CSUF Comm Week 2026

Cinematography isn’t just about making things look good, it’s about understanding a story and helping bring someone else’s vision to life in a way that feels real and emotional. A big part of the job is collaboration, figuring out how to use light, framing, and movement to support what the director is trying to say. When you work in different parts of the world, that process shifts since you’re constantly learning new perspectives, new rhythms, and new ways people tell stories. It forces you to listen more and adapt, instead of just relying on your own habits. Over time, that experience doesn’t just make you a better filmmaker, it opens you up as a person.

Hosted by Professor Felipe Vara De Rey

What does it take to tell a powerful story, on deadline, all alone? Emmy-winning Multimedia Journalist Juliet Lemar breaks down the realities of turning daily news into compelling, impactful stories. This session is a real-world guide to crafting cinematic, character-driven stories, under pressure, with practical techniques to help you stand out and embrace your creative spark.

Hosted by Professor Penchan Phoborisut

The advertising industry is evolving faster than ever, driven by rapid shifts in technology, consumer behavior, and digital platforms. In this presentation, Kristen will explore how digital marketing, social media, data, and emerging technologies are reshaping the way brands connect with audiences and drive growth. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what’s changing, what’s working today, and how to adapt strategies for the future. Designed for students, marketers, and business leaders alike, this session delivers practical insights and actionable takeaways you can apply immediately.

Hosted by Professor Michelle Kurland

The Santa Ana Arts District Creative Bootcamp is an AdClub hosted ideation event where CSUF Communications students collaborate directly with local businesses to develop promotional campaign concepts that elevate Santa Ana’s creative identity.

Hosted at Grand Central Art Center during Comm Week, the bootcamp connects emerging talent with advertising professionals and the local business community while spotlighting Santa Ana as a cultural destination.

This event is by RSVP only and space is limited. Click here to RSVP: CSUF AdClub Event RSVP
 
Hosted by CSUF AdClub, Professor Carolyn Coal

For the first hour of this session, two generations (mother/daughter) of CSUF alumni share their tools for success and provide insight into the importance of networking, flexibility, and setting goals for your career. Linda Luna-Franks graduated with a BA in Communications, emphasis in Public Relations. Nearly 30 years later, her daughter, Dani, also earned her BA in Communications with an emphasis in Advertising. 

Beginning at 2 pm, CSUF alumnus Evan Da Silva will discuss his work in the session titled, "Serving the Public Through Strategic Communication: A Career in Government Public Relations/Affair." If you are interested in a career in public sector and government communications, join senior communications specialist Evan Da Silva of Moulton Niguel Water District as he shares what it's really like to work in public communications, from managing media relations and community outreach to regulatory reporting and collaborating on inter-agency multimedia projects. Evan will break down the key differences between public and private sector communications careers, including job responsibilities, transparency requirements, and the unique ways public agencies serve their communities. Whether you're just starting out or ready to take the next step, you'll walk away with practical advice on building your skillset, finding job opportunities, and growing your professional network in the public sector.

Hosted by Professor Jiwoo Park

Valerie Nuño is an Event Specialist for the Disneyland Resort. In this session, she will share insights and key learnings from planning large-scale themed events. Attendees will look at what it takes to strategically prepare, coordinate, and execute immersive guest experiences.

Hosted by Professor Jasmine Phillips

Take a look inside how Ontario International Airport (ONT) challenged a very tired and slow airport industry by injecting energy, personality, and purpose. ONT's Communications and Marketing division built a strategy to elevate the narrative that surrounds airports and the Inland Empire community that turns passengers (and the industry!) into loyal fans and customers. From bold graphics and vibrant So Cal-inspired color palettes to intentional design choices, every visual element is crafted to make our messaging feel human, local, and memorable. This session will show you that airports aren't just transit hubs — they're brands with a story to tell!

Hosted by Professor Davis Barber

Fall 2018. A migrant caravan moves north across Central America, growing from a few hundred people into tens of thousands seeking safety and opportunity. While the political climate in the U.S. grows increasingly hostile, Spike Lee and the rock band, The Killers, decide to tell a different story.

Cinematographer Felipe Vara de Rey traveled to Tijuana to capture the moment in the powerful music video, “Land of the Free.”

Hosted by Professor Rebecca Sheehan

Chelsea will walk through how she developed the idea for The Zest and turned it from a concept into a fully produced podcast. She also will share the behind-the-scenes process — from researching and booking guests to crafting thoughtful, narrative-driven questions that lead to meaningful conversations. Finally, Chelsea will break down the production side, including editing, publishing, and promoting each episode through social media. 

Hosted by Professor Rob van Riel

This presentation seeks to raise awareness of mental health-related topics that impact college students. Additionally, this presentation seeks to break the stigmas regarding mental health and how it affects the well-being of college students. This presentation also aims to shed light on the darkness, hopefully enabling those who feel unseen to feel seen by unpacking the theoretical and practical implications of such stigmas. 

Hosted by Professor Connor Davidson

CSUF PRSSA is celebrating its year of accomplishments. Join the chapter for a night of awards, food, and fun!

Please note that this session is exclusively open to members of PRSSA and requires a ticjet and RSVP.  

Hosted by PRSSA

Learn how to transform any subject into an engaging story. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times reporter, will share her techniques for finding ideas, conducting thorough reporting, and structuring narratives that boost readership.

Hosted by Professor Anne LaJeunesse