.edu/vhqhzk
A special thank you to all the Comm Arts alums who take the time to make this event possible; you’re awesome!

Arthur Nelson and Christiaan Hajos were standouts in last spring’s capstone filmmaking course, and we are excited that t...
10/01/2026

Arthur Nelson and Christiaan Hajos were standouts in last spring’s capstone filmmaking course, and we are excited that they have teamed up to make a short film this fall. As CA699 Independent Study students, they are raising funds for their short film, Comfortably Numb, which they will screen on campus this December.
Please pitch in and make their film a reality!

https://go.wisc.edu/no0y9q

In Comfortably Numb, a college student starts seeing mysterious beings that whisper humanity’s worst fears into the ears of everyone around them. As their friends become increasingly detached from reality, the student searches for a way to break through.

They have assembled a great team of 659er alums to help bring Comfortably Numb to the screen.

Director: Christiaan Hajos
Writer, Gaffer and Colorist: Arthur Nelson
Assistant Director: Brennyn Van Handel
Director of Photography: Grace Koenig
Assistant Cameraperson: Ally Mueller
Production Designer: Sarah Squires
Sound Mixer & Editor: Gavin McLean
Boom Operator: Synnøve Johnson

Join us for an informal in-person discussion with Com Arts alum Jillian Arnold in 3155 Vilas Hall within the IMC, on Wed...
09/28/2026

Join us for an informal in-person discussion with Com Arts alum Jillian Arnold in 3155 Vilas Hall within the IMC, on Wednesday, September 30, 12:00-1:00 pm. Jillian brings back to Madison a wealth of experience in cinematography, post-production, workflow, and live events

As former president of IATSE Local 695, she has extensive knowledge in the entertainment industry and is an expert in integrating AI and emerging technologies into film, television, and media.

We will discuss her career and work in the film business, her role as a labor leader, her new role as Technology Intelligence Officer for IATSE, and career opportunities.

Welcome, Gabby Ransom, to the Striped Chair!! She’s our new Hellum Intern who will guide the Striped Chair. Gabby is int...
09/18/2026

Welcome, Gabby Ransom, to the Striped Chair!! She’s our new Hellum Intern who will guide the Striped Chair. Gabby is interested in marketing and strategic communications. She hails from the Land of the Buckeye—if you think about it, Buckeye is just a funny way to spell Bucky.
On Wisconsin and welcome aboard, Gabby! 🦡

Join us in Vilas Hall on Thursday the 17th from 2-4 to explore Vilas, meet instructors and advisors, and find opportunit...
09/16/2026

Join us in Vilas Hall on Thursday the 17th from 2-4 to explore Vilas, meet instructors and advisors, and find opportunities to get involved—it’s time to VIBE in Vilas. 〰️😎〰️
➡️ Sn**ch up some free snacks and swag! 👕
➡️ The iconic Striped Chair will be there (literally)—selfies encouraged. 🤳
Rep the best department at UW—be there or be 🟥!

Join us in Vilas Hall on Thursday the 17th from 2-4 to explore Vilas, meet instructors and advisors, and find opportunit...
09/16/2026

Join us in Vilas Hall on Thursday the 17th from 2-4 to explore Vilas, meet instructors and advisors, and find opportunities to get involved—it’s time to VIBE in Vilas. 〰️😎〰️
➡️ The iconic Striped Chair will be there (literally)—selfies encouraged. 🤳
➡️ Up for a challenge? Complete a short scavenger hunt at the event to earn a new Comm Arts T-shirt! 👕
➡️ Sn**ch up some free snacks and swag!
Rep the best department at UW—be there or be 🟥!

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Madison, WI
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