معرفی
Rowena Pedrena is an Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning Assistant Professor of Film and Media Production at the University of Texas at Dallas within the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology. With over a decade of professional experience, she has worked across scripted, reality, and documentary formats for major networks including Netflix, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNBC, PBS, TLC, History Channel, NatGeo, Food Network, and Discovery Channel.
Her scholarly and creative work centers on the intersection of scripted and unscripted media, applying cinematic storytelling techniques to elevate documentary and reality formats. Core research interests include:
- Reality TV development and production
- Documentary film and television production
- Scripted screenwriting and narrative directing
- Cinematography and field production management
As a multi-hyphenate artist—writer, producer, and director—she integrates industry practice with academic pedagogy, emphasizing service learning and community partnerships in curriculum design.
Scientific and Industry Awards:
- 2024 Emmy Nominee, "Ed & Day in the 'Burgh" – Mid-America Emmy's
- 2024 Gold Telly Winner, "Finding Adventure" – Telly Awards
- 2023 Emmy Winner, "Blind Kitchen Boston" – Boston/New England Regional Emmy's
- 2023 Bronze Telly Winner, "Restaurants on the Radar" – Telly Awards
- 2023 Emmy Nominee, "Restaurants on the Radar" – Suncoast Regional Emmy's
- 2020 Peabody Award Winner, "Asian Americans" – PBS/WETA
Professional Preparation & Education:
- M.F.A. in Film Production – Ohio University, 2013
- B.A. in Political Science – Mount Saint Mary's University, 2005
Previously, she served as Supervising Producer for Hearst Television’s streaming app Very Local, where she developed and delivered 80+ episodes across travel, food, renovation, and human-interest genres. She is an active member of the Producers Guild of America, Broadcast Education Association, and A-Doc: Asian American Documentary Network.
