UNLV School Of Cinematic Arts Student-Created Short "Domino" Highlights Filipino Storytelling And Hands-on Training Under Professor Andi Isaacs
/Domino’s production is officially announced in April during Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino) - created to appreciate and preserve Filipino cultural heritage.
Domino Crew (Photo by Andi Isaacs /Courtesy of UNLV School of Cinematic Arts)
LAS VEGAS, NV (April 24, 2026) - More than 60 students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Cinematic Arts (UNLV CinArts) are gaining hands-on, real-world production experience through Domino, an original short film created as part of a three-semester, faculty-led program developed by Professor Andi Isaacs. The film will premiere at UNLV’s Magic Hour, a showcase of UNLV CinArts projects from the Spring 2026 semester, on May 14th, 2026, 6:00pm inside UNLV’s FDH 109.
Currently in post-production, Domino is a 20-minute narrative short that was entirely developed, greenlit, cast, and produced by students under Isaacs’ mentorship. The project includes a semester of developing a story idea and script, as well as an intensive 13-week pre-production period followed by a six-day shoot, mirroring the professional filmmaking process from development through delivery. Isaacs shares that all working positions were rotated and exchanged in order for students to learn as much as possible about all areas of productions. "I wanted to create a project where students would learn every aspect of production from development to delivery… I am incredibly proud of their work, and excited to bring the film to the community!"
Overseeing post-production and various additional areas of the film was Professor Thomas Bjelic (Maya & Samar, Youngblood, M. Butterfly). Isaacs invited Bjelic’s Film Sound students to complete the post-production sound work for Domino, encompassing hands-on experience in sound design, foley, dialog editing, ADR, and final mixing. The students developed a rigorous understanding of production and post-production scheduling, gaining insight into how disciplined adherence to timelines sustains workflow efficiency. Bjelic shares “Professor Andi Isaacs cracked the code by designing a multi-class framework that spans three terms, giving students a rare opportunity to experience the entire filmmaking process from start to finish… This kind of cross-class collaboration is essential to student success. It deepens experiential learning and, as an added bonus, gives every student meaningful work to build their portfolio with."
Rooted in themes of food, Filipino traditions, and found family, Domino highlights culturally driven storytelling while offering students the opportunity to bring a deeply personal narrative to life. The official tagline of the film is: Cook with heart to feed the soul… cook with soul to feed the family. Sherman states“I centered the story of Domino around three young chefs because I am fascinated with how dining becomes unique at the intersection of cuisine and culture. I chose Filipino culture because of the many friends that I have within this vibrant community that makes up so much of Southern Nevada.”
The film also highlight’s UNLV’s culturally diverse population - with UNLV consistently ranking among the top five most diverse universities in the United States of undergraduates. The university has over half of its student population identifying as racial or ethnic minorities, with high numbers of first generation students. It is a designated Minority Serving Institution (MSI), including Hispanic-Serving and Asian-American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving designations. There is a significant portion of Filipino students currently enrolled in the UNLV School of Cinematic Arts, with numerous professionally-working Filipino alumni proudly representing as well. More information on UNLV’s multicultural demographics can be found here.
The project is part of a curriculum innovation led by Isaacs, designed to give students full-cycle production experience while earning academic credit and professional film credentials. Many of the participating students are working on a film set for the first time. Sherman also shares “The production team and the talented Filipino actors bring the concepts of independence finding family from the page to life in a truly authentic way. As an aspiring writer, the exposure to an industry experience like this has been invaluable."
Beyond the classroom, Isaacs has significantly expanded experiential learning opportunities for UNLV film students. Through her leadership, dozens of students have participated in major industry experiences, including the American Film Market (AFM) in both Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Additional opportunities include endless internships with leading entertainment companies, including placements at Warner Bros. Discovery in Burbank and participation in the prestigious Television Academy Internship Program. Isaacs also oversees UNLV’s growing internship pipeline, working closely with students on resumes, cover letters, and application strategies while ensuring placements meet professional standards, including mentorship, supervision, and academic rigor.
In addition to her production courses, Isaacs teaches the popular “Business of Hollywood” class [also offered through UNLV’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)] where students and community members gain insight into the full lifecycle of film and television projects, from development and financing to marketing and distribution.
Before joining UNLV in 2022, Isaacs built a distinguished career in the film industry. She served as Executive Vice President and Head of Physical Production at Summit Entertainment from 2006 until its acquisition by Lionsgate in 2012, helping shape the studio’s production strategy during a period of major growth. Her extensive production background also includes work with Walt Disney Pictures and a wide range of independent and major studio films. Her credits span major titles such as Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and At World’s End (2007), Now You See Me (2013), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Warm Bodies (2013), Red (2010), all installments of The Twilight Saga (2008 - 2012), as well as acclaimed films including The Hurt Locker (2008) and In the Valley of Elah (2007).
At UNLV CinArts, Isaacs is focused on preparing the next generation of filmmakers through practical training and mentorship. At one of the most diverse universities in the nation, she is committed to helping students develop and elevate their unique voices while building sustainable careers in the entertainment industry. With Domino, Isaacs and her students continue to demonstrate the power of hands-on education - creating meaningful, culturally rich stories while equipping emerging filmmakers with the tools and experience needed to succeed in a competitive industry.
In Fall of 2026, Isaacs will offer a brand new class to UNLV CinArts - Producing 3. This class will focus on production management - particularly budgeting, scheduling, and the scouting & securing of locations. The class will be insightful for students interested in pursuing careers as a Unit Production Manager, Assistant Director, Film Accountant, or Location managers and scouts - as well as anybody considering an aspirational film in the future.
To learn more about the UNLV’s School of Cinematic Arts, Domino, Summer 2026 internship opportunities, to see how you can study alongside Professor Andi Isaacs, or her upcoming new class Producing 3 please visit https://www.unlv.edu/film
Interviews with Andi Isaacs, the cast & crew of Domino, and additional UNLV School of Cinematic Arts are available upon request.
ABOUT THE UNLV SCHOOL OF CINEMATIC ARTS
The UNLV School of Cinematic Arts (UNLV CinArts) is a school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) in the College of Fine Arts, offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs that blend current industry practices with traditional storytelling, film history, and real-world experience led by professionals in the industry. UNLV CinArts proudly prepares students by building a strong foundation for careers in the dynamic worlds of film, television, and digital media.
For more information on UNLV CinArts, visit: https://www.unlv.edu/cinematic-arts
ABOUT THE UNLV COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
The College of Fine Arts educates, empowers, and engages creative people to become visionary change-makers in the arts through acts of imagination. At UNLV we believe the arts are an essential good for society. We make education relevant and accessible through our programs and outreach. We create new knowledge in the arts. We celebrate independent thought and the power of bringing people together to foster creativity.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Ashley Sanchez
Nocturne PR | UNLV Department of Film, Public Relations Consultant 702-427-7670
ashley@nocturnepr.net
Jennifer Vaughan
UNLV College of Fine Arts, Communications Director jennifer.vaughan@unlv.edu
