(April 5, 2012) — The sold-out El Portal theater roared as junior Khalil Jammal’s name was called to claim his award for his three-minute commercial, “Bicycle Playing Cards,” during the second annual Los Angeles Student Media Festival held March 10. With loud cheers and extended “woo’s” from the crowd around him, Jammal quickly left his seat to rush to the stage, receiving several hugs from his family. Jammal, a Cinematography 3-4 student, was initially unaccepting of what had recently happened. “When I heard my name called…I was like, ‘Oh, God,’” he said. He never expected for his film to place first in his category, which featured three other commercials from different schools.“After I heard my name, it’s like the whole room became silent,” Jammal said. As with most awards, students made speeches and thanked people who helped them make their films. Jammal approached the stage, unprepared for the words that were about to come out of his mouth. After giving thanks to his family, friends, and teachers, Jammal ended his winged speech with, “I’m speechless.” “In comparison to the other films,” said cinematography teacher Matt Stroup, “Khalil’s film was much more professionally done. He was able to entertain with cards in a subtle, straight, and straightforward way.” Both Jammal and Stroup agreed that although the other films were tastefully done, they lacked story, the basis of any good film. In addition to certificates, plaques, and a handshake and picture with Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, students whose films came in first place were given the opportunity to have lunch with a film or television official who works in the corresponding field. “I’m really excited,” said Jammal. “This can hopefully give me connections, and in the film industry, connections are really important.” Jammal, who is scheduled to have lunch with Bonnie Goldfarb, an executive producer at Harvest Films in Santa Monica, will also attend a workshop in which he will be able to do activities pertaining to the commercial industry. According to Stroup, an untalented, aspiring filmmaker can become famous with several connections while a talented filmmaker with no connections won’t be able to break into the industry. “Connections are very, very, very important,” said fellow nominee, senior Shant Salkhorian. “Ninety-nine percent of filmmakers get jobs today because they know someone who knows someone who knows someone.” Entering the film industry, Salkhorian has had his share of connections through his acting coach, ultimately landing him multiple auditions and gigs in high-budget films. Salkhorian, an advanced cinematography student in Stroup’s 5-6 class, submitted a total of seven films to the festival. The aspiring filmmaker managed to get two of his seven films into the finals; however, he left the theater empty-handed. Salkhorian said he isn’t phased by the loss, as he is confident in his films. “I always like to try new things in my film and just hope for the best.” said Salkhorian. As a winner of several other film festivals and a finalist in the New York Film Festival for his movie Thinking of You, he plans on pursuing a career in the film industry.