HU Arizona Film Students Step Up Again for Seattle Mariners Spring Training Media Shoot
For the third year in a row, Huntington University Arizona’s spring break brought more than just sunshine — it brought the Seattle Mariners. As the Major League Baseball team returned to Peoria for spring training, they again turned to HU Arizona’s film students and state-of-the-art facilities to produce high-impact media content. What followed was a continuation of a remarkable partnership and another unforgettable experience for six student filmmakers.
This year’s collaboration gave students a chance to go deeper — not just observe but actively contribute to a polished, professional shoot with one of the nation’s premier sports franchises. The students stepped into fundamental production roles alongside industry veterans, from camera setup and lighting to on-location direction and coordination.
“Huntington University has proven to be an outstanding production partner for the Mariners during our Spring Training Content Capture over the last three years,” said Ben Mertens, vice president of creative and content services for the Mariners. “The University’s production facilities and the professionalism demonstrated by both the students and staff have made a remarkable impact in the quality of our shoots. We are very grateful for the University’s continued support in helping to bring Mariners baseball to life for our fans each spring.”
The six students, hand-selected based on their skills and professional readiness, worked directly with Mariners production teams throughout the week. Between takes and equipment checks, students could engage in one-on-one conversations with media professionals, gaining insights into everything from storytelling techniques to career navigation in sports and entertainment.
“It’s one thing to teach students how to operate a camera or frame a shot,” said Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “It’s another thing to place them in a live, fast-paced environment where their contributions directly impact a national brand. That kind of growth is transformational — and it’s exactly why we value partnerships like this one.”
As the Mariners embarked on a new season, HU Arizona’s students returned to class with something just as exciting. This experience opened doors and expanded dreams. It is proof that when education meets opportunity, the results are nothing short of major league.
