By Cal Lutheran NewsFrom sourcing music for films to coordinating A-list interviews, these three Cal Lutheran alumni are carving out impressive careers in Hollywood and using the values they honed as undergraduates to overcome the entertainment industry’s relentless pace and fierce competition.
Katie Romanovich ’20
Romanovich’s journey to becoming an associate music supervisor at Format Entertainment started with her fascination for music in film, an interest that flourished in the classrooms and film sets at Cal Lutheran. Now working under renowned music supervisor Julia Michels (known for Pitch Perfect, A Star is Born, and Trolls), Romanovich is responsible for music breakdowns and collaborates with labels and artists to secure songs for film scenes.
“I love finding songs that can make an impact in a scene,” Romanovich said. “Cal Lutheran’s film projects let me explore that.”
Her leadership roles in the CLU TV and Cinema Club were pivotal in shaping her career. As president, she led her peers in producing high-quality student films and learned to manage teams, juggle responsibilities and bring creative visions to life — skills she now applies in the high-stakes world of film music supervision.
“(One of my film professors) was an incredible mentor,” she said. “He pushed us creatively and encouraged us to take risks, a lesson I carry with me every day.”
Romanovich also gained the qualities needed to handle the unpredictable nature of music supervision by overcoming unforeseen challenges on student film projects.
“That experience taught me to stay level-headed and flexible.”
Romanovich said she feels a deep connection to the university’s film program, excited to see future generations of filmmakers build on the legacy she helped establish.
“It’s amazing to see how far the program has come since I was a student,” she said. “I feel like I’m part of something that’s constantly evolving.”
Cameron Mendez ’21
For Mendez, a career in public relations came into focus during a marketing class at Cal Lutheran. An introductory advertising course ignited her interest, leading her to an internship that confirmed her passion for entertainment PR.
Now a global publicity assistant at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Mendez spends her days coordinating press materials, managing talent schedules and crafting strategies to promote films.
“I learned how to approach real-world PR strategies at Cal Lutheran,” Mendez said. “Those lessons in strategy and communication prepared me for the work I do now.”
Beyond coursework, Mendez was a member of the university’s first women’s lacrosse team, an experience that taught her resilience and teamwork — essential skills in her career. The collaborative environment of Cal Lutheran fostered her growth, especially when professors brought industry professionals into the classroom for insightful discussions.
“Returning to Cal Lutheran as a guest speaker myself was a full-circle moment for me,” Mendez said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the community that shaped me.”
Mendez said the supportive and collaborative culture on campus prepared her for the networking-intensive environment of entertainment PR.
“In PR, your reputation is everything,” she said. “At Cal Lutheran, we learned that integrity is nonnegotiable.”
Her commitment to transparency and professionalism echoes the ethics she learned at Cal Lutheran, shaping her approach to her work at Sony.
For Mendez, the Cal Lutheran network is invaluable. She’s grateful for the connections and shared experiences that continue to support her career, and she regularly attends campus events and mentors students, knowing firsthand the impact of early guidance.
“The Cal Lutheran community in Hollywood is strong,” she said.
Nikki Snook ’17
Snook’s path to becoming an award-winning producer at Entertainment Tonight took root in her multimedia studies at Cal Lutheran, where she was inspired by the hands-on lessons of her TV production class. Today, she coordinates celebrity interviews, writes interview questions and prepares video shoots, occasionally stepping into the interviewer role herself.
“Seeing everything that goes into making a show — from camera setups to coordinating talent — gave me the knowledge I needed for a career in television,” said Snook, a five-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Entertainment Tonight.
She credits her professors with instilling in her the importance of professionalism and attention to detail. Her internships with NBC Universal, Young Hollywood and other notable media companies taught her the inner workings of television production, preparing her for the intensity of high-profile Hollywood environments.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m talking to an A-list celebrity or a camera operator, treating people well is something that has always been instilled in me,” Snook said, highlighting the value of kindness in an industry where reputations matter.
Snook said her approach to celebrity interviews is guided by the kindness she received from her professors. It’s something she strives to pay forward, treating everyone on set with respect.
“So many things I learned in my TV production class I see on set at my work,” said Snook, who said she’s grateful for the solid foundation that prepared her for Hollywood’s fast-paced world.
Snook and her former classmates keep in touch on social media, celebrating each other’s successes. Her time as a student taught her the value of perseverance and adaptability, skills that continue to guide her in every interview, production shoot and celebrity encounter.
Looking Ahead
With their sights set on new challenges, Romanovich, Mendez and Snook are focused on further growth and meaningful contributions to the entertainment industry. Romanovich hopes to work on projects that push creative boundaries, Mendez aims to broaden her PR expertise across new platforms and Snook aspires to take on more roles that let her lead production teams.
As they make strides in the entertainment world, they exemplify the university’s commitment to nurturing not only skills but values. Their journeys show that success in Hollywood can be achieved without losing sight of kindness, integrity and a sense of community.
