Students in the film‑production program at Smyrna High School are getting a real‑world learning opportunity this month. Two student groups earned the chance to create an actual television commercial for Blue Coast Burrito, a popular restaurant with several locations throughout Rutherford County.
Collaboration born from student ideas
The project began when the students pitched their concepts to Blue Coast Burrito. After reviewing the proposals, the company selected the two groups to move forward. “They pitched the idea, they put it together, their plan, and we just get to help facilitate it, it has been really nice,” said Mike Monroe, Director of Operations for Blue Coast Burrito.
Monroe visited Smyrna High a few weeks ago to hear the students present their concepts. He emphasized how meaningful the partnership has been for the business. “To be a part of this community is important to us,” he said. “And to work with these young adults and see their energy and passion is just super fun. So this has been great for us and for them.”
Students overcome production hurdles
The experience has not been without challenges. Film teacher Kyle Dietz recounted that an actor became unavailable during a shoot, putting the production under pressure. “An actor not being available, so they felt that pressure of ‘oh my gosh, what are we going to do?’ Production has to go on,” Dietz explained.
Students quickly found a replacement and kept filming. “They found another actor that stepped right in and they were able to manage it and I think they did really well,” Dietz added. “I’m very pleased with that, I’m anxious to see the final piece.” He noted that problem‑solving is exactly the point of the assignment. “The biggest thing is time management and realizing you have a limited time on set and you gotta get the job done, and the only way to learn that is to be on set,” he said.
Company and teachers praise the partnership
Monroe echoed the sentiment that the collaboration brought out the best in everyone involved. “It’s great seeing the input from so many different people,” he said. “Mr. Dietz was very engaged, the kids themselves were very engaged, and our employees had some input in the whole process as well, so it’s been neat, it’s been fun for everybody.”
The finished commercial is slated to be completed before the end of the month, giving the students a tangible product to showcase their skills and giving Blue Coast Burrito fresh, locally‑crafted advertising.
Why this matters for Smyrna families
Beyond the marketing value for the restaurant, the project reinforces the importance of hands‑on education for young people in our community. By working on a real commercial, students learn time management, teamwork, and problem‑solving—skills that prepare them for future careers and strengthen the local workforce.
Parents and community members have expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it reflects Smyrna’s commitment to supporting both local businesses and the next generation of creators.
Looking ahead
Blue Coast Burrito plans to use the commercial across its social‑media channels and local TV spots, giving the students public exposure for their work. The school hopes to expand similar collaborations with other local enterprises, further integrating classroom learning with real‑world experience.
For now, the Smyrna High film‑production class remains focused on polishing the final edit, eager to see their work broadcast to the very community that helped inspire it.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
