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My Education & experience

Through my education and work experience, I’ve grown as both a storyteller and collaborator. From the classroom to film sets and festivals, each step has shaped the filmmaker I’m becoming.

Education

August 2023 - May 2025

California State University, Northridge

August 2018 - December 2022

California State University, Northridge

Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting

summa cum laude

Polonsky Award in Screenwriting

Premiere Entertainment Scholarship

Bachelor of Arts in Film Production
Minors: Communication and Entrepreneurship

magna cum laude

work experience

Alongside my studies, I’ve gained hands-on experience in film and media through various roles on set, in festivals, and behind the scenes.

Script Supervisor
Short films

Sept. 2022 - Present

  • Supervised continuity across 10 short films, covering 115 script pages and 115 scenes with crews of 10 to 40 members

  • Reviewed and annotated scripts to detect continuity issues, improving shooting efficiency and reducing reshoots

  • Produced key production documents, including breakdowns, progress reports, lined scripts, and editor’s logs, to support timely post-production

  • Partnered with directors and department heads to resolve on-set discrepancies, cutting project delays by 70% across all phases of production

firefly
lightbox expo

October 2025

  • Checked in 2,000+ attendees, scanned QR codes, and distributed event passes with 99% accuracy to maintain efficient registration flow.

  • Assisted 500+ guests with inquiries regarding the LightBox Expo guide, venue layout, and on-site ticket purchases, ensuring a positive attendee experience.

  • Directed 50+ panelists and special guests to designated areas, supporting smooth transitions and on-time session starts.

  • Collaborated with event staff to manage high-traffic registration periods and uphold professional, guest-focused service.

Projectionist
CSUN

Aug. 2023 - May 2025

  • Coordinated 5+ weekly lectures and screenings with professors, optimizing and troubleshooting audiovisual equipment to maintain 99% technical readiness for classes of up to 40 students

  • Diagnosed and resolved technical issues within seconds during lectures, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a seamless experience in 98% of sessions

  • Fostered open communication among co-projectionists, streamlining workflows across 75+ screenings per semester

  • Trained 5+ new hires in audiovisual setup, live troubleshooting, and operational protocols to ensure team effectiveness and reliability

INTERN
calling card group

AUG. 2024- DEC. 2024

  • Researched and evaluated data on 30 horror film festivals and 20 award-winning filmmakers, generating reports to support discovery of emerging talent

  • Analyzed 100 horror intellectual properties (IPs), identifying and recommending 10 top candidates for potential development

  • Assessed advertising costs across 8 social media platforms, presenting detailed comparison reports that informed strategic budgeting

festival volunteer
laliff

May 2024 - jun. 2024

  • Guided 200+ industry attendees to scheduled festival panels at the Roosevelt Cinegrill Theater using clear signage and direct communication

  • Coordinated logistics for the Youth Cinema Project, distributing lunches and passes while ensuring 100+ filmmakers and families arrived on time to screenings

  • Oversaw panel breakdowns, clearing chairs, microphones, and stage materials to prepare the venue for subsequent events

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© 2025 by Isabel Ornelas and secured by Wix

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