The biweekly podcast "MediaMaker Spotlight" features conversations with industry professionals speaking on a wide range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. The series is a great resource for creators and collaborators who want to learn more about filmmaking, production, and all that goes into bringing projects to life. Our show is a great place to learn, find inspiration, discover communities of support, and celebrate our shared passion for film, television, video and visual storytelling in all formats and mediums. "MediaMaker Spotlight" is produced by the Women in Film & Video Podcast Committee. Learn more at MediaMakerSpotlight.com.
Mark Maxey discusses the film 'Words of War,' highlighting the importance of press freedom and the dangers journalists face. He shares insights into the film's production, casting choices, Sean Penn's involvement, and the decision to donate proceeds to organizations supporting journalists. Maxey emphasizes the film's timely relevance and its call to action for audiences to support independent storytelling.
Ahead of Earth Day, host Candice Bloch interviews Kat Friis , an Emmy award-winning producer and founding member of Green the Bid , a grassroots, non-profit industry organization that aims to shift the media production industry to zero-waste, minimal carbon, sustainable and regenerative practices. The two discuss the importance of sustainability in the production industry, educating and advocating for sustainable practices, and practical steps that producers can take to reduce their carbon footp...
Host Tara Jabbari has a conversation with Catherine Haigh and Hannah Congdon to explore the journey of creating their documentary, Women Behind the Wheel , which focuses on women's empowerment in remote communities. They highlight the importance of research, language, cultural challenges, and community support as they share their experiences connecting with local women, the complexities of gender roles, and the impact of social media in their research. They also address serious issues like ...
MediaMaker Spotlight, the official podcast of the DC-based non-profit, Women in Film & Video , features conversations with industry professionals on a range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. It's a must-listen resource for filmmakers of all interests and experience levels! Through fun and inspiring interviews with award-winning creators, you’ll learn all about what goes into bringing projects to life. We shine a light on subjects such as producing, editing, film festiv...
Dr. Paul Heinzelmann of the documentary feature, Safe Sets, and Becky Morrison of the production company, The Light, sit down with host Candice Bloch to discuss humane production practices. They explore the systemic issues affecting health and safety on set, alarming statistics regarding mental health, and the historical context of production practices. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for crew members and the need for cultural change within the ind...
Host Sandra Abrams chats with publishing trailblazer Regina Jones and Soraya Sélène , one of the co-directors of the new documentary, “WHO THE HELL IS REGINA JONES?” The film tells the remarkable story of Jones’s journey from being a financially struggling young mother of five to witnessing the Watts Rebellion in 1965 to creating and running SOUL newspaper. SOUL became a nationwide publication, scoring scoop after scoop with some of the era's biggest artists, like Aretha Franklin, James Bro...
In this episode, host Tara Jabari interviews actor Carl Lumbly , known for his roles in Captain America, Alias, Doctor Sleep, and more. They discuss Lumbly's portrayal of Isaiah Bradley in the latest Captain America: Brave New World , a character rooted in historical injustices faced by African Americans, and the thematic elements of love and sacrifice in the Marvel Universe. Lumbly shares insights from his career, including his experiences on Alias and his aspirations to write a one-man sh...
It’s time for another all-hosts special! Hosts Sandra, Tara, and Candice chat all about romantic comedies ahead of Valentine’s Day. We discuss some of our favorite films, actors, and tropes within the ubiquitous rom-com genre, while also sharing some fun facts. You’ll love hearing the banter about meet-cutes and steamy scenes, and you may even discover some classic movies to cozy up to with a special someone. --- Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resourc...
Documentary filmmaker Melissa Davey sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to discuss her filmmaking journey and her latest film, Climbing Into Life. The film is about the remarkable story of Dierdre Wolownick, an accomplished writer, artist and musician who got into rock climbing later in life and, at age 66, became the oldest woman to ascend Yosemite’s famed El Capitan. The two also talk about Melissa’s first feature, Beyond Sixty, and her goals of challenging stereotypes about wome...
