Non-Traditional Pathways: Alternate Journeys in filmmaking.
Friday May 16th at PDC Center, Rm 1406
3:30pm – 4:30pm
The Panel
MODERATOR
Dr. Vanessa de Macedo Joyce Huggins
Vanessa de Macedo Higgins Joyce is Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University and a Senior Faculty Research Associate with the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas. Her research focuses on the evolution of journalism in a digital, interconnected world, concentrating on transnational and Latin American media and the relationship between media, democracy and consensus building. Her most recent monograph, Digital-Native News in South America Building Bridges with Diverse Audiences in Argentina, Brazil and Colombia, was published in 2024 by Palgrave MacMillan. She is also theco-author of the book From Telenovelas to Netflix: Transnational, Transverse Television in Latin America (2021). She was one of the PIs for the 2021 grant Cine Clubs in Community in collaboration with two Colombian universities. She received her Master’s and Ph.D. in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and her BS from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica – SP, Brazil
Miguel Cedillo
A native of San Antonio, TX, Miguel Cedillo is a producer, filmmaker, and marketing consultant committed to his family and community.
After completing undergraduate studies at Creighton University, Miguel launched his career in creative productions in Omaha, NE before returning home.
As a co-founder of Make Believe New Media, Miguel worked in advertising, television, and film productions with companies like Big-Giant, BBD&O, and Top Rank Boxing. In addition to movie theaters, sporting arenas, and print publications, his work has been featured on major networks including Netflix, ESPN, HBO, Hulu, SyFy Channel, and BT Sport.
In fine arts, Miguel is featured in the Robert B. Green Campus of San Antonio’s University Health System, and international projects have exhibited at museums including Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in Omaha, The Stockholm Institute of Fashion, Museo de Artes Visuales in Santiago, Chile, and Institute of Contemporary Art in London.
Since returning to San Antonio in 2020, Miguel has been a producer of docu-reality television productions, a broadcast team member for live sporting events, directed content campaigns for local businesses, and is a contributor to Cedillo family businesses of agriculture and culinary products. With experience in filmmaking with Grammy-and-Emmy-winning artists, to several years of marketing at the highest level of professional boxing, Miguel also provides guest lectures for students from high school to college, volunteers as a mentor in arts programs, coaches football and soccer, donates production to non-profits, and enjoys a little time outside as an amateur rancher and outdoorsman.
If you ask him what he is currently working on, Miguel will tell you that he makes indie projects under Cedillo Pictures, produces for San Antonio’s 434 Media, and serves Holy Cross of San Antonio as Communications Coordinator. But, his highest calling is as a father, husband, and family member, with a professional commitment to being an excellent teammate.
Ricardo "Richie" Contreras Plaza
Ricardo Contreras Plaza is the founder of Otra X Favor, a platform dedicated to sharing and celebrating stories about fútbol, life, and everything that shapes our culture.
Born in Mexico City and now rooted in Austin, he has had the privilege of experiencing both places at different points in his life. He notes “Growing up, was fascinated by interviews on TV and radio, and I dreamed of creating a space that contributes to society by holding meaningful conversations with people from all walks of life.
Otra X Favor was born out of that dream and it is now a platform to honor the voices, dreams, and experiences using storytelling. We’ve built a space where these stories are not only shared but celebrated, giving them the spotlight they deserve.”
Today, his podcast team is working to expand the platform beyond the podcast by using photography, blogs and articles to highlight people’s passions and the rich culture that connects us all.
Patrick Salazar
With over 30 years of experience in broadcast and digital production, Patrick Salazar has built a career defined by creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to representation in media. He began as a production assistant at CBS affiliate KOSA-TV in West Texas, quickly rising through the ranks to become the station’s youngest—and only Latino—creative director. In that role, he produced and directed major ad campaigns and launched the award-winning local series Tiempo Tejano, celebrating the region’s large and vibrant Mexican-American community.
Salazar’s passion for storytelling led him to direct and produce music videos for Latin artists under Sony Records, BMI, and Capitol Records, earning accolades including recognition from the American Advertising Federation for art direction and producing, and also the Texas Association of Broadcasters for his documentary on the life of Tejano icon Selena Quintanilla. Known for mentoring new talent, he provided on-camera and behind-the-scenes opportunities to emerging Latino creatives—many of whom have gone on to successful careers in production and on-air.
In Austin, he continued to make his mark as a marketing producer at FOX 7, earning honors from the Alliance for Women in Media. As digital platforms transformed the industry, Salazar joined Rooster Teeth Productions – a rising company with more than 9 million subscribers on YouTube – where he built and led a full-scale broadcast studio division. Over more than a decade, he oversaw the development of live shows, multi-cam productions, and podcasts for a global audience, eventually becoming Head of O&O Studio Production for Rooster Teeth which was now under Warner Bros/Discovery. His leadership throughout the challenges of the industry and in the area of representation earned him recognition by the staff and company.
Salazar currently teaches in the Radio-TV-Film department at Austin Community College, sharing his industry insight and leadership experience with the next generation of media professionals. He lives in Austin with his husband of 16 years, Don Vail.
Adrian Arredondo
Adrian Arredondo is a director and producer from South Texas who tells culture-driven stories of discovery and integration through music. He’s the founder of Amante, a creative studio with a focus on media for multilingual audiences.
Together with his co-director Myrna Perez, they directed “Take It Away” The opening night film of CLAIFF 27
Myrna Perez
Myrna is a Colombian-American director and producer based in Los Angeles. She’s created shows for Netflix, Hulu, Peacock and NBCUniversal. She’s currently the Head of Production at Hybe Latin America, makes wild ceramics and plays competitive Settlers of Catan.
Together with her co-director Adrian Arredondo, they directed “Take It Away” The opening night film of CLAIFF 27
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