NYWIFT Blog

By Paige Hapeman

Let’s all give a warm welcome to our new NYWIFT member, Amanda Ramirez!

As an actor, Amanda has appeared in All My Children, As the World Turns, and Fox’s Canterbury’s Law. As a producer, she has credits in the documentary Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies, the horror film Welcome to Willits, and the holiday feature My First Miracle. She is a member of SAG-AFTRA and the Independent Filmmakers Guild of America (IFGA). Amanda holds a BA in Theatre with minors in Dance and Education from Long Island University – C.W. Post, and an MA in Communications from the New York Institute of Technology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. 

Check out our full article to learn more about Amanda and her passion for meaningful storytelling!

NYWIFT Member Amanda Ramirez (photo courtesy of Amanda Ramirez)

Tell us about your journey to becoming a producer. What is one of your favorite memories from a project you have worked on?

My journey to becoming a producer began as a failed dancer. I injured my left knee during the college admissions/audition process. After earning a BA in Theatre with minors in Dance and Education at LIU – C.W. Post, I ventured into acting and obtaining my SAG/AFTRA card by booking roles on shows like All My Children, As the World Turns, and Canterbury’s Law. These experiences led me to explore the production side of the industry and eventually an appointment on the Suffolk County Film Commission board. 

One of my favorite memories is working on the New York Fashion Week video “Bibhu Mohapatra: Spring/Summer 2021,” starring Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose. The energy and creativity of the fashion world, combined with the excitement of working with such talented individuals, made it an unforgettable experience. We shot it in one day during COVID-19 and it was inspiring to see the culmination of everyone’s hard work come together in such a spectacular way. 

BTS of award-winning New York Fashion Week video “Bibhu Mohapatra: Spring/Summer 2021

What inspired you to become a member of NYWIFT?

Joining New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) was inspired by my commitment to supporting and empowering women in the industry. 

I’ve seen the unique challenges women face in film and television, and I wanted to be part of an organization dedicated to addressing these issues. NYWIFT’s mission to advocate for equality, provide educational opportunities, and foster a supportive community aligns with my values and aspirations. Being a member has allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable insights, and contribute to initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

You are the founder of Grayscale Media. What motivated you to create Grayscale and what are your major goals for the organization? 

The motivation to create Grayscale Media stemmed from my passion for storytelling and a desire to produce content that bridges the gap between diverse perspectives. The motto is “Seeing more than black and white” and the logo incorporates a grayscale image that showcases simplicity, artistic effect and a dragonfly. They symbolize change in perspective, including mental and emotional maturity, joy, rebirth, creativity, courage, adaptability, strength, and flexibility; those are qualities needed for creativity. The species of dragonfly featured is Amanda’s pennant (Celithemis amanda).

I am a believer in symbolism. The goal is to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences from all walks of life. I aim to create a legacy of impactful storytelling that entertains, but also enlightens and empowers.

Working on-site logistics at NYC World Pride 2019 (Live event) (Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ramirez)

What is your process for deciding what projects you would like to sign on to help produce?

Deciding which projects to sign on to produce is a mix of intuition, passion, and strategic thinking for me. It usually starts with a story that genuinely resonates. If a script or concept grabs my attention and I find myself thinking about it long after, that’s a good sign. I also consider the project’s potential impact. Does it offer a fresh perspective or highlight underrepresented voices? I’m always drawn to narratives that can make a difference and spark meaningful conversations.

Collaboration is key, too. I look for projects where the team shares a similar vision and work ethic. Working with passionate, creative, and dedicated people makes the entire production process enjoyable and rewarding.

I evaluate the feasibility. This includes budget, timeline, and resources. I want to ensure that we can realistically bring the project to life without compromising quality

It’s about finding that perfect blend of a compelling story, meaningful impact, a great team, and practical execution. When all those elements align, I know it’s a project worth pursuing.

Exec Prod on My First Miracle with actor Elijah Jacob (Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ramirez)

You have worked on live TV shows, documentaries, and narrative films. How does your experience differ with these different forms of media?

Live TV shows are all about the adrenaline rush. It requires quick thinking, impeccable timing, and a lot of teamwork. Documentaries are more about patience and discovery. The process can be very organic; you might start with one story in mind and end up uncovering something completely different. It’s deeply fulfilling to bring important issues and unheard voices to the forefront.

Narrative films are like crafting a detailed painting. There’s a lot of planning and creativity involved, from developing the script to designing the set. Each medium has its unique challenges and rewards, and I love that I’ve had the chance to experience them all. They keep me on my toes and constantly learning.

At the screening of Welcome to Willits (AProd) (Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ramirez)

You are also a professional actress and a member of SAG-AFTRA. How does your education in theatre and experience as an actor influence your work as a producer?

My theatre, dance, and acting experience have given me a well-rounded perspective and a deep empathy for everyone involved in a production. It’s all about creating great stories and making sure the process is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. Whether it’s a film, a TV show, or a documentary, the heart of any project is a compelling story with relatable characters.

Being an actor also gives me insight into the needs and challenges of the cast. I strive to ensure actors have everything they need to deliver their best performances, from clear direction to a comfortable atmosphere.

Moreover, as a member of SAG-AFTRA, I’m well-versed in industry standards and practices. This helps me navigate the complexities of contracts, and negotiations, and ensure fair working conditions for the cast and crew. It’s important to me that everyone feels respected and valued, which ultimately contributes to a more positive and productive working environment. 

Amanda’s latest project (as a first-time director) is the award-winning documentary short, Concrete Rose. Produced under IFGA designation starring Lauren B. Martin(left), pictured with subject of the film, Christina Green (Photo Courtesy of Amanda Ramirez)

What would be one piece of advice you would tell your younger self when you were starting out your career?

Being a Jack (or Jane) of all trades and a master of none makes you a better producer. Knowing a little bit about a lot of information can help streamline production.

Also, you’re not a failure by holding down a full-time job. That money pays the bills and fuels your side hustle. In my case, it helped me raise my son as a single parent. The byproduct is that he is successful in his field of study which is paramedicine. The fact that he has been a set medic a few times feeds my creative ego. 

Give Amanda Ramirez’s documentary short Concrete Rose a watch!

For more information on Amanda, check out her Linktree. Connect with her on Instagram at @grayscaleentllc and LinkedIn.