Meet Our Class 2025

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Development (Scripted)

Host Company: Valhalla Entertainment

Favorite Show: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

What inspired you to seek a career in television?
Ever since I was young, I was drawn to the art of imagination. My imagination was a world that I could exist in for hours. Whether it was Cartoon Network or a late-night ABC show on TV, I was intrigued by how someone got their imagination to exist on the TV screen. Television is the process of creatives working together to bring their imagination to life for the world to enjoy. I aim to be a part of that process.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Production Management

Host Company: Reverie Content

Favorite Show: Boy Meets World

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

As a Greek, I think I have to say, I am inspired by Tina Fey, who creates work that is sharp, funny, and deeply personal. Television is a space where identity, humor, and humanity intersect. Her career shows me that my perspective belongs on screen too.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Editing

Host Company: Geiger Post

Favorite Show: Euphoria

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I’ve always loved television because it can be a way to escape reality and connect with different worlds, stories, and emotions. Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by shows and how they could make you laugh, cry, or just feel seen. Over time, I realized that editing is what makes those moments so powerful, and I fell in love with the idea of shaping stories through that craft. That mix of childhood wonder and my passion for editing is what inspired me to pursue a career in television.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Agency

Host Company: Dean Panaro Talent

Favorite Show: Midnight Mass

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Growing up, my parents established a nightly family routine of television that opened my eyes to the fascinatingly diverse world outside my home, as well as the compelling power of great storytelling. Their unwavering support emboldened me to fully pursue my interest in television as a career. I want to support media creation that brings people together for moments of conversation and connection, just as television did for my family.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Music

Host Company: Music Box Studios

Favorite Show: The Amazing World of Gumball

What inspired you to seek a career in television?
Growing up, I was always a huge fan of animation and all things cartoon. As a kid I was always watching TV whether while doing homework, eating, getting ready, you name it I was glued to the screen. I specifically remember running home from school from the bus to just get a glimpse of Spongebob before my parents could catch me watching. This quickly would morph into other cartoons like The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time, and so many more.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Sound

Host Company: Smart Post West

Favorite Show: the Twilight Zone

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Being raised by two OG Disney adults, my childhood was filled with the iconic animated shows and movies that came from the "House of Mouse". I fell in love with the characters they created and stories they told, and I dreamed of being able to do the same one day. My specific interest in sound design was sparked after watching the bonus features on DVDs and being introduced to foley. I was also inspired to pursue a career in sound by the incredible sound design in the video games I played and watched others play online during my teen years.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Development - Unscripted

Host Company: AGC Studios

Favorite Show: Arrested Development

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

My parents raised me on filmmaking. When we weren’t making short films ourselves, we were analyzing television shows to figure out what made them so spectacular. I wouldn’t have found my path without their constant encouragement. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned from them to use!

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Cinematography

Host Company: CBS/Paramount - Matlock - James Bagdonas

Favorite Show: Parks and Recreation

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I have to give credit to my High School teacher Mr. Brett Schwartz, who really tapped into my skills and grew our film and tv program with me and my peers who wanted to achieve more. In more recent days I have to give credit to recent mentors like Amy Vincent ASC and Scott Cunningham ASC, who not only pushed me to find my own voice, but also made this whole world of film and television feel tangible and achievable. Finally, I am also inspired by the feeling I get when I am on set with a camera, and the confidence I feel whenever I get the opportunity to collaborate and find a new perspective..

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Directing

Host Company: Michael Goi - Matlock

Favorite Show: My Brilliant Friend

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

As a lost Ghanaian girl in a new country, television allowed me to escape my loneliness and the taunts that I was too different and not enough. This relationship evolved as series like I May Destroy You and My Brilliant Friend moved me to tears, laughter, and reflection. From them, I discovered stories could be a vessel to explore identities and realize my possibilities. Inspired, I've begun directing my own stories, crafting poignant characters with rich inner worlds and writhing turmoil. I hope to make a career out of moving television audiences to think and feel in new ways.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Development - Scripted Series

Host Company: Hyphenate Media Group

Favorite Show: Hacks

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I spent my life growing up in a bilingual household so I was able to experience many different television programs. I saw how much television influenced the way I learned English and how I learned so much about American culture before going to school. I learned about the power of television at very young age and I would love to be apart of that!