In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with Zhanna Ozirna , a Ukrainian filmmaker whose first feature film premiered at the Venice Film Festival. They talk about the inspiration behind her film, the importance of art showcasing challenges like war, winning the Biennale Cinema Competition, plus much more. The film, Honeymoon (English title) is about a couple, Taras and Olya, who just bought an apartment in the suburbs and are spending their first night there before they are woken up by explosi...
In this episode, host Candice Bloch has a brief chat with Director Tim Fehlbaum and actors Leonie Benesch and Ben Chaplin of the film September 5. They talk about some of what went into producing the film, which unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today. Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows the ABC Sports broadcasting team who quickly shifted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken ...
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Monda Raquel Webb , former EVP of WIFV (and still a board member), and winner of the 2024 Trailblazer Award from the African American Women in Cinema of New York City. Webb is a book author, filmmaker, and performance artist. As an independent storyteller, she is dedicated to telling stories hidden in the crevices of history's pages through her production company, Little Known Stories. In this conversation, we learn why she describes herself as...
During a virtual press junket for 2024’s summer blockbuster, Borderlands, actor Benjamin Byron Davis spoke with host Tara Jabbari to discuss his role in the film, plus his experience working in over 50 projects ranging from Gilmore Girls to Guardians of the Galaxy. They talked about what makes a successful and worthwhile colleague in the film industry, his friendship with James Gunn, plus his advice for actors who are starting out. Listen to one of the most dynamic and versatile actors as he sha...
VFX editor and DC native, Anedra Edwards sits down with host Candice Bloch to give us a peek behind the curtain of visual effects magic. Anedra shares her knowledge from over 15 years of experience in VFX and picture editing for film and TV, working with world’s biggest entertainment companies including Marvel, Netflix, HBO, BET, Discovery, NatGeo, NBC, Disney, ABC, and beyond. You’ll learn what a VFX editor does (which is different from a VFX artist!) and the importance of coordinating and ensu...
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams sits down with another of WIFV’s 2024 Woman of Vision honorees, Sylvia Bugg . As the Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming for PBS, Bugg shares insight into why she is a life-long learner, how her previous experience at Discovery and CPB shaped her, and what leadership skills she brings to her position. She also explains the PBS opportunity for media content creators to support long and short form documentaries produce...
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at PBS’ Webby Award-winning podcast American Masters: Creative Spark. Join host Joe Skinner as he speaks with Oscar-nominated actress Minnie Driver about how she took on the role of one of the most powerful women in history. She talks about the joy of acting in period pieces, and reminds us to “never underestimate the power of dressing up,” even if the corset can be a little too tight at times. Listen and follow American Masters: Creative S...
Host Tara Jabbari talks all about visual effects with Leah Orsini , a VFX Producer with over 20 years of experience. Leah shares how she started in production and moved to be a VFX Producer, and talks about projects she worked on such as The Gilded Age, Blindspot, Mr. Robot, Falling Skies, and Split, among others. You’ll learn about the difference between special effects and visual effects, how much the profession has changed due to technology enhancements, the growth of diversity on set and beh...
Great sound is the mark of a quality project. In this episode, host Candice Bloch has a conversation with Charlie Hewitt of Mirror Studios to discuss all things audio post and sound design. From the difference between audio mixing and audio mastering, to layering in all the right sound effects at all the right levels, to the new frontier of fully immersive audio, you’ll leave this episode with a greater appreciation for how audio enhances projects and brings them to life. Tune in to hear some of...
The What Went Wrong podcast series brings you behind-the-scenes of films from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters to shed a light on what it really takes to make a film. The show’s hosts, Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer speak with Tara Jabbari about what they learned about what it really takes to make a film, why James Cameron punched his diver in the face, the long road to get the voice of Shrek, and other fun anecdotes. They also discuss how important it is to have more people o...
Women in Film & Video (WIFV) is turning 45! To mark the occasion, there’s going to be a big dance party on Friday, September 13. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV Board President Connie St. John to learn more about the organization and the celebration. They discuss how this amazing non-profit got started back in 1979, how it serves a diverse visual media community, and why you should come to the party. St. John also explains many of the wonderful membership benefits includi...
