Filming Highlights UTA Libraries

UTA Libraries' FabLab was the star of the show as cameras filmed the latest episode of "The College Tour” for Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Aug. 11. The Central Library was just one stop by the film crew as they documented life on campus. 

Each episode of "The College Tour" shares the story of a single college or university through the eyes of students. They act as tour guides sharing their real experiences on campus while offering insight and perspective on college life, community and culture. 

Library student assistant Alex Patrón led the audience through the FabLab's 8,000-square-foot makers' space that contained items such as 3D printers, a glass kiln and a shop room. He showed the audience how the resources in the FabLab can take a student's idea from dream to reality. 

Alex stated that the opportunity to work with the film crew from Amazon was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The director and the film crew made his time on camera as easy as possible. 

"It was such a really cool process, especially when it came to the filming day. The director and all the other crew from the college tour were so nice," Alex said. "Going into it, I was very nervous and worried that I would mess up a lot, but the people from the college tour were very kind and courteous. It was so much fun; I would do it again in a heartbeat." 

During his time on camera, Alex talked about the resources the FabLab offers to library patrons by highlighting different pieces of equipment and showing products produced by them. 

At one point in the filming, he showed the lightsaber he created in the FabLab for a comic con event he attended previously. 

Alex applauded the goal behind each episode of "The College Tour," which is to help future students choose the right school for them. 

"The show will help so many people who may not be able to afford traveling or may not have the time and the schedule to visit these universities," Alex said. "It gives them a way to see what they can expect at these different schools." 

Faiyaz Bin Zia, who works in the libraries' marketing and communications department and at the UTA Career Development Center, shared Alex's thoughts about the filming experience. During his portion of the episode, Faiyaz was filmed at the career development center. 

"I talked about how UTA provides resources and support to students and alumni to prepare themselves for the career field and the entrepreneurial spirit at UTA," Faiyaz said. "I think that I did great. I was confident in myself and well-prepared for the video. The producer told me that I was a natural." 

Faiyaz stated that shows like this help students in the United States and internationally in making their college choice. 

"Back home in Bangladesh, I watched different episodes of 'The College Tour,'" Faiyaz said. "It helps you to understand the trends, the spirit of the university, what the university campus looked like, and the opportunities they offer you as a new student." 

Faiyaz stated he was excited to be a part of the show. He hopes it will aid others in choosing their college and bringing new students to UTA. 

The episode featuring UTA will air in February on the 10th season of "The College Tour."  

The episode can be viewed through the Amazon Prime Video streaming service or on "The College Tour" website.