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

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.

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.

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.

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

UCI Pep Band Big West Tournament (2024)

Hark the Herald Angels Sing Trombone Soli

GT Deadlock Debates Revival Proposal

Reporting from the Arroyo Valley HS Blood Drive

Sasha P. Interview Edit

AVHS Drumline Doc

Résumé

Education

University of California, Irvine

B.A Film & Media Studies

June 2025

Advanced Film Production, Cinematography, Film Theory, Film Music, Technology of Horror, Costume Design, Visual Design, Intro to Programming Games, Editing, History of Broadcasting, History of Computing

University of Sussex, Brighton, UK

July - Aug. 2022

Summer Abroad: Introduction to Game Design, Age of Adolescence

Filmmaking & Creative Projects

Short Films

Producer and Director

2024 - 2025

  • “Shaky Cadence” is a comedy film created for a 24-hour challenge.
  • “Not Just a Sports Center” is a documentary about the Technical Services Team at the Bren Events Center.
  • “The Safe House” is a drama surrounding themes of LGBTQ+ identity.
  • “Zot Bots” is a mockumentary about Starships Robots at UCI’s campus.
  • “Heisting It” is the second 24-hour challenge film.
  • Focused on storytelling, editing, and set coordination across each production.

Documentary (Under NDA)

Production Assistant

Dec. 2024

  • Assisted on the production set of an unreleased documentary project.
  • Supported technical setup and crew communication.
  • Maintained professional discretion under NDA.

UTeach: Digital Transmedia Storytelling

Student Professor

July 2023 – June 2024, Spring 2025

  • Developed and taught an undergraduate seminar exploring media, narrative design, and audience engagement through a transmedia lens.
  • Designed original lectures and research assignments for 20+ students.
  • Collaborated with faculty mentor Dr. Aaron Trammell for curriculum development and instructional support.

ZotFest (UCI Film & Drama Alliance)

Intern and Film Festival Director

Dec. 2021 – May 2024

  • Led UCI’s annual student film festival through programming, outreach, and production logistics.
  • Established intern departments for marketing, budgeting, programming, and technology.
  • Represented the film festival and fostered partnerships with student film organizations.

Professional Experience

Bren Events Center (UCI Athletics)

Audio/Visual Technician and Lead Technician

Sep. 2022– June 2025

  • Operated technical systems for live sporting events, venue performances, and broadcast streams.
  • Provided on-site support during the filming of a national March Madness Coca-Cola commercial.
  • Trained and led new technicians while coordinating with event producers and ESPN+ crews.

UCI Film & Media Studies Department

Production Technician

Sep. 2023 – June 2025

  • Provided equipment support and technical guidance to students and faculty in production spaces.
  • Maintained lab equipment, including cameras, lights, and microphones, while assisting in classroom demos and department events.
  • Supported screenings and panels with setup and troubleshooting.

Disneyland Resort

Photopass Photographer

July 2024 – Apr. 2025

  • Photographed guests using DSLR equipment while upholding Disney’s brand and performance standards.
  • Composed dynamic and memorable shots while creating engaging, themed experiences.

Digital Media Experience

UCI Anteater Pep Band

Social Media Intern

Sep. 2023 – Present

  • 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 Integrative Health Institute

Social Media Coordinator and Student Assistant

Mar. 2021 – June 2023

  • Produced wellness-oriented digital media, including guided audio meditations for UCI Health patients.
  • Designed visuals and social media content for Women’s Wellness Day.
  • Helped script and prepare assets for a health-focused cooking video series.

Leadership & Mentorship

UCI School of Humanities

First-Gen Peer Mentor

Sep. 2023 – Mar. 2024

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

Technical & Creative Skills

Creative Tools: Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Canva, DaVinci Resolve, Figma (Beginner)

A/V & Tech: DSLR Photography, Camera Ops, Lighting, Sound Boards, OBS, Live Stream Setup, Equipment Labs

Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Airtable

Media & Design: Content Strategy, Visual Storytelling, Video Production, Layout Design

Collaboration: Team Leadership, Independent Production, Teaching & Mentorship, Public Speaking

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