SUMMER 2021
ASSISTANT EDITOR TRAINEES
Mohab Abou-Elalla
For as long as I can remember, as a kid from Egypt, I've always had a passion for video editing and telling people's stories through the lens of a camera. However, my career path began with me wanting to become a pilot. As I was in flight school, I was taking elective classes on the side. For one of the classes, I was working on a research paper regarding misrepresentation in the media. Working on this paper, among many other things, made me come to the realization that I had to do something. I instantly left flight school and started my path to working in the media production field. Today, I've had the chance to edit for Snapchat, TMZ, Glassman Media, and other places that I never thought I would get the chance to be.
Kory Alexander
My name is Kory Alexander. I am from Pasadena, California. I have an extreme passion for motorsports, filmmaking, animation and Pixar has been my biggest inspiration.
Karyn Brown
Hi, my name is Karyn Brown and I am a graduate from Georgia State University,
I majored in Journalism with a minor in music. I've always had a dream about working in the film industry. My overall goal for this program is to better my understanding of being an assistant editor.
Javi Caldera
Hi my name is Javier Caldera Garcia. I was born in a small town called Yahualica which is located in Jalisco, Mexico. Growing up my favorite movies were Richard Donner’s Superman and Raimi’s Spider-Man which led to my eventual passion for filmmaking. I have a soccer team registered in Lanark Park, down in Canoga Park, located in the San Fernando Valley and I am a father to a two year old.
Starron Celistan
My name is Starron Celistan and I have been doing professional graphic design and animation work since 2007. I wish to take this program to gather insight on the other half of the creative post process. I believe this program is a key element to my path of success and completing the "Swiss Army Knife" that has been associated with my name. I am from Maryland, then spent my adult years in California, and now I'm in Atlanta where I am teaching myself 3D animation and game design.
Ogechi Echebiri
A native of New York City, a mecca of cultures, Ogechi developed a curiosity for people and the world that led her to film school where she honed skills in writing, directing, and editing. She has enjoyed editing short films spanning genres, promotional videos, and music videos. She aims to continue in television and film, wearing many hats, with story always as her motivation.
Antonio Henriques
As a journalism graduate from CSU Long Beach, I continue to explore different avenues of storytelling. I’ve had the opportunity to work in various aspects of production as an on set PA, podcast editor and music editor intern - ultimately leading me to the world of post-production. I’ve since received my film editing specialization through UCLA Extension and have a passion for all things post!
Cheeska Mae Lapitan
My name is Cheeska Mae Lapitan (Chess-ka), and I am an Asian-American that fell in love with films. I am drawn to stories that connect with the audience through character development and emotions, igniting a familiar feeling that they might have experienced in their own lives. The emotional connection a film provides to the audience inspires me to become a film editor to piece those connections together.
Joel Lin
I’m Joel Lin and I love board games that have me sit around a table for unreasonable amounts of time. Having a blast while telling stories of who we are and why we make decisions is my idea of a good time.
David Martinez
I have a background in multimedia journalism, but discovered my passion for post-production while working as an editor for my local PBS station. Since then, I have decided to follow my love for film and made it my goal to transition my skills to work as an editor in the tv/film industry.
Henry Mendoza
Being the first in my family to graduate from University, I have followed my path to becoming a Video Editor. My goal is to become an accomplished Editor, and cement a passion I have for the industry.
Michael Mullin
Michael W. Mullen II is a filmmaker/photographer from Calumet City, Illinois. He moved to Los Angeles in 2017 in pursuit of his artistic dreams.
Oscar Muñoz
Oscar Muñoz graduated with honors from Howard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Television/Film Production and a minor concentration in Electronic Studio. He has worked on various TV Shows for major networks, live events, and commercials as a behind-the-scenes crew member in both studio and natural conditions. Overall, Oscar is an enthusiastic Digital Media & Physical Production professional with relevant industry administrative and presentation support skills.
Evan Nguyen
Evan graduated in 2020 from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor's Degree in Film & Digital Media. At college aside from schoolwork he took part in many student short films as a video/sound editor, and worked part-time as a lifeguard at the campus pool. His hobbies include playing guitar, mixing, swimming/running, and some video games.
Gennesis Pantaleon
Gennesis Erize Pantaleon, She/her Assistant Editor and aspiring Editor graduate from the Dominican Film School INTEC. With a passion for post-production, experience in different kinds of projects in editing and color grading, such as social impact documentaries, dramatic feature films, advertisements, and music videos. Proficient and experienced in organizing media, archives, managing, and preparing media for deliveries.
Elisabeth Porras
My name is Elisabeth Porras. I’m an aspiring Editor always ready to learn so that I may reach my goal of producing the best work I know I’m capable of. Outside of editing, I love to make music and small music videos with a close friend.
Adyery Tiahuel
Adyery Tlahuel is a Los Angeles based, and first generation American of Latino parents with Mexican and Salvadoran roots. She absolutely enjoys nature and a good hike. When she isn't out and about, you can find her in front of a computer screen either editing videos, photos, or binge watching Grey's Anatomy for the 17th time. Adyery graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a B.A. in Film & Electronic Arts with a focus on working on the television side. She has been through it all working as a PA, Runner, Assistant Editor and Post Coordinator for several companies and her real passion revolves around becoming an Editor.
Elias Yussuf
Elias A.Y (Pronounced: El-Yas) is a graduate of Howard University's MFA in film program. He has worked for the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, as well as, The Museum of The Moving Images in New York, NY, as a freelance Editor. He is currently in the post-production phase of his debut feature documentary film "Light is My Mistress", about the life and legacy of renowned NY Times photographer, Chester Higgins. He is actively pursuing his passion for post-production in Los Angeles, CA.