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Unscripted

Host Company: 44 Blue Productions

Favorite Show: The Office

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Growing up in a home where each room showcased a different TV genre, I developed a strong appreciation for storytelling. My grandparents loved soap operas, my mom enjoyed The Real Housewives, and I adored the Disney Channel.  The same impact TV had on me, I want to provide for others.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Development - Scripted Series

Host Company: The Walt Disney Company/FX

Favorite Show: Arrested Development

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

What inspired me to pursue a career in television was the powerful way it connected my family during my childhood. My father, a dedicated film and television buff, shared his interest with us through weekend binges of shows like Newhart, I Love Lucy, and The Twilight Zone. These shared experiences created a special language of inside jokes and references that bonded our family even when our busy lives pulled us in different directions. Knowing firsthand how television could create these moments of shared emotion sparked a desire in me to create stories that could provide the same experience for others.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Production - Scripted Series

Host Company: Hallmark

Favorite Show: Bojack Horseman

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Growing up in Arkansas, I always found television to be an escape. In witnessing first-hand the power and influence that quality writing, direction, and performance had, I knew that I couldn’t be the only one impacted by characters on screen. I knew there was a community of people out there who shared my same passion. I knew the television industry was the perfect path for me.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: PR/Publicity

Host Company: Organic Publicity

Favorite show: Succession

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Sitting down together for a show each night, my family has inspired me to seek a career in television. Throughout my life, TV has united us by serving as a habitual source of connection.The countless conversations we have had regarding our favorite series have shown me the media’s power in strengthening relationships.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Physical Production/Business Management

Host Company: AGC Studios

Favorite Show: Peaky Blinders

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Television has always been a part of my life – whether it was waking up in the middle of the night to reruns of George Lopez or later becoming captivated by the complexity and depth of characters like Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. Over time, driven by a growing curiosity about the process of creating captivating on-screen stories, I have become increasingly passionate about strengthening my own abilities to produce and develop such influential content. At its core, I value that this medium offers vast creative freedom for individuals like myself to explore, contribute, and help shape impactful and compelling narratives.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Casting

Host Company: Betty Mae, Inc.

Favorite Show: The Office

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

While I’ve always loved watching television, I originally set my sights on working in film. That changed during an internship with Mickie Paskal and Jennifer Rudnicke, where I had the opportunity to work on casting TV shows and realized how much I loved the medium. Felicia D. Henderson, a professor and mentor of mine, also opened my eyes to the creative possibilities and leadership behind the screen.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Physical Production/Business Management

Host Company: Hallmark

Favorite Show: Sabrina the teenage witch (with melissa Joan hart)

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

What inspired me to seek a career in television is not only my love for film but the love I have for the process. Like a first love you just want to get to know more and do more. You want to know what part of the process you fit in and what’s part are even too tedious. Film has a lot of steps and I can’t wait to try to know them all.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Design - Costume

Host Company: Terry Gordon

Favorite Show: Once Upon A Time

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

When I was eight years old, my father introduced me to ABC's Once Upon a Time, a show that may have been beyond my years but ignited a passion that continues to drive me today. The intricate costumes that graced the screen captivated me completely—their beauty, craftsmanship, and storytelling depth revealed the power of visual design in television. Watching those elaborate period pieces and fantastical designs sparked something profound within me, showing me how costume design could bring characters to life and transport audiences to entirely different worlds. That early exposure to artistry is something I am eternally grateful for.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Production - Live Television

Host Company: Bob Bain Productions

Favorite Show: Saturday Night Live

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Growing up in a small, rural town, television is what allowed me to feel connected to the rest of the world. When I moved to California, I knew that I wanted to further develop this passion, so I joined TrojanVision at USC. My mentor and producer at the studio, Jared Hoffman, gave me the skills necessary to start making my dreams come true.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Getting Real: Unscripted

