Comm Week 2025: Full Schedule

10:00am PDT

Stumbling to Success as a Television Director

Monday April 21, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Shea tells his story of how an 11-year CSUF stint contributed to him becoming a TV director. His story begins with him going to college so his parents wouldn't kick him out of the house at 17 and ends with a successful career in the entertainment industry. The presentation will focus on the steps he took that lead to his success and what his current position entails.

Hosted by: Professor Amaru Tejeda

Speakers

Shea William Vanderpoort

Director/Cinematographer/Editor, BET (BET Networks, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc.)

Shea William Vanderpoort is a multifaceted director, cinematographer, and editor with a diverse background, having worked on notable projects like The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, Kingdom Business and First Wives Club. Shea's work includes documentaries, TV shows, and a... Read More →

Monday April 21, 2025 10:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Entertainment & Tourism

2:00pm PDT

Lambda Pi Eta: Kye Viayra Speech: The True Magic Making Entertainment Happen

Monday April 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Gilman AB

Kylee “Kye” Viayra is a filmmaker and writer studying Cinema and Television Arts at California State University, Fullerton. They have experience in screenwriting, event production, and marketing through their work at the Newport Beach Film Festival and Disneyland. Passionate about storytelling, they focus on narratives that explore sociological themes and underrepresented communities. With a strong work ethic and creative vision, they strive to make a meaningful impact in the film and television industry.

Hosted by: Lambda Pi Eta

Speakers

Kylee Viayra

Vice President, Lambda Pi Eta

Monday April 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Club Event, Open to All

4:00pm PDT

TikTok Talk - Social Media's Ever-Changing Relationship with the Music Industry

Monday April 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Gilman AB

Vivian Phan has dedicated much of her professional career in the music industry to promoting artists' careers via social media. As the Music Partnerships Senior Manager of SoundOn at TikTok, Phan will discuss her current work with the company, her previous professional pursuits, her start as a CSUF Communications major, and what the future of social media integration looks like with prominent music artists.

Hosted by: Professor Waleed Rashidi

Speakers

Vivian Phan

Senior Manager of Music Partnerships, SoundOn , TikTok

In her current role managing relationships with artist, manager & label partners, Phan leads the Account Management side of the SoundOn Music Partnerships team at TikTok. She previously led partnerships & marketing initiatives for UMG and WMG artists on the TikTok Music Label Partnerships... Read More →

Monday April 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Social Media

7:30pm PDT

Telling A Tale Through Writing that Sings

Monday April 21, 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT

Gilman AB

Peter Larsen, a veteran feature writer for the Orange County Register, exemplifies the best of what it means to be a storyteller. Feature writers are a special breed of storytellers. They craft illuminating and poignant stories that plumb the depths of humanity, immersing readers into the world of their protagonists and taking readers on journeys that move -- and sometimes compel -- them to action. These storytellers weave their narratives with tension, dialog, drama and scenes that linger in the mind's eye, long after the story has been read.

Hosted by: Professor Vik Jolly

Speakers

Peter Larsen

Pop Culture Reporter, OC Register

Peter Larsen is a veteran journalist with a passion for storytelling, whether covering Hollywood’s biggest events or breaking down political news. As the Orange County Register’s Pop Culture Reporter since 2004, he has reported from the Oscars, Emmys, Comic-Con, and Coachella... Read More →

Monday April 21, 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Journalism

11:00am PDT

How to Cover Breaking News

Tuesday April 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Gilman AB

The presentation will focus on how to cover breaking news. As a journalist, this is one part of the job that's unavoidable. The focal point will be to teach the basics on how to report, showcase, and stay on top of a breaking news story as it develops by the minute. He will be bringing in examples of how he have covered breaking news stories in the booth, and the directions he gave out to reporters in the field. Any other questions and concerns are welcomed during the Q&A portion.

Hosted by: Dr. Penchan Phoborisut

Speakers

Cody Gion

News Producer, ABC 10News San Diego

Since graduating CSUF in 2019, Cody started his journey in the local TV industry in El Paso, Texas, eventually working his way to San Diego. Throughout his career, he has been presented with opportunities to cover stories that impact the community. Whether it's covering city council... Read More →

Tuesday April 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Journalism

1:00pm PDT

Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Tuesday April 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Gilman AB

Melanie will present tips and tricks that helped her develop her own journalistic style. Whether you are in print, broadcast, photo, or radio journalism, these tools can help you find your reporter voice. As an early-career journalist, Melanie will also speak about how she found her own path into the industry after graduating from CSUF and how she landed her dream job.

