Taly B. Juarez

Filmmaker - Designer - Media Specialist

A portrait photo of Taly in a pumpkin patch
A portrait photo of Taly in a pumpkin patch

Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Nataly "Taly" Bocanegra-Juarez is a multimedia creative with a passion for storytelling, digital media, and event production. A Film & Media Studies major at the University of California: Irvine, she has gained hands-on experience and refined her skills in content creation, live event production, and technical operations. She has also worked as a production assistant on professional film shoots and broadcasts, further expanding her knowledge of on-set operations and industry workflows.

Taly has also been involved in creative leadership and digital media strategy. She has organized film events, developed engaging social media content, and taught a digital media course at UCI to inspire student storytellers. Beyond her duties, Taly enjoys game research, playing music, and sewing. She is passionate about advocating for queer and minority representation in the media, always seeking new ways to visualize meaningful storytelling. Inspired by her hometown, she aspires to become a filmmaker, using her skills to craft compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences.

Film

HEISTING IT

Breaking News! Employees of the month, Bella and Tim, went above and beyond- stopping a thief and recovering... Coconuts? In this 2nd 24-hour challenge short film by The Cridges, follow Bella as she unwinds after work. Well, at least she tries to until her night is interrupted by another coworker.

Shaky Cadence

What's better than having friends? In this unpolished gem brimming with heart, humor, and the raw chaos only a 24-hour film challenge can produce, we are proud to share a quirky love letter to band kids. Bass and Robin navigate one frenzied night before they have rehearsal. It's awkward, it's hilarious, and it's what happens when you have a pep band performance during the 24-hour filmmaking.

The Safehouse

In this emotional exploration of identity, secrecy, and the delicate dance of everyday life, we dive into the home of three roommates: North, Summer, and Sol. Each carries their own burden but works hard to protect each other. When their truths collide in an unexpected instant, the resulting moments are both painful and cathartic. Written by Taly Bocanegra-Juarez and inspired by real issues and people.

Not Just a Sports Center

Take a look at the crew behind the scenes at the Bren Events Center—the technical services team that makes every competition, concert, and game possible. From setting up lights and video technology to making sure the sound is just right, their work often goes unnoticed but is essential to every event. This film highlights the people who keep the venue running and proves there is a lot more to an event than what the audience sees.

Zot Bots

An important member of the food web at U.C. Irvine, the Zot Bots on campus work tirelessly to feed the hungry student population. It's a perilous duty filled with cars, electric scooters, and territorial bots. Join them in this documentary special as they travel across campus while surviving rush hour.

Video

Hark the Herald Angels Sing Trombone Soli

Filmmaking Exercises

UCI Pep Band Big West Tournament (2024)

24 Hour Film Dash Behind the Scenes

Reporting from the Arroyo Valley HS Blood Drive

GT Deadlock Debates Revival Proposal

Résumé

Education

University of California, Irvine

B.A Film & Media Studies

Jun. 2025

Advanced Film Production, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Film Theory, Film Music, Costume Design, Visual Design, Game Design, Intro to Programming Games, Analog & Role Play Games, History of Broadcasting, History of Computing, Internet & Public Policy

University of Sussex, Brighton, UK

Jul. - Aug. 2022

Summer Abroad

Introduction to Game Design, Age of Adolescence

Filmmaking & Creative Projects

Short Films

Producer and Director

2024 - 2025

  • “The Aquarium” is a narrative short film centered around themes of isolation and grief.
  • “Las Toallas” is a senior thesis film featuring a true story about living in poverty.
  • “Heisting It” is the second 24-hour challenge film remastered for an editing project.
  • “Shaky Cadence” is a comedy film created for a 24-hour challenge.
  • “The Safe House” is a drama surrounding themes of LGBTQ+ identity.
  • “Not Just a Sports Center” is a documentary about a venue’s technical services team.
  • “SEA Grad” is a documentary short about UCI’s Southeast Asian student graduation.
  • “Zot Bots” is a mockumentary about Starship Robots at UCI’s campus.

The Aquarium

Director

Jan. 2025 - Jun. 2025

  • An independently funded short film with a run time of 15 minutes.
  • A story that explores themes of grief, loneliness, deep space, and humanity.
  • Worked with a 36-person crew across the production, camera, lighting, sound, editing, art, and marketing departments.

Coke Zero Sugar | Fight Song

Production Assistant

Dec. 2024

  • Assisted on a one-day shoot for a Coca-Cola commercial designed for their March Madness ad spot.
  • Operated venue lighting throughout set transitions and loaded lighting gear during the general strike after wrap.
  • Supported the safety of crew members through radio communication.

Documentary (Under NDA)

Production Assistant

Dec. 2024

  • Assisted on the production set of an unreleased documentary project while maintaining professional discretion under NDA.
  • Took reference images of the shoot location to return the original furniture configuration.
  • Assisted G&E with running extension cords, placing flags on stands, and loading gear.
  • Checked the shoot location for sound obstructions.

ZotFest (UCI Film & Drama Alliance)

Intern and Film Festival Director

Dec. 2021 – May 2024

  • Created and led intern departments for technology, programming, marketing, and finance at weekly meetings.
  • Managed student film partnership efforts, venue bookings, screening schedules, and public relations.
  • Trained interns on venue technologies for live speakers, event music, and film presentations.
  • Arranged transportation for event decorations, staff, and refreshments.

