Alumni Spotlight: Cal Etcheverry '17
A Conversation with Cal Etcheverry '17
January 29, 2026
We are incredibly proud to feature Cal Etcheverry '17 as our latest Alumni Spotlight. Before his lens captured the biggest names in sports and culture, Cal’s journey as a filmmaker began right here at ESD.
Cal was the visionary behind the films for the Our Time to Soar - A campaign for The Episcopal School of Dallas. The campaign is focused on raising $50 million for the school’s endowment. His work did more than just document our ambitious efforts; it shone a bright light on the brilliance of our faculty, the innovation within our academic programming, and the profound sense of community and belonging that remains a pillar of ESD’s strategic plan.
Check out the Our Time to Soar campaign video filmed and produced by Cal!
From ESD to the Sports Emmys
Since graduating from the University of Southern California’s prestigious Film & Television Production program, Cal has built a powerhouse career as a producer, cinematographer, and editor. By running his own production company, he has become a recurring collaborator with major brands and networks like the NFL, NBC Sports, and the History Channel.
His professional accolades are also impressive:
- Emmy Award Winner: Won for “The Indelible Legacy of Jimmy Raye” on NFL Network (Best Edited Special, 2023).
- Multi-Year Nominee: Received nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for outstanding camera work and documentary features in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
- Super Bowl LIX: Produced and filmed “Shallow Water,” a documentary about the Black Masking Indians of New Orleans, which premiered on the jumbotron during the Super Bowl.
Defining Purpose through “Tentpole Values"
Cal views purpose through a unique lens: identifying your “tentpole values”—such as family, career, creativity, and adventure—and weaving them into the fabric of your life.
I’m grateful to have found a passion early on that I could translate into a career,” Cal shares. “More importantly, through the people I surrounded myself with, I discovered how to approach purpose in a healthy way–with determination, balance, and empathy.
The ESD Foundation: Curiosity and Character
Cal credits ESD with fostering his foundation of curiosity and introspection. He specifically points to the ESD Film Program as the source of his confidence. In 2016, Cal was part of the very first class (under Bobby Weiss) to travel to New York to direct a short film for the All-American High School Film Festival—a tradition that continues for ESD students today.
Beyond the camera, his time in Musical Theater with Dusty Davidson and Lauren Redmond helped nurture his creativity and build lasting friendships. However, it was a quieter tradition that resonated most: Daily Chapel.
Regardless of faith, the daily chapel was an opportunity to get away from the busyness of life, reflect, and discover who you are,” he says. “The daily sermons and speeches were especially inspiring.
Career and Achievements
- Education: University of Southern California (USC); B.A. in Film & Television Production (Magna Cum Laude)
- College Honors: Greek Member of the Year 2019; Senior Producer for Annenberg Media’s Documentary Group
- Current Role: Producer, Cinematographer, & Editor
- Key Projects: The Indelible Legacy of Jimmy Raye (Emmy Winner); Shallow Water (Super Bowl LIX Premiere)
- Major Clients: NFL, NBC Sports, Chloé, Nike, Xbox
Advice for Future Storytellers
For students hoping to break into the competitive world of film and production, Cal’s advice is clear: Be a networker.
Pure skill doesn’t cut it," Cal advises. "From going out of your way to connect with individuals to taking extra steps to foster relationships with key players, having that network mentality is what will take you to the next level.
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
