For the second year, Blue Chalk created a short film for Portland State University’s Simon Benson Awards dinner—which raises money for students, faculty, and programs through the PSU Foundation. In 2019, the theme of the night was “Impossible Firsts.” Our film features five people from the PSU community who are pursuing their own impossible firsts: from school art museums and water filtration systems to advocacy, artificial intelligence, and graduating from college. Their message is universal. Your own impossible first could be a mountain top or stairway. By simply being bold, you can embolden others. Contributors: Rob Finch, Creative Director Jesse Crowell, Director/Producer Amy Polansky, Production Manager Chris Janjic, Director of Photography Jason Greene, Additional Photography Megan Clark, Additional Photography Jamie Francis, Additional Photography Will Walle, Additional Photography Whitney Bradshaw, Associate Producer Emma Decker, Associate Producer Shannon Neilon, Associate Producer Moriah Ratner, Associate Producer Emma Decker, Voiceover Jesse Crowell, Editor Kashi Hall, Assistant Editor Jesse Crowell, Color Grade Jesse Crowell, Sound Mix

Impossible Firsts | PSU Foundation
Blue Chalk Media

Director of Photography: Chris Janjic
Assistant Camera: Jim Stanek
Additional Cinematography: Jason Greene, Megan Eleanor Clark, Jamie Francis, Will Walle
Full Credit List

Gold, Commercials - Schools/Colleges/Universities; 2020 Davey Awards
Silver, Promotional Video - Schools/Colleges/Universities; 2020 Telly Awards
Award of Excellence, Commercials - Schools/Colleges/Universities; 2020 Communicator Awards
Nominee, Commercial Single Spot; 2020 NW Regional Emmys