Host Company: Bunim-Murray Productions

Favorite Show: Survivor

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Individuals like Lena Waithe, Ava DuVernay, and my high school teacher, Daryl McCane, have been major inspirations in my pursuit of a career in television. Each of them uses storytelling as a tool for social justice, representation, and meaningful change. They’ve shown me that film and TV can be more than entertainment they can be a powerful way to make people feel seen and to shine a light on voices that often go unheard. Their work inspires me to do the same.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Editing

Host Company: Herizon Productions

Favorite Show: Abbott Elementary

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

While applying for film schools as a senior in high school, I was connected to Laura Zempel, an editor who is most known for Euphoria, BEEF, and Lessons in Chemistry, and had the opportunity to speak with her over Zoom. She spoke realistically of the challenges she faced in her career, yet in a way that made obvious her love for her work. Laura also discussed how despite the difficulty of breaking into the industry and working with others who weren’t as willing to give her chances or recognize her talent, she was still able to consistently learn and develop her craft as well as let her style evolve. Her humility, passion, hard work, and love for television are all things I’ve tried to remember and emulate as I study and prepare for my own career.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Production - Scripted Series

Host Company: Warner Bros. Discovery

Favorite Show: Moesha

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I remember the excitement I had coming home from school waiting for my favorite shows to come on and the laughter that filled my house on family nights. The stories we consumed brought us closer together, taught me to embrace my authenticity, and have become the foundation of my passion for storytelling. The day I picked up my first camera in middle school I realized that there were real people responsible for crafting everything I saw on screen, and that I could be one of those people. After my mother’s passing, I vowed to create meaning in my life and for me it came alive through learning the power that stories have to uplift, inspire, and help audiences through life’s challenges as they’ve helped me with mine.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Casting

Host Company: Magical Elves

Favorite Show: The Good Place

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I was encouraged after taking a class with working director, Johnson Cheng. I was first interested in film , but after learning about the TV industry and remembering how much of a positive impact television has had on me throughout my life, I shifted my focus. The constant work that it takes to keep so many shows running inspired me to want to be a part of it. I thrive in an environment that is constantly moving and television seemed to align with me perfectly in the moment.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Development - Unscripted

Host Company: Hyphenate Media Group

Favorite Show: The Office

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

My time in the journalism program at my high school ultimately inspired me to switch majors and pursue a career in film & television. I was the managing editor of our broadcast news publication, and after having a taste of what visual storytelling could be, I realized that it was something I wanted to involve myself in long-term. Since then, I've realized the power film & television have to influence and inspire people and hope to do so in my career.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Production - Commercials

Host Company: Radical Media, et al

Favorite Show: Will & Grace

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

When I was nine years old, I saw a stop-motion video on YouTube of American Girl dolls. Seeing the dolls come to life amazed me, and I began making my own videos with my little sister. Since then, I’ve made documentaries, travel montages, packages that aired on my local news station, interview videos, short films, music videos, and so much more.

Twelve years later, I earned a degree from one of the top-ranked film schools in the U.S.—the Radio-Television-Film program at the University of Texas at Austin.

Graduation Year: 2027

Category: Getting Real: Unscripted

Host Company: Endemol Shine North America

Favorite Show: Severance

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

When I was a little girl my mom got taken by ICE. In order to cope with the horror of my reality, I turned to television. But I noticed that my Latine/x community was not showcased in mainstream American television so I decided that I would change that.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Development - Scripted Series

Host Company: RNR Media/National Lampoon

Favorite Show: Malcom in the Middle

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Working in Television had always been a dream, but I never thought about it seriously until a few years ago. I decided to leave my hometown and really pursue it, because if someone has to do it, why not me? Throughout my time at school, I have met many professors and mentors who have encouraged me along the way.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Design - Art Direction/Set Decoration

Host Company: CBS/Paramount - Matlock - Adam Rowe

Favorite Show: Fleabag

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

She definitely does not remember this but, Denise Huth from The Walking Dead came to speak to my class in 6th grade. She showed us pictures from set and told us about the life of a producer and my whole life changed. I asked for her autograph that day and have had it taped on my mirror ever since.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Editing

Host Company: Geiger Post

Favorite Show: Saturday Night Live

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

For as long as I can remember, I have been captivated by how television weaves images, sound, and emotion into a living story. Watching shows that balanced striking visuals with authentic human moments showed me the power of editing to shape narrative and feeling. That passion for transforming raw footage into something that moves people inspired me to learn the craft and pursue a television career.

