Sonoma-born Mariel Paniagua started as an intern at the Sonoma International Film Festival at age 15. Today, she is a successful TV producer who worked on the hit series "Modern Family" and the recent Netflix release, "Nobody Wants This."
December 31, 2024, 7:45AM
2 minute read
The flickering glow of "The X-Files" on a Sonoma television screen ignited a spark in young Mariel Paniagua, one that would blaze a trail from a Sonoma International Film Festival internship to the dazzling post-production studios of Hollywood.
Paniagua grew up in Sonoma and began her journey into entertainment at the early age of 15. Now a successful TV producer, Paniagua has worked on hit series such as "Modern Family" and Netflix's recent release, "Nobody Wants This."
A self-described "nerd," Paniagua was obsessed with shows like "The X-Files."
"I bought a magazine because [FBI Agents] Mulder and Scully were on the cover. I started reading about TV production and realized it was actually a job you could do," Paniagua said.
The aspiring producer's fascination with behind-the-scenes of television inspired her to pursue an internship with the Sonoma International Film Festival during her junior year at Justin-Siena High School.
The internship solidified Paniagua's ambition to work in entertainment and she went on to study communications with an emphasis in entertainment at the University of Southern California.
In college, Paniagua immersed herself in the world of film and television production. Upon graduating, she landed a job as a page at Paramount Studios where she gained an understanding of the many roles within the industry.
She worked on various shows, including "Sid the Science Kid," before her big break came with the sitcom "Modern Family," which she worked on for all 11 seasons. There she rose from a post-production assistant to department head.
Working on "Modern Family" for 11 years kicked off Paniagua's career and helped her make connections in the industry.
"It's good when you can land somewhere and stay for a while," she said. "It's really where you can start making progress."
Paniagua initially had her sights set on writing, but a brief stint as a production assistant for the writers of Season One of "Dexter" made her realize her true calling of post-production.
Paniagua's career has spanned both network television and streaming platforms. She recently co-produced the hit Netflix series, "Nobody Wants This," starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The 10-episode romantic comedy follows the story of an agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi who fall in love despite their differences.
"The actors and our whole cast, are just so awesome. When we watch the same thing over and over again and it's always interesting, or I'm still laughing and still so engaged, it's a good feeling," Paniaqua said. "Like man, the performance and the way it came together, everything."
Paniagua's role involves overseeing the intricate post-production process, collaborating with editors, sound designers, and visual effects artists to ensure the final product meets the show's vision and network standards.
Paniagua's heart lies with TV, though she enjoys working on feature films, especially with other friends in the industry.
"Probably television is where I'll end up spending most of my career ― hopefully," she said.
The pandemic and industry strikes have brought challenges, with long stretches of unemployment and uncertainty. However, Paniagua stays determined and continues to adapt to the changing landscape of the industry and obstacles that arise.
Paniagua's journey from her hometown of Sonoma to the exciting studios of Los Angeles is a story of passion, perseverance, and turning one's dreams into a reality.
You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at emma.molloy@sonomanews.com.
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