On February 26, 2025, UVU students and community members gathered at Megaplex Theatres at Geneva to watch a screening of “Die Hard,” followed by a Q&A with the movie's screenwriter, Steven E. de Souza. This event was part of the UVU Green Room series, an Innovation Academy and FanX Studios initiative that brings film and entertainment legends to campus to mentor and inspire student storytellers right here at UVU.

The event began with remarks from Tammy Clark, associate provost of Innovation Academy, and Brent Baum, CEO of FanX Studios. They discussed the exciting partnership between UVU and FanX Studios, which aims to foster the talents of the next generation of filmmakers, writers, and creative minds at UVU. 

Following their remarks, Provost Wayne Vaught presented awards to eight DGM 350R pitch class students for their “exceptional storytelling, vision, and talent.” These students have earned spots in the UVU-FanX Studios Writer’s Room, an exclusive cohort that will work closely with FanX Studios and de Souza to develop their craft and take their ideas to Hollywood. The award recipients were:

●      Tatum Bunker, a sophomore from California ●      Sawyer Burton, a senior from Utah County ●      Lillian Campbell, a junior from Herriman ●      Kaylee Hoth, a senior from Salt Lake City

●      Cary Leavy, a junior from Provo ●      Patrick Pulido, a junior from Salt Lake City ●      Skyler Smith, a junior from Mississippi ●      Andrew Weech, a sophomore from Colorado

 

Brandon Fugal, a prominent Utah business leader and entrepreneur, was recognized for his financial support of the Writer’s Room before introducing de Souza.

Telling students that he would help them sharpen their craft and enhance their critical sense, de Souza said, “You can only be as good as your own self-criticism of your own work. When you learn that, you will be head and shoulders above your competitors in the entertainment business.” Following the movie, de Souza answered questions from the audience, which included students and Utah residents passionate about “Die Hard,” screenwriting, and filmmaking.

As part of the Green Room series, FanX Studios plans to have several Hollywood auteurs visit campus every year. Many events will be open to the public, so keep an eye on the Green Room webpage. Past guests have included Jennifer Howell (producer of “South Park”), Ed Neumeier (screenwriter of “Robocop”), and Christopher Curtis (composer/lyricist of “Chaplin: The Musical”).