New
York Women in Film & Television includes many powerful, dynamic and diverse
entertainment industry leaders among its membership. As we celebrate our Spring Membership Drive –
with 50% off our initiation fee now through May 15 – we’re spotlighting several members this month.
First up: Annetta Marion. An award-winning
director, Primetime Emmy-nominated producer and current NYWIFT board member, Annetta
Marion’s experience in television and film includes documentary and reality
television, as well as narrative film, commercials, music videos, and internet
content. Marion is currently directing the acclaimed TV series Oprah’s Master Class, profiling entertainment icons
including Tim McGraw, Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson, Berry Gordy, and Lenny
Kravitz. She was the showrunner on season three of the series when it was
nominated for a Primetime Emmy, a first for the network. Annetta’s
producing experience includes ESPN’s 30-for-30
feature documentary You Don’t Know Bo,
which earned the highest-ever rating in the network’s history. She’s a
graduate of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women and a member of both the Director’s
Guild of America and the Producer’s Guild of America.
When did you join NYWIFT? Where were you in your career?
I
joined NYWIFT in 2006. I had just gotten home after a year in LA at AFI’s Directing
Workshop for Women. I was working as a line producer mostly at that point, but
working hard to transition to working as a director.
Do you feel joining NYWIFT has helped your career? What are the top things you get from being a NYWIFT member?
The
biggest thing for sure is getting to know the other members. Now that I’m more involved with NYWIFT as a Board member, I think it will help my career and professional development more and more. The best thing you
can do is work on a committee to really get to know other members. I’m currently on the membership committee and I really like what we’re doing. I like the panels
and screenings too.
Where do you see the opportunity for women in the industry today?
Our industry, as well as many others, has a long way to go. Parity is when the average woman can get as far as the average man with the same amount of effort, and we’re totally far from that.
What are your thoughts on all the recent buzz around the dearth of women in front of and behind the camera? How would you shake things up?
I’m glad there’s all this buzz, but I really want something tangible to come from it, not just more lip service. I’d take a play from the NFL’s playbook (haha sports metaphor!) and require the showrunners, networks, etc. to interview women candidates for director spots.
What excites you about the network of women you’ve met?
They
are so amazing and so accomplished. I’m learning so much.
Can you describe an important NYWIFT moment for you?
Sitting
around the table at my first Board retreat and thinking “Wow, I’m so stoked to
be a part of this group!”
– EILEEN NEWMAN
Want to join New York Women in Film & Television as we fight for equality in the entertainment industry? Meet and network with amazing members like Annetta? Visit nywift.org/join now through May 15 and take advantage of our special Spring Membership Drive discount.
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