In February 2025, Brent Vaughn and Trenton Yazzie worked as paid production assistants (PAs) on an episode of Expedition X.
Expedition X, the Discovery Channel series that investigates unexplained phenomena and mysterious locations. The series streams on HBO Max.
From Film Training to a Discovery Channel Production
The students’ involvement remained confidential until the episode premiered in September 2026. In Season 6, Episode 7, the production follows a family who contacted the show to investigate Skinwalker Valley. Vaughn and Yazzie received credits for their work on the episode, marking an important milestone in their journeys toward careers in the film industry.
Working as production assistants gave Vaughn and Yazzie a firsthand look at the pace, collaboration and responsibilities involved in professional television production. The role allowed them to apply their training while working alongside experienced industry professionals.
For Vaughn, the opportunity made the connection between classroom learning and professional work more tangible.
“My time on the Discovery Network’s Expedition X was really fun, and I got to meet a lot of good contacts within the film industry,” Vaughn said. “Going from theory to action, it just made it more real. Then Trenton and I got to actually be on the show, so that was even cooler.”
Production Assistant Bootcamp Opens Doors to Film Careers
Vaughn and Yazzie’s opportunity on Expedition X followed their participation in a Production Assistant Bootcamp designed to prepare students for professional film and television sets.
The bootcamp brought together several organizations:
- The National Indian Youth Council
- Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)
- George R. R. Martin’s Stagecoach Foundation
- San Juan College’s Film and Digital Media Arts (FDMA) program
Through this collaboration, students gained practical preparation for the responsibilities and expectations of production assistant work. The training helped them understand the demands of working on a set and gave them a foundation they could apply when professional opportunities arose.
Yazzie credits both the bootcamp and his coursework at SJC with helping him prepare for the experience.
“This job greatly helped me with getting my foot in the door in the film industry. Luke’s FDMA classes and the PA training were very beneficial to me once I got on set and was working with professionals,” Yazzie said.
Industry Professionals and Alumni Connections
Vaughn participated in a lecture featuring Brent Forrester, a writer, producer and director known for his work on The Office and his former role as a co-producer of The Simpsons.
SJC FDMA graduate Al Castro arranged Forrester’s guest appearance. Castro has established his own career in the film industry, including work as a director’s assistant to Native American filmmaker Chris Eyre during Season 4 of Dark Winds.
“Being introduced into the filmmaking world via the FDMA program greatly helped prepare me for working in the film industry and was the catalyst to getting my first New Mexico film job on a professional production,” Castro said.
Film and Media Day Introduces Students to Creative Careers
Film and Media Day introduces students and community members to careers in film, television and digital media.
The event welcomed approximately 250 high school students to campus, along with college students and community members. Attendees had opportunities to learn from professionals whose work spans sound, music, acting, directing and digital imaging.
Featured speakers included:
- Lara Dale, a Foley artist whose credits include The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and The Expendables III.
- Lance Bendiksen, a four-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer and producer.
- Gareth West, a director, actor and anime voice actor.
- Rafael Montoya, a digital image technician whose credits include Ant-Man, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Coyote vs. Acme.
By showcasing a variety of professional roles, Film and Media Day helps attendees explore the many career possibilities available in the entertainment industry.
Students can discover that filmmaking involves far more than directing and acting, with opportunities in sound production, music, technical imaging and numerous behind-the-scenes specialties.
“Connections like these are an important part of the program’s approach to preparing students for careers in film and television,” said Instructor Luke Renner.
Building the Next Generation of Film and Television Professionals
For aspiring filmmakers, access to practical training and professional networks can be an important step toward turning creative interests into career opportunities.
Brent Vaughn and Trenton Yazzie’s work on Expedition X demonstrates what can happen when students combine classroom learning, specialized training and industry connections.
Interested in a career in film, television or digital media?
