ReFrame Stamp: The ReFrame organization has created the ReFrame Stamp in partnership with IMDBpro, a badge of honor for film and TV projects that hire women in at least half of eight key production positions – writer, director, producer, lead actor, co-lead, speaking parts, department heads and crew – with double points for women of color in key responsibilities. 12 of the top 100 films of 2017 made the mark.
Women Directors: Variety’s roundtable of women TV directors – including Jodie Foster, Tracee Ellis Ross and Lesli Linka Glatter – discuss some of the challenges they’ve faced.
Binge Watch: I am binge watching AMC’s Dietland this summer. Great performance by Joy Nash.
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