Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Jennifer Sklias-Gahan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Jennifer Sklias-Gahan! Jennifer is a New York-based actress, writer, and filmmaker. She is the founder of Demivoula Studios and 18 Bleecker Films, an award-winning production house. She is known for her work in The Urban Ghost Story: Matilda, a short film she wrote and stars in with actor Sean Avery, produced by Academy Award-winner Christine Vachon and 18 Bleecker Films. Matilda took home several honors on the festival circuit, including Best Short Film. She recently completed the indie feature The Cutting Room Floor, and has two other features filmed in 2025 (The Wingers and Windows) being released in 2026. Jennifer’s gothic ghost story book, The House in the Middle of the Street, the first in a series of dark tales, is now available worldwide, distributed by Simon and Schuster. A gorgeous vinyl version, beautifully illustrated by Myles Mullen, is available through Rare Bird publications. The audio version, narrated by Jennifer herself, will have a worldwide release this summer. She’s currently writing the next book in her gothic series, The Last Days and Nights of Ellie Boread. Jennifer plans to create this ancestral narrative into a feature film. In our interview, we discuss her career through acting, directing, writing, and owning a production company; gothic aesthetics; and her upcoming projects.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Ariana Marie Luque
Welcome to NYWIFT, Ariana Marie Luque! Ariana is an award-winning director/cinematographer from The Bronx, NY. She is a NYU Tisch alum, having graduated with a Bachelor's in Film/TV production. Her work is often rooted from her Latin background, prioritizing culture and interpersonal relationships in her work. Her goal is to amplify stories from underrepresented communities and diversify the entertainment industry in front and behind the camera. She has gained international experience working in Iceland, Italy, and Puerto Rico, and has collaborated with major studios including Amazon Prime, Walt Disney, and Paramount under production roles. Most recently, she completed a film fellowship at the Bronx Documentary Center and is currently developing a short narrative film and is in production on two short documentaries. In our interview, Ariana discusses her background, what she’s learned from working in the industry, and the importance of film.
READ MOREBroadway Luminaries Come Together for Broadway Inspirational Voices Presents: “Hope in Harmony: Award Ceremony & Fundraiser Cocktail Party”
On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Renowned Choir & National Nonprofit of Broadway Artists, whose mission is to support and strengthen communities in need through arts, education and outreach programming, hosted the “Hope in Harmony: Award Ceremony & Fundraiser Cocktail Party” at Sony Hall in New York City. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee share their exclusive interviews with Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and more!
READ MOREWhat’s in Your Toolkit: Anne del Castillo
As the Commissioner of the NYC Mayors Office of Media and Entertainment, Anne del Castillo has a very full and challenging job, juggling a lot of balls, especially now during COVID-19. A native New Yorker, del Castillo has more than 25 years of experience in film and TV production, public media, and arts and nonprofit administration. She discusses what's in her toolkit, and how she has led MOME "from cheerleader to crisis manager" during the the pandemic.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: NYC Pilots, Good News, Overlooked Women
NYC Pilots: Business is booming in New York, with 11 hour-long pilots shooting here this year. This ties with the previous record year, 2012. Good News: Although Ava Duvernay’s A Wrinkle in Time wasn’t able to beat Black Panther at the box office, the films still made history, as both the #1 and #2 spots...
READ MOREPositive News for Filmmakers at the New York Film Conference
Entertainment industry experts speaking at the first annual New York Film Conference on October 10, 2017 had some great news for attendees: It’s getting easier to sell your content directly to consumers, consumers are more open to watching films with subtitles and big digital platforms are spending billions on buying new content. NYWIFT member Jane Applegate shares insights from the conference.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Fall Drive, VR Jobs, Legal Help
Fall Drive: Now through December 1st is our Fall Membership Drive, during which we offer 50% off the initiation fee when you apply to join NYWIFT! Becoming a member now also lets you attend the star-studded Muse Awards in December at the member rate of $165. Apply now at www.nywift.org/join. VR Jobs: New York City...
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Empowering Advertising, What’s Next, Ideal Location
Empowering Advertising: I loved Audi’s Super Bowl ad touting the importance of equal pay, which leads with the poignant question, “What do I tell my daughter?” What’s Next: The NY Times checks in with three lauded filmmakers from Sundance 2014, to see how the festival buzz shaped their careers. Ideal Location: MovieMaker takes a look...
READ MOREShe’s Got Funny Tales From The Dark Side
Comedy Makers: Tale From The Dark Side November 9, 2015 – by Margarita Sophia Cortes Get ready for another fun-filled night with a mixed panel of women writers, producers, directors and show runners in “Comedy Makers: Tales From The Dark Side” presented at Carolines on Broadway on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 New York Women in...
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