Graduation Year: 2027

Category: Production - Animation (Hand drawn)

Host Company: Titmouse

Favorite Show: Arcane

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Animated shows like Arcane, Avatar the Last Airbender, Castlevania and The Legend of Vox Machina are ultimately my main motivations and inspirations for wanting to pursue a career in television. Thanks to the flexibility that TV series have, it grants the writers and artists more freedom to expand on the world and its characters’ arcs, which is something I live for as an artist. I want to be a part of a crew that brings these characters and their journeys to life, so I hope one day I will be able to do so and inspire others to do the same!

Graduation Year: 2027

Category: SVFX

Host Company: Barnstorm VFX

Favorite Show: Shadow and Bone

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I’ve been most inspired by my parents. We love finding and sharing tv shows with each other, watching episodes after dinner on the weekends. I have great memories associated with television, and would love to get to work on creating the shows that have brought me so much joy.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Development - Scripted Series

Host Company: Bristol Circle Entertainment

Favorite Show: The Magicians

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I was inspired by a lot of other creatives to seek a career in television. When I saw Severance, I instantly thought, "I want to make this." That's how I view a lot of TV. The shows that I love, I want to expand on or alter into another project from the same heart.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Production - Animation (CG)

Host Company: Asteria

Favorite Show: Attack on Titan

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Television, especially animation has always inspired me. We watch TV to experience the emotional journey of the story and characters. Television can mimic life and can also be an escape. The human conncetion in TV storytelling is facinating. I am also inspired by the teams and how much hard work goes into any kind of Television production. It really takes a good communicative and collaborative group to accomplish something great! It's something that impsires gives me the drive to want to be an active part of that.

Graduation Year: 2027

Category: Foster Youth in Entertainment - Production

Host Company: Shondaland

Favorite Show: Crash Box

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Core family bonding moments have spurred from television. Media has led to inside jokes within my family that kept us close even when miles separated us. I want to provide the same chance for connection that television has provided me to other families.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Production - Documentary/Nonfiction/Unscripted

Host Company: Marwar Junction Productions

Favorite Show: How To with John Wilson

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Television played a powerful role in bridging the cultural gap between my immigrant dad and me. It offered us a shared language and space where we could laugh, learn, and relate to each other in ways that everyday conversation sometimes couldn’t. Through stories and characters, it gave us a place to connect and understand one another more deeply.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Development - Scripted Series

Host Company: Shondaland

Favorite Show: Avatar the Last Airbender

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Truth be told I always liked watching t.v shows more than watching movies. I have so many good memories of sitting with my family every week for a new episode of our favorite shows to drop on cable. I got to film school and was introduced to the title of a Showrunner and learned more about television as an industry. As an aspiring writer and producer, I knew that was where I wanted to take my career.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Production Management

Host Company: Asteria

Favorite Show: Boy Meets World

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

When I was younger, watching my favorite Disney Channel shows or PBS children's programming was what made everything melt away–all my anxiousness and stress gone when I could just enjoy fun stories that made me smile or laugh. Television has always been my safe place. And more than that, television taught me who I wanted to be when I grew older; someone brave, confident, and kind. It is because of how much TV taught and shaped me as a person that I want to work in TV and work on shows that shape the next generation.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Writing - Drama

Host Company: Two Drifters, Inc.

Favorite Show: Girls (or The Sopranos -- can't choose!)

