True Crime: Relationships and Responsibilities
There is no doubt that the “true crime” documentary genre is thriving and that such film and television projects are enjoying unprecedented buzz. Studies show that women are their biggest audience, and broadcasters are taking notice. By the nature of their work, non-fiction storytellers are always considering how to present and represent their subjects through the creative process. But how is that further complicated in the “true crime” space, when the stakes might literally be life or death? Where do they draw the line between journalism and entertainment?
READ MOREWomen’s Stories in Film and the Need for an Authentic Ending
Why is it that when men make poignant films about a male’s coming-of-age, they are allowed to explore the pain, heartache, betrayal, danger, and the need for getting even or choosing a lesser evil to right a wrong—while women-centric films are expected to carry out a fairy tale romance? NYWIFT member Heidi Philipsen tackled this question as she made her first feature film.
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 MORENYWIFT’s Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in the Entertainment Industry
NYWIFT's thoughts on Harvey Weinstein, systemic sexism, community support and legal guidance.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Inexcusable Behavior, Frances McDormand, Timeless Issue
Inexcusable Behavior: Hollywood was rocked by a New York Times exposé of on decades of sexual harassment allegations leveled at producer Harvey Weinstein. This story is pervasive at all levels of the industry, and we’ve heard similar stories from many of our members. While Weinstein may be the most hypocritical and highest profile, this type...
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Swim Team, Shonda Rhimes, Nancy Malone
Swim Team: Tune in or set your DVR for Swim Team’s PBS premiere on POV at 10 PM next Monday, October 2nd! The documentary was a recipient of NYWIFT Loreen Arbus Disability Awareness Grant. Congratulations to director Lara Stolman! #SwimTeamPBS Shonda Rhimes: The must-see TV mastermind launched a new website, Shondaland. As she notes in...
READ MOREIntroducing the New WFPF Series From the Vault: Women’s Advocacy on Film
History is perfectly capable of repeating itself. Issues from the past that seem dated have a way of rearing their ugly heads once more to become present-day concerns. In an age when our collective memory can be short, and in the era of “disposable media,” the NYWIFT Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) and UnionDocs (UNDO) present FROM THE VAULT: WOMEN’S ADVOCACY ON FILM, a series of nine programs of preserved documentary films, screened monthly. The series considers the relationship of these films to contemporary nonfiction storytelling and makes a strong case for their preservation and continued study.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Ambitious Woman, Big Inspiration, Sarah Polley
Ambitious Woman: Reese Witherspoon wants to change the idea that a woman with ambition is only out for herself. Big Inspiration: Check out Time’s “46 Women Leaders who are Changing the World.” Sarah Polley: Actor, writer, and director Sarah Polley talks frankly about sexism on set (which she experienced as early as age nine) and...
READ MOREShe Said She Said: Director Lauren Anders Brown and Composer Daisy Coole
NYWIFT member and director Lauren Anders Brown met composer Daisy Coole at a networking event for Women in Film & TV UK, our sister chapter across the pond and are now collaborating on a short documentary together. They discuss early career beginnings, working for "free" and more.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Big Difference, Pitch Perfect, Sound Women
Big Difference: ABC News shines a light on one of the age-old problems of film: pay inequity. They spoke with experts in both Hollywood and the field of economics to break down the disparity and see why there’s a $40 million difference between the highest paid actor and actress this year. Pitch Perfect: Reed Morano...
READ MORE#SummerHours Memoirs: Carrie Fisher
The late icon's memoir delivers big time for Star Wars fans, and is bittersweet in light of her recent passing.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Dialogue Study, Rachel Feldman, Dope Queens
Dialogue Study: The Signal Analysis and Interpretation Laboratory at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering recently released preliminary results of a study on the representation of gender, race, and age in a collection of about 1,000 films. One of the major goals of the study was to determine the extent to which female characters were essential...
READ MORE#SummerHours Memoirs: Taraji P. Henson
Empire star Taraji P. Henson talks frankly about equal pay - or lack thereof - and the sacrifices she made to work her way to the top.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Female Forward, Writers Lab, Honeysuckle Magazine
Female Forward: Kudos to NBC, which just announced it is upping its inclusion efforts with an annual initiative called Female Forward, which will help work toward gender parity among scripted series directors across the network. Writers Lab: Congratulations to the participants selected for this year’s The Writers Lab for women screenwriters over 40, funded by...
READ MORE#SummerHours Memoirs: Sheila Nevins
Nevins, a long-time members and friend of NYWIFT, has written a book that defies categorization. Part memoir, part fantasy, it provides a window into the life of a career woman whose name is synonymous with HBO Documentary Films.
READ MOREMeet the New Board Members: Tracy Daniels
We get to know independent producer Tracy Daniels, a longtime member of the NYWIFT Special Events, Programming and Archive committees, and one of the newest additions to the Board of Directors.
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Scary Statistics, GoldieBlox Ad, Zoe Saldana
Scary Statistics: A new study from USC Annenberg reveals how little top-grossing movies have changed when it comes to the on-screen prevalence and portrayal of women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, the LGBT community, and individuals with disabilities. GoldieBlox Ad: Girl-focused toy company GoldieBlox’s #BeLikeHer ad campaign is a joyful, in-your-face celebration of all the impressive women...
READ MORETerry’s Picks: Casting Couch, Create NYC, Sherry Lansing
Casting Couch: The Guardian sheds light on the all-too-common phenomenon of the “casting couch culture,” featuring important insight from NYWIFT member Meissa Hampton. This has to stop, and kudos to Meissa and all the other women who speak out about it. Create NYC: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom...
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