NYWIFT Blog

By Katie Chambers

Let’s all welcome new NYWIFT member Becky Morrison!

Becky is the Founder & CEO of The Light, an award-winning production company that produces films, series and high-end commercials.

Becky kicked-off her career on the Hollywood blockbuster I Am Legend, dabbled in animation on Disney’s The Wild, then entered the world of rock n’ roll as visual content producer for U2’s world tour.

In the span of her career, Becky has produced hundreds of projects for clients such as Netflix, Apple, NBC, A&E, Hulu and Disney.

She has spent years studying the history of Hollywood and uses her research to inform a new framework for conscious production.

She spoke to us about how she is using her creative work to inspire positive change.

NYWIFT Member Becky Morrison (Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

Describe yourself. Give us your elevator pitch!

I am the CEO and founder of a production company called The Light, that works primarily in advertising and entertainment marketing. Our mission is to design and deliver an uplifting and inclusive production experience.

What led you to found The Light after years of freelance commercial producing and production management?

I worked in production for many years, and never intended to open my own company. But then, the moment presented itself. I saw it as an opportunity to produce beautiful and compelling content while reimagining the way we approach production.

That’s why I called it The Light – as a guiding force and inspiration.

(Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

You’ve noted that your production company is dedicated to catalyzing systemic change in the film industry.

This is what really lights me up! Creating a whole new production experience for the future. We know that great things happen when people are deeply engaged in the filmmaking process. That includes specific actions that foster inclusion, diversity, and environmental sustainability. They are things that everyone can do, and our hope is that others will adopt similar practices so that the industry is more equitable and that we have more fun doing what we love. Because, guess what? Making sure people are heard and seen, makes for a happier, more creative process.

What kinds of projects excite you? What has been your favorite project to date and why?

I love big budget projects that are technically challenging, creatively meaningful, and allow us to deliver a positive production experience to everyone involved.

Our Netflix campaign for Colin in Black and White was a great example of this – ambitious and inspiring. The drama series recounts Colin Kaepernick’s formative years navigating race, class and culture while aspiring for greatness. It was an honor to help support the launch of this series with a campaign that takes audiences on his journey where justice and personal accomplishment unite.

Becky Morrison on set (Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

Tell us about Globetops, the non-profit that you founded. How can fellow NYWIFT members get involved?

Worldwide, we generate around 40 million tons of electronic waste every year. That’s like throwing away 800 laptops every second! In the US alone, we discard approximately 100 million cell phones, over 41 million computers, and 20 million TVs by throwing them into landfills when they become broken or outdated.

I started Globetops after I asked myself: What if each of those computers ended up not in a landfill, but in the hands of someone who needed one? What kind of future would we create if we made the unused, usable again?

Globetops is not your traditional donation-based charity. It’s not a corporate philanthropy program, it’s a network of people providing for people and being provided for.

Recently, I passed the torch of Globetops to Life Camp, an organization that focuses on gang violence prevention in Queens. I am proud of what has been done and I know they will take it to new places.       

(Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

What brought you to NYWIFT?

NYWIFT Board Member Sibyl Santiago speaks passionately about how inspiring it is to be a part of the organization and encouraged me to become involved. It can be isolating to be a female business owner, and being connected to incredible women in the industry through NYWIFT provides community and the opportunity to learn from and support each other.

What’s the best advice you ever received? And the worst?

My mom, who has great advice, often said, “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” It gave me the courage to do what I do. I still think about that, and often pass that same advice to others.

On the flip side, a piece of bad advice that really sticks out was when I was a student at NYU’s film program and a male professor told me that I shouldn’t direct and, instead, should do a role more suited to women, like producing. I love producing, but it’s shocking to consider how many careers and creative voices may have been upended or silenced.

(Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

What are three fun facts about you that might surprise us?

1. I was a sponsored skateboarder in the 1990s – but don’t ask me to do any tricks now!
2. I’ve danced with the national ballet of Guinea and was featured in a pop star’s music video that made me a mini celebrity there.
3. My dad is a monk who lives in India.

(Image Courtesy of Becky Morrison)

What’s next for you?

What’s next for me – ah that is such a big question. There are so many things I want to do, but certainly one of my primary goals is to support the industry in its shift to a more uplifting, equitable, and sustainable future.

I’d welcome opportunities through organizations like NYWIFT to share what I have learned and experienced so that others can feel empowered to break away from toxic production practices and move towards a more feminine approach to production that values, cares for and truly sees people.

Learn more about Becky Morrison’s work at www.thelight.nyc, and connect with her on LinkedIn (as well as her company) and follow her on Instagram at @TheLightIsLit.