In this special all-host episode, we are thrilled to debut our new podcast name, MediaMaker Spotlight! During their conversation, hosts Sandra Abrams, Candice Bloch, and Tara Jabbari explain the story behind our rebranding and how making the announcement inspired us to chat about some memorable Hollywood renames and recasts in television shows and films. Tune-in to learn more about our big news and hear some fun facts and industry trivia about other projects that have made changes! #recasting #r...
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams has a conversation with Matt Singer - film critic, editor, podcaster, and author- about his new book, “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.” The book offers an insightful and funny look into the iconic pair of film reviewers and their combative style, and shares details about how their THUMBS UP or THUMBS DOWN trademark began. Plus, given Matt’s day job as film critic and editor of ScreenCrush.com, he talks about the role of film cr...
In this episode, host Tara Jabbari sits with writer and director Molly McGlynn to talk about her new film, “Fitting In.” The comedic coming-of-age drama, starring Maddie Ziegler and Emily Hampshire, is a semi-autobiographical story about Molly’s journey with MRKH Syndrome. Molly shares the challenges but also the support she had while sharing such a personal story on a reproductive condition. They also talk about the responses the film has gotten since its release, the importance of representati...
More stories get written than make it to screen, so what becomes of these lost narratives? In this episode, host Candice Bloch sits down with producer James Walker to dive into a project he and his company, Velocity Studios have embarked upon to revive some of these scripts in an exciting new way. You’ll learn how they produce immersive experiences that envelop a listener in a rich audio-only world. Hear about the benefits and challenges faced when adapting a story intended for screen into a med...
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV’s 2024 Women of Vision honoree E. Samantha Cheng about her long resume in the media world. She is a writer, director, and producer that has worked in New York City and London before making the DMV home. Her passion and support of the Asian American community has formed the foundation of her work which includes Norman Mineta, the Boy from San Jose, and Honor and Duty: The Mississippi Delta Chinese , which ran nationally on PBS. During this episo...
In this special double-host, double-guest episode, hosts Tara Jabbari and Candice Bloch sit down with Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus , the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Bechdel Cast . The quartet of podcasters discuss The Bechdel Cast , a weekly podcast from iHeartRadio, that dives into the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in movies. The show gets its name and premise from the Bechdel-Wallace test which investigates whether or not a work includes at least two wo...
Lady Whistledown has news: Dearest Gentle Listener - Bridgerton is back! The Regency period romantic drama from Shonda Rhimes dropped on May 16 on Netflix. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with many members of the talented production team to learn how Season 3 came together. Sandra discusses the music with Oscar-winner Kris Bowers, the wardrobe with Costume Designer John Glaser, all those dances with Choreographer Jack Murphy, and everyone’s looks with Emmy-winning Hair and Make Up Arti...
Professional stuntwoman, motion capture performer, and champion martial artist, Thekla Hutyrova sits down with host Candice Bloch for a fun conversation all about bringing action to our screens - on film, television, and in video games. Thekla has worked on films such as Alita: Battle Angel, Logan, and Deadpool 2, shows such as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Ms. Marvel, and video games such as God of War: Ragnarok, Mortal Kombat 1 and Spider-Man 2. In their conversation, you’ll learn about how stunt...
Israeli director, Anna Somershaf sits down with host Sandra Abrams in this episode to talk about her award-winning feature documentary, Women of Valor. The film follows the odyssey of Esty Shushan, an orthodox mother and wife, as she seeks to change the law for Haredi women to be elected representatives to Israel's Knesset. Over a five year period, there are many obstacles, especially from ultra-religious men, as these Orthodox women become modern-day Suffragettes, fighting to have their ow...
Up-and-coming television comedy writer, Julia Lindon sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to chat about her journey in writing. You’ll learn more about the dynamics of the writers’ room, hear stories about leveraging connections to get in the door, and get a glimpse into the process of honing her comedy chops and bringing stories to the screen. Julia began by working at NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show , and has gone on to work on such hit series as Netf...