Hosted by: AAJA

Speakers

Melanie Nguyen

Business Reporter, Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Melanie Nguyen is a CSUF alumn, class of 2023, that studied journalism and marketing. While she was at Cal State Fullerton, she served as a board member for the AAJA-CSUF chapter and a news editor for the Daily Titan. She has written for several local news organizations across California... Read More →

Tuesday April 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Journalism

7:00pm PDT

Reaching the Community with Public Affairs Radio

Tuesday April 22, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT

Gilman AB

For most radio stations, the FCC-mandated public affairs program (usually heard very early on Sunday mornings) is just another thing to check off on the list in order to get the station’s license renewed. But for Pepper, it’s become a way to give a voice to the voiceless and a chance to use the microphone not just for entertainment, but to make a meaningful difference. Pepper’s approach to community service mirrors that of the 360 approach K-Frog’s sales staff uses to amplify the message of their paid advertisers: on-air, online, and on-site. But why do K-Frog’s listeners respond the way they have to her commitment to do good? She believes it’s because she also knows how to have fun!

Hosted by: Professor Rob Van Riel

Speakers

Vicki Pepper

On-Air Talent, K-FROG / Audacy

Pepper is an On-Air Weekend Host, Traffic Reporter, and Public Affairs Director for KFRG (aka “K-Frog”) in Riverside. She’s also a Traffic Reporter for K-Frog’s sister stations in Phoenix and San Diego, and Public Affairs Director for San Diego, as well. She began her career... Read More →

Tuesday April 22, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Radio

10:00am PDT

Behind the Glam: Fashion, Community & the Power of Influencers

Wednesday April 23, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am PDT

Gilman AB

CSUF graduate, Jacquelin Quintana, will share how connections and internships helped launch her career in the fashion industry. She'll offer insights into what it’s like to work in the fun, fast-paced world of fashion, and how she leads her team to stay ahead of trends while keeping their community engaged.

Hosted by: Professor Ken Hagihara

Speakers

Jacquelin Quintana

Influencer Marketing Manager, Lulus

Jacquelin Quintana is a 2018 CSUF graduate who is now an influencer marketing manager at Lulus, where she blends creativity, stays on top of trends, and utilizes strategy to build dynamic partnerships that shape the brand’s voice and visibility.

Wednesday April 23, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Public Relations

4:00pm PDT

Industry and Real World Opportunities in Entertainment – 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival

Wednesday April 23, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Gilman AB

Hear about the amazing opportunities at the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival! The Newport Film Beach Festival gives students the unique chance to be a part of a major entertainment event in Orange County. The Festival is an amazing opportunity to build your network and gain relevant experience.

There will be 5 different speakers sharing their experiences in the film and television industry. Students will get insights, on internships, leadership opportunities, class options, and more!

The Newport Beach Film Festival is now the largest celebration of cinema in coastal Southern California. Be part of this very special evening. Discussions will cover: Entertainment PR, Brand Building, Event Planning, Hospitality (Hotels and Resorts), Marketing and Outreach, Celebrity Wrangling and much more!

Hosted by: Professor Gregg Shwenk

Speakers

Katie Alves

Marketing Coordinator, Newport Beach Film Festival

Katie Alves studied Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Cinema and Television Arts at California State University, Fullerton. She first joined the Newport Beach Film Festival as an intern, later stepping into the role of Social Media Coordinator.Katie... Read More →

Danielle Solorzano

Director of Interns & Volunteers, Newport Beach Film Festival

Danielle Solorzano is the Director of Interns at the Newport Beach Film Festival, where she leads intern recruitment, training, and development across all departments. She holds a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Entertainment and Tourism from Cal State Fullerton, along... Read More →

Kaipo Cavanh

Marketing Manager, Newport Beach Film Festival

Kaipo Cavanh graduated from California State University, Fullerton in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, with an emphasis in Public Relations. After graduating, Kaipo joined the Newport Beach Film Festival as the Digital Media Coordinator, where he developed creative... Read More →

Taylor Bazella

Features Programming Coordinator, Newport Beach Film Festival

Travis Garcia

Co-Director of Feature Film Programming & Director of Interns, Newport Beach Film Festival

