BYU Celebrates National Student Emmy Wins

Brigham Young University is celebrating significant achievements by its students at this year’s National Student Emmys, often referred to as the College Television Awards. BYU earned top honors in several categories, including best comedy series, best commercials, and best animation.

“Love & Gold” Wins Top Animation Honors

The winning animation project, titled “Love & Gold,” holds a special significance for a father-son duo on campus. Directed by recent BYU graduate Connor VanDyke, the animated short was created as part of his capstone project with a crew of dozens.

A Fantasy Romance Story

“‘Love & Gold’ is this really fun, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired, fantasy romance story about two thieves who go into the same dungeon, looking for the same treasure, and they end up falling in love with each other,” explained VanDyke. The ten-minute film took two years to complete, showcasing the dedication and collaborative spirit of the BYU animation team.

A Tradition of Excellence

This win marks the fifth consecutive National Student Emmy for the BYU Center for Animation. A wall within the Talmage Building displays decades of student success, but the program’s origins trace back to a project also connected to the VanDyke family.

The Legacy of “Lemmings”

In 2004, Craig VanDyke won BYU’s first animation Emmy for a project called “Lemmings.” Created within the industrial design program, the film told the story of a lemming who discovers his species’ impending doom. “It was built inside of industrial design , and the idea was we’re going to make a movie,” said Craig VanDyke.

Father and Son Collaboration

Craig VanDyke, now a professor at BYU, emphasized the university’s commitment to its students. “It was always created with this idea that the most important asset BYU has is our student,” he stated. He initially tried to dissuade his son, Connor, from pursuing animation, but ultimately supported his passion.

Their paths converged in the Talmage Building, leading to a unique mentorship and collaborative environment. Both “Love & Gold” and “Lemmings” are available to watch on YouTube.

Industry Impact

Craig VanDyke noted the significant contributions of BYU graduates to major animated films, including Toy Story 3, Cars, and Up. He returned to BYU six years ago, drawn by the creative freedom offered to the department.