Kat Castaneda
Los Angeles
Summary
Writer and former Marine whose character-driven dramedies draw from a life shaped by military service, family dysfunction, and resilience. Currently serving as Writers Assistant on NCIS: Origins for three seasons after relocating from Australia to pursue a television writing career. A 2022–2023 Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project Fellow, 2025 Disney Television Writing Program Finalist, and 2025 NHMC TV Series Scriptwriters Program Selectee, I specialize in blending humor and emotional authenticity to create complex, empathetic characters and stories about identity, belonging, and the complicated ways people survive.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Writer's Assistant NCIS: Origins
CBS Studios Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
04.2024 - Current
- Completed thorough research into assigned topics.
- Brainstormed ideas to help create useful content.
- Listened and took accurate notes of in room pitches.
- Assisted writers in developing scripts, enhancing storytelling through detailed research and content analysis.
- Was recently responsible for writing the Studio/ Network pitch for Season 3
Crew and Travel Coordinator
NEP Australia
Sydney, NSW
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Organized essential crew for filming and production of Sport Broadcast across sports like NRL, Netball, Rugby, and FIFA World Cup for various networks such as Fox, Channel 7 and Channel 9.
- Visited crews onsite during games to better understand individual roles and build relationships.
- Handled administrative tasks such as expense reporting, payroll, approving and filing invoices etc.
- Built strong base of loyal crew through friendly interactions and professional engagement.
- Worked independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership for assignments.
Co-Creator/ Writer/ Director/Producer
"Newlywed and Broke" The Webseries
Los Angeles, CA
06.2016 - 09.2022
- Wrote and Directed four 10-minute long webisodes for series.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Participated in casting over 30 roles.
- Storyboarded, shot listed and helped schedule each episode for production.
- Devised strategies to orientate, train and direct staff to achieve story objectives.
- Lead team of 5 writers to break story for four episodes.
Assistant Director/Associate Producer
Sabi Productions "Dead Bullet"
Los Angeles, CA
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Assisted in preproduction and on-location production of feature film, “Dead Bullet.”
- Handled all scheduling for crew and cast over 6 weeks, 6 days per week production timeline.
- Managed cast and crew on set each day to ensure scheduled scenes were completed.
- Worked closely with Producers to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of Production.
- Aided in shot set-ups.
- Reassessed progress each day in meeting with Director and Producers then created new call sheets to distribute to cast and crew every night.
Writer/Director
Casting Frontier
Los Angeles, CA
01.2016 - 04.2016
- Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Developed and wrote scripts in line with the creative vision and brand voice of the company.
- Directed and edited all four episodes.
- Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
- Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
- Developed project budgets and managed production costs.
Writer/Director
"Newlywed and Broke" - The Crowdfunding Campaign
Los Angeles, CA
04.2013 - 07.2013
- Wrote, directed and edited crowdfunding campaign video to finance a future Web series production.
- Raised over $50K via crowdfunding and private investors.
- Managed actors and crew throughout production.
- Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
- Wrote and created all content for campaign page.
- Developed project budgets and managed production costs.
- Utilized digital marketing strategies to spread project awareness and push campaign support.
- Conducted interviews for online publications, radio shows, TV news programs and blogs in two different languages.
- Constructed business plan to present to potential investors.
1st Assistant Director/ Associate Producer
Myx TV "Cheap Date" & "Best Night Ever"
Los Angeles, CA
12.2012 - 03.2013
- Helped direct talent and crews to create vision for TV shows and bring idea to life.
- Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Completed pre-production planning such as setting budgets, hiring crew, and cast members and obtaining permits.
- Managed set, ensuring shot schedule was followed and completed on time.
- Coordinated with production team, producer and director to pinpoint creative vision, determine technical needs, and devise shooting schedule.
- Revised and sent call sheets to cast and crew the evening before each production day.
- Drew up daily script notes, sent to director and editor each night.
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Script Review and Revision
- Creativity and Innovation
- Cast and Crew Supervision
- Project Planning
- Production Processes
- Effective writing
- Strong research skills
- Scheduling and Coordination
- Complex Problem-Solving
Timeline
Writer's Assistant NCIS: Origins
CBS Studios Inc.
04.2024 - Current
Crew and Travel Coordinator
NEP Australia
10.2022 - 03.2023
Co-Creator/ Writer/ Director/Producer
"Newlywed and Broke" The Webseries
06.2016 - 09.2022
Writer/Director
Casting Frontier
01.2016 - 04.2016
Assistant Director/Associate Producer
Sabi Productions "Dead Bullet"
06.2015 - 11.2016
Writer/Director
"Newlywed and Broke" - The Crowdfunding Campaign
04.2013 - 07.2013
1st Assistant Director/ Associate Producer
Myx TV "Cheap Date" & "Best Night Ever"
12.2012 - 03.2013