Cameron Young

Cameron Young has balanced two creative callings for more than three decades: Copywriter/creative director in Southern California’s advertising industry, and screenwriter/filmmaker developing original projects in a variety of genres. 

He currently teaches digital marketing and advertising at Dodge College and film history/theory in the emeritus program at Saddleback College. He has also been a guest lecturer at the Art Institute of Orange County and Cal State Fullerton. 

Young’s screenwriting journey began when he was selected from more than 6,500 entrants for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting, the industry’s most prestigious recognition for emerging writers. That early validation not only affirmed his passion for storytelling but also connected him to a network of creatives who have inspired him to keep writing — and to teach. As he began guest lecturing on the creative arts at local colleges, he discovered how much he valued helping others find their voices. 

Today, in his adjunct roles, he focuses on demystifying the communication process for his students — breaking it down into approachable, craft-based steps while encouraging risk-taking and authenticity. He draws on his years in advertising to help students think strategically about audience, story clarity, and impact, and he draws on his own screenwriting practice to emphasize discipline, persistence, and the art of revision. He is also fortunate to have relationships with notable screenwriters/filmmakers who come to speak to his students about their films and their journeys. Past speakers include Susannah Grant, Destin Daniel Cretton, Roger Donaldson and Philip Noyce, to name a few.

Mentorship is at the heart of Young’s teaching. He has had the privilege of guiding young creatives that he has met through the Nicholl Fellowship, Academy Gold Rising, and Hollywood industry events. Many of them share the same insecurities and ambitions he had when he started out. He believes his role is not only to teach technique, but to model resilience, professional practice, and creative courage.

In a classroom environment that is inclusive, rigorous and inspiring, Young’s goal is to equip students with both the technical tools and the confidence to tell their own stories, while preparing them to engage meaningfully with the ever-evolving film industry.