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I was inspired to pursue a television writing career because on-screen, episodic storytelling not only has the power to entertain but, at its finest, it also appeals to actual emotion and reminds us of our collective, shared humanity. Through amplifying narratives about complicated people doing their best, I hope my work generates compassion and sparks empathy—the building blocks of a truly inclusive and equitable community.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Agency

Host Company: United Talent Agency

Favorite Show: Derry Girls

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

As a kid, my favorite time of year was when my cousin who lived across the country came to visit. We created our own sketch comedy TV show that we shot and edited on my iPad. I had so much fun creating these silly and joyful videos with my cousin. Television is what brought me and my cousin together and inspired me to seek a career in creating content that brings people together.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: News - Entertainment

Host Company: EXTRA

Favorite Show: Survivor

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Television was my family and I's favorite nightly routine growing up - Wednesday nights at 8pm EST, we knew we would all be together in the family room. TV creates such a sense of community for whoever is involved, including both the consumer and the producer. Once I realized that I could actually pursue a career in television, something I've loved for so long, I knew I had to do it one day. I am eager to be on the other side of the TV screen, creating meaning and memories for families like mine.

Graduation Year: 2027

Category: Development - Children's

Host Company: Cloudco Entertainment

Favorite Show: Avatar: The Last Airbender

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I definitely felt inspired by the children’s programming I watched growing up. As soon as I realized that adults made the cartoons I loved watching, I felt motivated to grow into someone capable of producing media that’ll reach and really connect with the next generation of kids.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Production - Scripted Series

Host Company: STARZ

Favorite Show: The West Wing

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I have always been enamored with the cultural power of television, both as a means to reflect the world and to imagine new ways for it to be. But, I'm probably most inspired by those I have worked with in my past projects. It is a joy to see my contemporaries devote so much of themselves to a shared goal and, in turn, how much they can grow. As I plan "what's next" after my college career, I would love nothing more, but to continue being a part of a community like that.

Graduation Year: 2026

Category: Editing

Host Company: Ping Pong Productions

Favorite Show: Avatar: The Last Airbender

What inspired you to seek a career in television?
As a kid TV was a huge escape for me but learning about television's history and why it brings people together so effectively has been a huge encouragement. UCI's Film and Media department has taught me a great deal about televisions impact on all aspects of modern society. When I produced a short film about my good friend Caro's experience in the foster care system, this education is what made me wonder how the power of TV could take her story and impact current/former foster youth throughout the nation.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Production Management

Host Company: NZK Productions/Warner Horizon

Favorite Show: I Love Lucy

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

Growing up in Peru, television was a big part of my life. I remember coming home from school, turning on the TV, and being completely captivated by its magic. But it wasn’t until I stepped onto a live show set for the first time that I truly understood the energy and teamwork behind it all. That moment stayed with me and made me realize I wanted to be part of this world, creating those same unforgettable moments for others.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Agency

Host Company: ATB Talent

Favorite Show: Gossip Girl

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

When I first came to America, I had a very hard time adjusting to the English language. As a result, my mom would turn on the TV and play American shows. This not only exposed me to the language more regularly, but I fell in love with the art form and found it to be a source of comfort growing up. I knew after this that I wanted to work within entertainment and help make more of the art that was a solace for me.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Interactive Media

Host Company: RMVISTAR

Favorite Show: The Office

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

I have always been surrounded by strong, powerful, and incredibly creative women in my family who inspired me to pursue a career in television. My mom encouraged me to chase my dreams with passion and resilience, while my aunt’s success as a costume designer in the film industry showed me the impact of storytelling through visual art. Their influence sparked my love for film and television, motivating me to create meaningful stories that inspire others.

Graduation Year: 2025

Category: Development (Scripted)

Host Company: The Walt Disney Company/FX

Favorite Show: My Wife & Kids

What inspired you to seek a career in television?

My advocacy for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community inspired me to create a web series in 2017 to showcase the unapologetic talent of my Deaf friends both on and off camera. That experience ignited my passion for episodic and serialized storytelling. Although I was completely new to the process, I fell in love with every aspect of pre-production and discovered a deep desire to continue creating meaningful television content.