Alex Skinner is an actor, an alumnus of Pepperdine University and a former member of the Pepperdine Improv Troupe. Alex's journey as an actor includes appearances on Never Have I Ever, Grey's Anatomy, Silicon Valley, For All Mankind, and most recently, opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber on Netflix. He has simultaneously remained a faithful Phoenix Suns fan despite intense peer pressure.

As a Pepperdine Alum with a B.A. in Creative Writing and Film Studies, Alexandra is excited to stay involved in her Pepperdine community by serving as a judge. She currently works as a Post Production Coordinator in Unscripted & Documentary Television for a production company here in Los Angeles, and oversees/manages several projects in all stages of development, production, and post. With a good eye for what makes something pop, she can't wait to see everyone's work and wishes you all the best of luck!

Christopher Jerabek is a theatre artist living and working out of Los Angeles. He was blessed to serve as the scenic designer for the world premiere of Davey Anderson’s The Abode, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and worked as the scenic and video designer for Pepperdine University’s 2020 TEDx event. His video design credits include Beloved and The Play You Want with the Road Theatre Company, Ayano with the Theatre Planners, and most recently Deaf West’s production of Oedipus at the Getty Villa. Christopher is currently a graduate student at Pepperdine University. See more of Christopher’s work at www.jerabekdesign.com.

Dimitri Smith is an LA-based composer and pianist whose scores can be heard everywhere from Netflix to virtual reality headsets. He recently co-scored Long Bright River (Sony) with James Poyser of The Roots, which stars Amanda Seyfried and premieres on Peacock in 2025. In 2023, he co-scored the Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics Choice Award Nominated series The Diplomat (Netflix) with Nathan Barr, starring Keri Russell, which went on to be one of the most watched shows of the year. Dimitri has also written additional music for Carnival Row (Amazon), The Great (Hulu), Kate (Netflix), Halston (Netflix), Hollywood (Netflix), which earned an Emmy nomination for its jazz score, and many others. Dimitri also co-arranged the Main Title for Hollywood, and was honored by the Television Academy for his contribution when Nathan Barr won the Emmy for “Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music” in 2020. Originally from Washington state, Dimitri moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to attend Pepperdine University. He now lives by the beach with his wife Molly and their dogs Dobby and Hedwig.

Writer, comedian, deluded Philadelphia sports fan—Emily S. Rauch is an underpaid triple threat. Prior to screenwriting, she worked in public service for six years, the last three of which were spent on Capitol Hill as a communications specialist. In 2021, she received her MFA in screenwriting from Pepperdine University. Her first comedy feature script "FRIEND FICTION" was a two-time semifinalist winner at the 2020 Austin Film Festival.

J.J. Starr is a skilled photographer, videographer, DOT FAA-certified drone pilot, and storyteller. He specializes in capturing journalistic images that tell the story of America’s neighborhoods. JJ earned a B.F.A in Media Production from Pepperdine University and previously worked as a film director. His first feature documentary The Dust on Our Feet, shot in Honduras, was purchased by Amazon Prime in 2015. J.J.’s work reflects his love for building relationships with communities, seeing beauty in all places, and a belief that every individual has a unique story. He lives in Chicago with his fiancé and rescue dog.

Kaitlyn Ryan (Seaver '16) currently serves as a Communications Specialist in local government using communication, media, and storytelling skills to keep her City informed and engaged. Prior to government, Kaitlyn worked in the Los Angeles entertainment industry as a freelance Production Coordinator on an array of projects for nearly 5 years.

Katie Stjernholm is a documentary filmmaker, commercial producer and impact strategist. Her most recent film 'Champions of the Golden Valley' premiered at Tribeca and has garnered 15 Jury Prizes and Audience Awards at festivals. Her films have screened at over 60 film festivals, and she has produced work for the Smithsonian Institute, National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, Arc'teryx, Exposure Labs, the Winter Olympics, and Lonely Planet. Katie holds a B.A. from Pepperdine University (2010) and her M.A. from the University of Melbourne in Australia. She is a founder of the ReelStories Film Festival and is immensely proud that it continues to flourish.

Kayla Ferguson is a 2012 Seaver graduate and film school alumn. After graduating from Pepperdine, she spent 5 years in Hollywood, doing freelance film production and working at a talent agency (WME), before leaving LA and embarking on a 26 country world tour and resettling in Denver. She now works as a Program Manager, but maintains creative pursuits through contract writing and media opportunities.

Mark Arbitrario is a television producer and director in the USA and Asia. He was Executive Producer and Director of "Asia's Next Top Model 4" and as the Show Director for Character Media's "Unforgettable Gala Awards." Mark first started his career editing Emmy award-winning American series, "The Voice," "Survivor," and "The Contender." During his tenure with Fremantle Media Asia in Singapore, Mark directed "How Do I Look Asia?" featuring Jeannie Mai, "Canon Photo Face-Off" and produced "Asia's Got Talent," which secured the Best Format Adaptation at the 20th Asian Television Awards. In Shanghai, Mark directed "Elite New Face: China," for Elite Model Management that documented the prestigious Elite Model Look World Final. For Star China, he also directed "Look of the Year," an international modeling competition held in Xi'an, China. In Korea, for CJ Entertainment/Mnet, Mark created and executive produced "Short Notice," a cable television series spotlighting independent Asian-American filmmakers. Mark also directed several music videos for legendary Korean Rock band, "Boohwal." Notably, he directed the reality series, "Money Game" for Korea's Naver Webtoon, co-produced by Transparent Arts and Jubilee Media. In API media, Mark founded the San Diego Asian American Film Foundation and was an Artist in Residence and Festival Programmer for Visual Communications. He also edited "Recipe for Change" an Emmy nominated documentary featuring Asian American celebrities, chefs, and activists to celebrate API culture and discuss the historic acts of hate and violence against the API community. Most recently, in 2024, he directed the inaugural Manila International Film Festival Gala Awards. Mark remains actively involved with the Producers Guild of America, the Motion Picture Editors Guild, Nabet, and the Television Academy.

Paige is a 2010 graduate of Pepperdine University and a founding member of RSFF. She began her career at Red Bull, transitioning from Logistics to leading global Sustainability initiatives in partnership with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme and the EPA. Her passion for building relationships and engaging consumers guided her to Trade Marketing, where she established the FIJI Water/Wines Trade Marketing Department, now a Center of Excellence for The Wonderful Company. Named to the Path to Purchase Institute’s inaugural 40 Under 40 list in 2022, Paige has been recognized as a rising leader in commerce marketing. A proud cancer survivor, she now lives in Nashville, TN, with her husband, Eli, and their beloved dogs, McFly and Biff.

Smile Juneja is an emerging marketing professional who has worked at The Walt Disney Company for 3 years. She’s a proud Seaver college alum who's thrilled to return to Pepperdine as a judge for RSFF16.