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Overview

NMCO began its partnership with the LCI Film Fest in 2017, laying the foundation through early web development and sponsorship social media promotions. As the festival evolved and expanded, so did our collaboration—growing from foundational support to a full-service creative partnership.

In 2024, we elevated the LCI Film Fest’s identity with a bold and dynamic rebrand designed to excite and energize both returning audiences and new attendees and made a subtle but effective change to their name. Alongside the rebrand, we launched a newly designed, user-friendly website to better reflect the festival’s creative spirit and growing prestige.

Brand

Development

Introducing LCI Film Fest, more than a regional festival, is a canvas for independent cinema, meriting its place on the grand screen. The asterisk in its logo is a symbol of versatility, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the festival: international reach, independent spirit, innovative thinking, intriguing narratives, inclusivity, and constant inventiveness. It’s a celebration of diversity, inviting everyone to find a part of themselves in LCI Film Fest. Embracing the ambiance of film in a dark space and the vibrancy of RGB color spaces, its visual identity marries classic cinema iconography and color schemes with a youthful, modern flair. The logo’s asterisk, a central feature, is composed by uniting iconic clapboard chevrons, the sepia tones evoke the nostalgia of vintage cinema, and the “I” in the logo, designed with a wavy form, imitates the look of classic film reels. This is set against a modern background of gradient colors and dynamic typography, emphasizing the festival’s adaptability and creativity. The overall design of the logo encapsulates LCI Film Fest’s innovative spirit. As the nation’s largest student-run film festival, LCI Film Fest sets itself apart in Las Cruces with a design that’s not just distinctive, but a beacon of creativity and inclusion.

By 2025, Their 10-year anniversary, our role expanded to include strategic promotions and media placement. Our targeted campaign efforts helped increase the festival’s ticket sales by 30%, amplifying visibility and engagement across key audiences.

Through intentional design, marketing strategy, and a shared passion for the Film industry, NMCO continues to support LCI Film Fest’s growth and long-term success.

Deliverables

Videography

Cameras & Lenses:

  • Shot on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K with Sigma Art 18-35mm on the Ronin RS3 Pro Gimbal
  • stock NMCO videography

Software:

  • Edited on DaVinci Resolve Studio

Photography

Cameras:

  • SONY A IV

Lenses:

  • 70-200mm GM

Editing:

  • Lightroom 2025
  • Photoshop 2025

Lighting:

  • Aperture 600d with soft dome
  • Aperture 200sx with soft dome

Website

As a result of the rebranding, we got to overhaul the entire website to match the new branding and improve the user experience. We updated the site navigation to be more streamlined, helping users find the information that they needed. We introduced a dedicated festival schedule page, allowing guests to plan their visit with clarity and ease, as well as a dedicated space for filmmakers, giving creators a focused place to find submission info and book a place to stay. And with a fully responsive design, the experience is seamless across devices—from desktop to mobile. 

The new LCI Film Fest website isn’t just a hub for information—it’s an extension of the festival itself: bold, inclusive, and constantly evolving. It captures the essence of what makes LCI Film Festival stand out. 

NMCO Studio member, Kahlo

Kahlo

Door Greeter & Cookie Eater

Kahlo is our gentle, friendly, office pup! He loves his belly rubbed, sniffing absolutely everything, and hasn’t found a treat he wouldn’t eat! Be sure to say hi, he loves the attention!

NMCO Studio member, Annakat

Anna Kat Hollis

Senior Web Developer

Anna Kat is the driving force behind NMCO’s web development endeavors. With a sharp intellect, unwavering efficiency, and a keen eye for goals, she is the go-to expert for crafting everything from sleek landing pages to nationally acclaimed e-commerce sites. Anna Kat not only serves as your trusted web developer guide but also, if you look closely, you’ll notice she’s always impeccably color-coordinated with NMCO’s brand – a true testament to her attention to detail and commitment to the company’s image.

NMCO Studio member, Arron

Aaron Walterscheid

Video Specialist & Cinematographer

Meet Aaron, NMCO’s “Silent Assassin.” Despite his quiet demeanor, Aaron is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to videography, editing, color grading, drone operation, lighting, and crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. His remarkable talent and expertise shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on every project he touches.

NMCO Studio member, Dana

Dana Apodaca

Senior Graphic Designer & Art Director

Dana’s journey with NMCO has been nothing short of impressive, starting as a design intern and progressing to become a designer who now plays a pivotal role in assisting with art direction. Her dedication keeps our graphics department on track and ensures our processes are efficient and business-ready. Dana’s knack for creating identity systems has resulted in some of our most recognized work. And, if you’re fortunate enough to listen in, she’s consistently voted the best playlist in the studio.

NMCO Studio Co founder, Lucky

Lucky Gonzalez

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

When you have a wealth of creative content, you need someone like Lucky with 18 years of business experience to guide you on where to put it. He’s our media placement guru, with the expertise and know-how to maximize your impact. Whether it’s digital banner ads or broadcast TV, Lucky can take any budget and transform it into impressions and conversions. He’s dedicated to finding solutions for your unique challenges, making him an invaluable asset to our team.

NMCO Studio member, Tina

Christina Ballew

Founder & Chief Creative Officer

Tina, as a co-founder of NMCO, has been on a relentless mission to redefine creative services in the southwest. Building a creative studio from the ground up was a formidable challenge, but her vision and determination have transformed NMCO into a beacon of professionalism and innovation, known for its people-centric approach and out-of-the-box thinking. While she’s taken on nearly every role in the studio, Tina’s next ambition is nothing short of global. She’s poised to take on the world with her creative endeavors.