Company 3 continues its partnership with the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films program, which brings emerging filmmakers from across North America together to create branded spots for theatrical exhibition through a six-month, real-world production experience. 

Each year, the program selects standout scripts from a wide range of submissions. Finalist teams receive production budgets to develop and produce their branded spots alongside their crews, gaining hands-on experience across every stage of filmmaking, from production through post. 

Throughout the program, filmmakers are mentored by industry professionals and supported by technical partners embedded in the creative process. As part of this collaboration, Company 3 provides finalists with access to in-studio color grading sessions, where students work directly with experienced colorists to help shape the final look of their work. 

Company 3 Colorist Justin White supported the final color work on the selected branded spots, helping filmmakers translate their creative vision into finished cinematic pieces ready for release. 

At the core of the program is the Red Ribbon Panel, a group of industry professionals who review each project, provide feedback throughout the process, and select the Grand Prize Winner. The winning spot receives additional filmmaking resources and a theatrical release across Coca-Cola® partner cinema chains throughout North America, including AMC Theatres, Cinemark, and B&B Theatres. 

This year’s program included The Usual from Howard University, marking a historic moment as the first time an HBCU has been represented among the finalists. The slate also featured Behind the Screens, which was named the Grand Prize Winner, and What Makes Them Magic, both from Full Sail University, with What Makes Them Magic also receiving the 2026 Cinemark Fan Favorite Award. 

Company 3 Vice President of Marketing Steph Leal also served on this year’s Red Ribbon Panel, contributing to the selection process alongside other industry professionals. 

Congratulations to the team behind Behind the Screens on being named the 2026 Grand Prize Winner. 

To learn more about Coca-Cola Refreshing Films, visit the official program website. Check out this year’s entries below. 

Behind the Screens | Full Sail University

Grand Prize Winner

• Color | Justin White
• Director | AE Quinapallo
• Producer | Kylie Shouse
• DP | Erik Van Lenten
• Production Design | Frank Geremia
• Editor | Erik Avilez
• Virtual Stage | Kyle Frazer, Marcella Lennae

The Usual | Howard University

• Color | Company 3
• Director | Avery Todd Harrell
• Producer | Aditya Gupta
• DP | Chris Cumber
• Production Design | Gary Little
• Editor | Joseph Macharia

What Makes Them Magic | Full Sail University

Cinemark Fan Favorite

• Color | Justin White
• Director | Brandon Bishop
• Producer | Christina Almuiña
• DP | Mo Vega
• Production Design | Aurora Trani
• Editor | Kalif Austin
• VFX | Kallel Samonte, Cinnie Saunders
• Virtual Stage | Kyle Frazer, Marcella Lennae