Joseph Itaya

Joseph Itaya is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice of Communication and Director of the Digital Media Management (Online) MS program at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He is an award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, and educator, specializing in storytelling, digital media innovation, and the intersection of technology with social impact.

• Affiliations: USC Annenberg, EVRLAND (VR pioneer), Legacy Films (documentary production).

His expertise spans digital media management, technology entrepreneurship, and culture/media science, with a focus on leveraging multimedia to drive organizational purpose and social good. He has produced campaigns for global brands like Sony, CBS, and Walmart, and founded EVRLAND to deliver VR experiences to underprivileged children.

Itaya holds a BA in Composition/Piano from the University of Washington and an MFA in Film Production from USC.

Research & Practice: Pioneering VR for education/wellness, documentary filmmaking for philanthropy, and integrating brand strategy with storytelling.