Professional Experience

Bren Events Center (UCI Athletics)

Audio/Visual Technician and Lead Technician

Sep. 2022 – Sep. 2025

  • Operated technical systems for live sporting events, venue occasions, and broadcasts.
  • Serviced clients such as Coca-Cola, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Los Angeles Rams, ESPN+, Stanbridge University, and Big West Conference.
  • Installed and configured A/V systems; projectors, CCTV cameras, wireless broadcast cameras, video switchers, microphones, analog and digital sound mixers, and Dante networking.
  • Trained A/V techs and debriefed the technical services managers as needed.
  • Facilitated technology for indoor and outdoor Division 1 sports and marketing operations.
  • Assisted in reference photography for venue events and archival purposes.
  • Installed and repaired cables by reading schematics, using diagnostic tools, and updating wire connections.

UCI Film & Media Studies Department

Production Technician

Sep. 2023 – Jun. 2025

  • Operated cameras, microphones, lights, projectors, and multi-computer systems across classrooms, labs, and event spaces.
  • Supported department events such as classroom demos, screenings, and panels.
  • Worked independently and with staff to ensure optimal functionality and confirmed availability of technical resources for student filmmakers and faculty.
  • Effectively communicated technical concepts to non-technical users. For example, hosting film editing and physical production workshops for students.
  • Shot and edited long-form videos, including promotional materials for live events and archival footage for web access.
  • Upheld safety and experience-driven procedures while adapting to dynamic needs.

Disneyland Resort

Photopass Photographer

Jul. 2024 – Apr. 2025

  • Photographed guests using DSLR equipment while upholding Disney’s brand and performance standards.
  • Composed dynamic and memorable shots while creating engaging experiences.
  • Ensured every photograph adhered to Disney’s themed guidelines throughout different holidays, campaigns, weather patterns, and times of day.
  • Reported to the Photo Imaging Leads to ensure guest safety during photoshoots.

UTeach: Digital Transmedia Storytelling

Teaching Fellow

Spring 2024, Spring 2025

  • Recipient of the Teaching Fellowship for research in Digital Transmedia Storytelling.
  • Preparation included attending pedagogical training and collaborating with Assistant Professor Aaron Trammell, while developing weekly lectures, homework, and activities for a class of twenty students. Class was held in the spring quarters of 2024 and 2025.
  • The course was developed under the School of Informatics and Computer Science and focused on the intersection of digital media, narrative design, and audience engagement.

UCI Integrative Health Institute

Social Media Coordinator and Student Assistant

Mar. 2022 – Jun. 2023

  • Edited and delivered audio meditations to UCI Health patients with various music selections and holistic therapist guidance.
  • Created motion graphics and digital media for social media posts and long-form video.
  • Supported administrative presentations with graphics and copywriting.
  • Utilized asset libraries (fonts, colors, and illustrations) when designing video title cards, slide decks, digital borders, and donor acknowledgements.
  • Used understanding of print layouts to design physical deliverables for the annual Women’s Wellness Day event.

Additional Experience

UCI Anteater Pep Band

Social Media Intern

Sep. 2023 – Mar. 2025

  • Created video and visual content across platforms, increasing engagement during the rebrand.
  • Produced a travel recap video during the 2024 Big West Tournament, featured on the band’s website.
  • Managed tone and content strategy to connect with student audiences and donors.

UCI School of Humanities

First-Gen Peer Mentor

Sep. 2023 – Mar. 2024

  • As a first-generation student, understood the challenges of research university systems.
  • Led weekly meetings for a cohort of first-generation freshmen, helping them navigate academic, social, and campus life.
  • Trained in inclusive leadership, mentorship methods, campus resources, and educational planning.

Technical & Creative Skills

Technology: A/V Equipment (Cameras, Microphones, Cables, Monitors, etc.), Blackmagic and Canon Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Virtual Reality, Lighting, Yamaha DM7, Analog and Digital Sound Mixers, Live Stream Setup, QLab, Daktronics Video Boards, Tech Installations, Equipment Labs, Maintenance, Troubleshooting

Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom, After Effects, etc.), DaVinci Resolve, Canva, Figma, Daktronics Display Studio, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace

Production: Filmmaking, Photography, Music Videos, Commercials, Social Media, Motion Graphics, Live-Event Production, Production Design, Content Strategy, Layout Design, Captioning, Videography, Video Rolls, Graphics Packages, Short-form and Long-form Video, VR Video

Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Teaching & Mentorship, Public Speaking, Collaboration, Communication Skills, Scheduling, Work Independently and in Teams, Customer Service, Public Relations

Photography

Design

Game Design

"Cardboard Kid" Assets

A sketch of a woman in traditional clothingA pixel GIF of a woman with a sword

"Steel & Lead" Concept Art

Social Media

A portrait picture of Taly

Band

Women's Wellness Day

Zot Fest

Personal Projects

A sketch of a woman in red and white clothingA sketch of a man in red and white clothingA keychain sketch with the words "2023 UCI Anteater Band"A sketch of a woman sitting leisurelyA sketch of a woman smelling yellow flowersA sketch of a woman holding a brown boxA sketch of a woman leaning on a railing, gazing at the skyA pixel GIF of a woman smiling and blinking