McAllen ISD grad performs cinematography work for former Vice President

Using his skills and passion for video production, McAllen ISD graduate Jason Garza filled a unique role for former US Vice President Kamala Harris during her service in the Biden Administration.

Garza, a 2012 McAllen Memorial High graduate, is a cinematography and documentary filmmaker who worked at the White House as Harris’ Senior Video Producer. He also worked on Harris’ subsequent presidential campaign as Videographer for Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

During the latter half of the administration, Garza traveled to five countries, 26 US states and more than 50 US cities documenting the Second Family. From filming Harris on the world stage at the Summit on Peace in Switzerland to marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on the 59th anniversary of civil-rights era protest marches, Garza captured history in action.

Most recently, Garza wrapped production on a documentary shot in New Orleans following musician Jon Batiste, capturing his preparation for and performance of the National Anthem at Super Bowl LIX in February.

 Garza’s passion for video production stems back to his days in KMAC – McAllen ISD’s Digital Communications course. It is under the umbrella of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Program in McAllen ISD.

“Jason was incredibly passionate about his creative work both inside the classroom and during contests,” KMAC Instructor Robert Garza (no relation), who taught Jason, said. “(In KMAC) He placed first place in Music Video at nationals in 2011 and first place in Short Story at nationals in 2012. I am proud of what he has accomplished and am excited to see all that comes next.”

After graduating from Memorial High, Jason attended and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin’s Radio-Television-Film program in 2016.

“KMAC provided me with a playground for self-expression and fostered my first experiences as a creative collaborator and filmmaker,” Jason said. “I look back on my involvement in the program … as a catalyst for my shared passion and profession of storytelling.”

In addition to the White House, Jason has worked for The New York Times and multiple documentary film shows.

He is the son of two former McAllen ISD teachers. His mother, Blanca, taught at Gonzalez Elementary for 22 years. His father, Roberto, served as a band director at McAllen Memorial (3 ½ years) and was Head Band Director at James “Nikki” Rowe High for 12 ½ years.