NYWIFT Blog

NYWIFT Recap: TV Pitch Fest

Thirty-six participants. Nine networks. Three hours. On December 4, NYWIFT brought together talented writers, producers, and directors with network and development executives for its first TV pitch fest. These hopefuls presented their dream projects: scripted series, children shows, game shows, documentary films, and yes, the ever-evolving reality TV. They gained rare access to industry insiders to pitch their...

Webisodes Not to Miss: ‘Christine’ on YouTube’s WIGS

With web series’ titles like Blue, Susanna, and Paloma, YouTube’s WIGS Channel has carved out a space for interesting stories about women while giving female stars underexposed in TV and film a chance to shine. Blue, the most acclaimed title from the channel, stars Julia Stiles, while other series feature such talent as Maggie Grace, Grace Gummer,...

2013 Muse Awards: Who Brought the Wine?

Image via freixenetusa.com. While we were sipping our glasses of wine and champagne at Thursday’s Muse Awards, we had Freixenet USA Inc to thank for the lively libations. This was the 21st year the Spain-based and family-run company has made this contribution — making Freixenet the longest in-kind sponsor of the event. And it’s all because Miriam Stern, a NYWIFT...

Weekly Film & TV News Roundup

Illustration by Luci Gutierrez.  Top 100 power women in entertainment and how they succeed. SNL is doing what?! This is really happening? An impressive list of the Most Iconic Feminist Moments of 2013. Roger Ebert’s widow Chaz Ebert dedicates a week to female content. Two thumbs up! It’s the most wonderful (not perfect) time of the year! Meet Tiffani Shlain, writer, director…creator of the Webby...

Nancy Malone Honored by NYWIFT’s 2013 Muse Awards

Nancy Malone was honored at Thursday’s Muse Awards, receiving the Loreen Arbus Award for Those Who Take Action and Effect Change. The Emmy winner was unable to attend the event. Fourteen-year-old Skarlee Roberts, a mentee of Malone’s, accepted the honor on her behalf. Roberts’ poise at the podium and word-perfect delivery wowed the crowd of 1,500. The Muse honorees, which included Ellen...

Muse Awards 2013: Photo & Video Recap

On the red carpet with NYWIFT Muse Awards honorees (L-R) Robin Wright, Ellen Barkin, Frances Berwick, and Sonia Manzano, along with hosts (far left and right) Wendy Williams and Andy Cohen (photo credit @nywift). Not pictured is Nancy Malone, who won the Loreen Arbus Award.   https://vine.co/v/h2AEPjiDanB/embed/simple Nashville, American Horror Story, and Friday Night Lights star Connie Britton...

wendyshow: Had fun co-hosting the @NYWIFT Muse Awards today with @Andy. We’re honoring so many amazing women! @ellenbarkin @soniammanzano @realrobinwright, Connie Britton, Frances Berwick, & Nancy Malone. #Muse2013 #MuseAwards A huge thank you to our hosts with the most: Wendy Williams and Andy Cohen. More 2013 Muse Awards photos, video, and recaps coming soon!

wendyshow: Had fun co-hosting the @NYWIFT Muse Awards today with @Andy. We’re honoring so many amazing women! @ellenbarkin @soniammanzano @realrobinwright, Connie Britton, Frances Berwick, & Nancy Malone. #Muse2013 #MuseAwards A huge thank you to our hosts with the most: Wendy Williams and Andy Cohen. More 2013 Muse Awards photos, video, and recaps coming soon!

wendyshow: Had fun co-hosting the @NYWIFT Muse Awards today with @Andy. We’re honoring so many amazing women! @ellenbarkin @soniammanzano @realrobinwright, Connie Britton, Frances Berwick, & Nancy Malone. #Muse2013 #MuseAwards A huge thank you to our hosts with the most: Wendy Williams and Andy Cohen. More 2013 Muse Awards photos, video, and recaps coming soon!

wendyshow: Had fun co-hosting the @NYWIFT Muse Awards today with @Andy. We’re honoring so many amazing women! @ellenbarkin @soniammanzano @realrobinwright, Connie Britton, Frances Berwick, & Nancy Malone. #Muse2013 #MuseAwards A huge thank you to our hosts with the most: Wendy Williams and Andy Cohen. More 2013 Muse Awards photos, video, and recaps coming soon!

Road to Muse: Honoree Sonia Manzano

As Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano has been a part of millions of children’s and parents’ lives. Manzano joined the show in 1971, and eventually began writing scripts for the series—receiving 15 Emmys as part of the show’s writing staff. She has also performed on the New York stage in The Vagina Monologues and...

Road to Muse: Honoree Ellen Barkin

Ellen Barkin in Another Happy Day (2011), which she also produced.  Ellen Barkin has a diverse body of work spanning theater, film, and television. The Bronx native has appeared in over 50 films, including Ocean’s 13, Sea of Love, The Big Easy, and Diner, which served as her film debut. She received a Tony award in 2011 for her performance in The Normal Heart,...

Weekly Film & TV News Roundup

Slut: The Play. Sasithon Photography. Teen actors from Slut: The Play discuss a serious issue among the selfie generation. Naomie Harris on the struggles of portraying Winnie Mandela. (video) Helpful phone apps for actors. Do (non)friends ask to meet for coffee? Charge them for it. Q&A with Teresa Lee, creator of NYC comedy web series #YouUp. Halle Berry helps Hannibal gain strength at the...

Notes from a Screenreader: Meaningful Images

Photo via Go Into the Story. A script is a story that will be told with images. It feels like that goes without saying, but spec scripts are so often crushed under the weight of their own dialogue that it bears repeating. Meaningful images are revealing, memorable, interesting to read, and space saving. To rewrite for...

New Member Spotlight: Imoya Monroque

The NYWIFT fall membership drive is almost over. So, it’s a perfect time to check in with new member Imoya Monroque and find out why she joined NYWIFT. Imoya, would you tell us a bit about your acting career? I am a member of SAG/AFTRA and have appeared in several national commercials and TV shows and pilots, such...

‘Monster-Fighting Feminists’

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951). Over at RogerEbert.com, Bob Calhoun discusses the liberated women of 1950s sci-fi cinema — classics like Them! (1954) and The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) — and why the woman scientist archetype waned in later decades: In her October 8, 2013 RogerEbert.com piece, “Visual Pleasure and Voodoo Demographics: a Reflection on...

Weekly Film & TV News Roundup

Photo by Joe Pugliese Finally, a truly diverse actress roundtable. New York Film Academy’s article on gender inequality in film. Wow. HBO’s getting a show created by Diablo Cody and someone named Oprah. Winona is back. And starring in an action flick. Meet director Dennie Gordon, made in the USA—in demand in China! Indie producer Alison Owen controls the only...

NYWIFT December Programs: Pitch Fest, Muse Awards + More

December programs are filling up fast so make sure to RSVP soon. Bullets, Bios, Resumes, and Interviews Monday, Dec 2, 6:30 pm, NYWIFT Offices (6 East 39th St) Learn to write, pitch, and interview for high impact. TV Pitch Fest Wednesday, Dec 4, 6 pm, NYWIFT Offices (6 East 39th St) An amazing opportunity! NYWIFT members...