Alumni from the Biola University Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts have a chance to steal the Super Bowl spotlight – during the commercial breaks. Alumnus Nate Norell (’18), along with best friend and fellow filmmaker Dylan Bradshaw, created one of the top three Doritos ads in the running to win the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest. The commercial that receives the most votes will be aired during the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, and the filmmakers will receive $1 million. The creators have until Jan. 28 to get the most votes and take the prize. 

Image shows Nate and Dylan on the set of
Nate Norell and Dylan Bradshaw on the set of "Abduction"

“We've always wanted to co-direct. To have it not only be something we're insanely proud of, but also something that the world, or Doritos at least, deems as a great story, ad and video,” said Norell.

After a 10-year hiatus, the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest is back, which was open for any filmmaker to submit an ad featuring the iconic triangular chip. Norell and Bradshaw submitted a 30-second commercial titled “Abduction,” starring a cheesy chip lover who has an extraterrestrial battle of tug-of-war with a UFO beam for a bag of Doritos. With no clear winner, the human and alien end up enjoying the bag of chips together.

Norell and Bradshaw found out about the contest just under a month before the November deadline, spending the following three weeks brainstorming, planning, writing, mocking up and directing the final production of “Abduction.” The commercial was completely self-funded.

Jace Hardwick (’20), another Snyder School alumnus, was involved in the writing and visual effects for the ad. According to Norell, Hardwick was the one to thank for elevating the story of “Abduction” to the next creative level.

Image shows Dylan, Nate, Jace and Ethan on set
From left to right, Dylan Bradshaw, Nate Norell, Jace Hardwick and Ethan Montgomery on the set of the commercial shoot

“The biggest challenge was definitely the VFX,” said Hardwick. “I still remember Nate pitching the idea, which led to me reworking the script to sell the humor of a man being thrown around [by a UFO beam]. When Nate asked, ‘Can you pull that off VFX-wise?’ I confidently replied, ‘Yes,’ while quietly holding onto nothing more than a theory of how to make it work. Looking back, I’m so glad we took the risk and rose to the challenge.”

While winning the impressive sum of prize money would make a great impact on the filmmakers’ careers, they are more excited about the possibility of having their commercial shown during the Super Bowl, or what Norell calls “the Oscars of ads.”

“If we had to choose between $1 million or the spot in the Super Bowl, we will choose a spot,” said Norell.

The two filmmakers, who were one of thousands who submitted a Doritos ad, had a supportive crew to help create the commercial, with Biola alumni and one current Biola student working behind the scenes. Hardwick wrote the story with Norell and Bradshaw and also worked on visual effects with alumnus Ethan Montgomery (’23) and current Snyder School student Garrison Keeton. The advertisement was produced by alumnus Andrew Baer (’19) and special effect makeup was done by alumna Cynthia Garcia (’18).

Image shows Dylan and Nate
Dylan and Nate talk through directions on set

Norell credits going to film school at Biola for getting him to where he is today.

“Biola’s film school greatly shaped me as a kid who only knew he loved film, had a passion for it, and wanted to do something with it,” said Norell. “I made incredible connections and incredible friendships. The classes helped shape my creativity more than it was, but to a refined aspect. I couldn’t be here without them; I’m very proud to be a Biola alumni.

Hardwick praised Biola for not only helping sharpen his skills, but strengthen his faith in God.

“Biola’s film school played a significant role in shaping the abilities I have today, but more than that, it deepened my faith,” said Hardwick. “Being able to step into the world and pursue my craft with both excellence and confidence in the God I serve allows me to be a light to those around me, both on and off set. No matter the project or the outcome, I’m reminded that my first mission is to reflect God’s kingdom in everything I do — and my second mission is to create impactful films.”

Vote in the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest every day for the Biola alumni production “Abduction” by visiting doritoscrash.com. Participants are allowed to vote once per day, per device, until January 28, 2025. The winning ad will be announced on Feb. 3.

Norell is not the only Biola alumnus who is taking a shot at being in the Super Bowl. When the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” contest was in its early years, alumnus Kevin Willson (’01) won the contest twice and was a finalist twice.

The Biola University Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts nurtures a thriving network of alumni in the film industry ranging from those working in movies to streaming series to game design and more. Some names include social media personality Zach King (’12) and film director Scott Derrickson (’89, ’90, Doctor Strange). Learn more and apply today to grow in knowledge and experience in the filmmaking world.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.