NYWIFT Blog

NYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Kristi Zea

NYWIFT member Kristi Zea, an acclaimed production designer, costume designer, producer and director has once again showcased her exceptional talent at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. Zea’s impressive career spans over three decades, with notable works including designing Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and Jonathan Demme’s The Silence of the Lambs. Her latest project, Daddio, directed by Christy Hall and starring Sean Penn and Dakota Johnson, shows her ability to create compelling visual narratives even in small places. With Daddio, Zea masterfully uses the confined space of a taxi to tell a powerful story, proving her enduring influence in the film industry.

READ MORE

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Susan Chau

Welcome to NYWIFT, Susan Chau! Chau is a New York-based director, production designer, and art director working in film and branded content. She received her MFA in film production at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Her film Josephine, developed while at NYU, has traveled the festival circuit and was supported by Panavision, which awarded the project The New Filmmaker Grant. Most recently, Chau worked with Vox Media and Apartment Therapy. She spoke to us about her inspirations, favorite projects, and her new digital zine for women who love film!

READ MORE

Below the Line: A Cut Above – Production Designer Hannah Beachler

Production Designer Hannah Beachler created the iconic looks of "Creed," "Moonlight," and Beyonce's "Lemonade" before taking on the fictional world of Wakanda in "Black Panther," which won her a 2019 Academy Award. She is the first-ever African American - male or female - to take home that honor.

READ MORE

Terry’s Picks: Hannah Beachler, Sarah Barnett, New Space

Hannah Beachler: Congratulations to Hannah Beachler, who was awarded “Excellence in Production Design for Awards or Event Special” during the Art Directors Guild Awards last week. The recognition was for her production design for Beyoncé’s Lemonade. Beachler was also the production designer on Moonlight, Creed and Don Cheadle’s Miles Ahead and her work will next...

READ MORE

Making of a PSA: Interviews with Production & Costume Designer Deborah Zawol Smyth and Makeup Artist Jennifer Snowdon

Taliyah Whitaker as the 1980s talk show host getting last-minute touchups from Makeup Artist Jennifer Snowdon on the set of Little Leading Ladies. Photo courtesy of Amanda Lin Costa/Instagram. This is the fourth installment of a five-part series co-presented by New York Women in Film & Television and Adorama Rentals. NYWIFT member Susan Modaress interviews...

READ MORE

Advice from an Indie Producer: Production Design & Wardrobe

The Art and Wardrobe departments help build the characters through decoration and dress. What people wear and where they live and work can give you insight into the characters and their motivations. That’s why it’s important to hire crewmembers that are clear about your vision and have the ability to execute it for the budget...

READ MORE