A Horned Frog alum recently returned to TCU to speak to students after winning the Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series. 

Emily Mendez fell in love with editing at an early age. She remembers putting together home videos with her siblings and friends throughout her childhood. 

Mendez studied film, television, and digital media (FTDM) at TCU, where she learned the foundations of film and editing.  

“It was at TCU where I learned the industry standards and editing skills that are used universally in most professional environments,” Mendez said.  

Setting a foundation of skills was not the only thing Mendez did at TCU. She also learned the importance of finding a mentor. 

“Finding a mentor is key; finding a support system that is going to mentor and teach you along the way is ultimately what helped me make the jump from assistant editor to editor,” Mendez said.

Tricia Jenkins, a dedicated FTDM professor, remains a mentor to Mendez, guiding her through a zombie genre study project.

The study paid off. In 2023, Mendez won an Emmy for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series for the hit zombie TV show, “The Last of Us.” 

“While learning the conventions, history, and evolution of any genre is valuable, it was so nice to think that Emily having this particular background paid off down the road,” said Jenkins. 

“Emily inspired me to take a different approach to watching TV and movies. Instead of just watching and enjoying the content, I can now appreciate it as art,” said Billy Banks, an FTDM student.

Mendez’s alumni brick best sums up her hard work, passion and zombie legacy: “PEACELOVEZOMBIES.”