Travis Garcia graduated from California State University, Fullerton January 2021 with a Bachelor's in Cinema and Television Arts. He is currently enrolled in CSUF's Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting program and is expecting to graduate this May. In 2022, Travis took on the Director... Read More →

Todd Quartararo

Co-Founder and VP of Marketing & Development, Newport Beach Film Festival

Todd Quartararo has more than 25 years of public relations experience and founded Quartararo & Associates (Q&A) in 1997. Before starting Q&A, he worked on national accounts at Bozell Worldwide, Draft FCB, and Alcone Marketing Group. He has worked with clients including Taco Bell... Read More →

Cindy Cisneros

Co-Director of Feature Film Programming, Newport Beach Film Festival

Fellow Titan, Cindy Cisneros graduated from California State University, Fullerton May 2022 with a Bachelor's in Communication and an emphasis on Entertainment and Tourism. Her journey with the Newport Beach Film Festival began in the fall of 2021, when she took 2 classes, Comm 497T... Read More →

Gregg Schwenk

CEO & Co-Founder, Newport Beach Film Festival

Gregg Schwenk is a writer, educator and entrepreneur. He reports on a number of subjects including: film, art, technology and politics. Mr. Schwenk is an adjunct faculty member at California State University Fullerton in Orange County, California. He is also a consultant and advisor... Read More →

Wednesday April 23, 2025 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Entertainment & Tourism

7:00pm PDT

Audience Behavior & Brand Relevance: A Fireside Chat with Matt Prince

Wednesday April 23, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Gilman AB

Join this personal and interactive fireside chat with Matt Prince, whose career has spanned iconic brands like KFC, Taco Bell, and Disney. With real-world stories from behind the scenes of viral campaigns and brand-defining moments, Matt will share insights on how audience behavior drives media strategies, sparks cultural relevance, and influences brand storytelling. Designed for future media professionals, this session will explore the evolving relationship between brands and their audiences.

Hosted by: Professor Cynthia King

Speakers

Matt Prince

Public Relations Executive and Educator, KFC, Taco Bell, The Walt Disney Company, and Chapman University

Matt Prince, a nationally recognized public relations executive with two decades of experience including in-house social marketing and PR for major global brands like The Walt Disney Company, Taco Bell and currently KFC as Head of Earned Media and Brand Social. He’s a leading voice... Read More →

Wednesday April 23, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Public Relations

8:30am PDT

The Power of Communication in Dispatch: Unlocking Career Opportunities

Thursday April 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT

Gilman AB

In this presentation, Megan Yapelli, a Public Safety Communications Supervisor will explore the critical role that communication plays in the world of dispatch operations and how it can be a key factor in securing a job. Attendees will learn how clear, concise, and effective communication with colleagues, the public, and superiors is essential for seamless operations in fast-paced environments. The presentation will also highlight how strong communication skills are not only vital for day-to-day tasks but also serve as a standout quality that can help individuals advance in their careers. By providing examples, real-world scenarios, and actionable advice, this session will equip attendees with insights on how mastering communication can boost your professional presence and increase job opportunities, including in the public safety sector.

Hosted by: Professor Peter Lee

Speakers

Megan Yapelli

Public Safety Communications Supervisor, City of Placentia

Megan is a dedicated Dispatch Supervisor with a strong background in communications and operations management. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in Communications, Megan has honed their leadership and problem-solving skills since earning their degree... Read More →

Thursday April 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Human Communication

4:00pm PDT

Casting Actors

Thursday April 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm PDT

Gilman AB

Charlotte Arnoux, CSA, a Brooklyn-based casting director with a rich portfolio of award-winning films and series, will dive into the art of casting for film and television. She’ll share her insights on finding the right actors for a project, what makes a standout audition, and how students can begin their acting careers with intention and confidence. Charlotte will also offer practical advice on connecting with casting directors and navigating the early stages of the industry. With credits across Sundance, Tribeca, and Netflix, her perspective is one aspiring actors won’t want to miss.

Hosted by: Professor So Young So

Speakers

Charlotte Arnoux

Casting Director and Acting Teacher, Self Employed

Charlotte Arnoux, CSA, is a Brooklyn-based casting director specializing in film and television. Her recent casting credits include feature films such as Bunnylovr (Dir: Katarina Zhu, Prod: Rachel Sennott – Official Competition, 2025 Sundance Film Festival), The Feeling That the... Read More →

Thursday April 24, 2025 4:00pm - 5:15pm PDT
Gilman AB TSU

Cinema and Television Arts