NYWIFT Blog

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Hannah Xie

Let’s say hello to new NYWIFT Member Hannah Xie! After spending her earlier years in China, Hannah now lives in New York City where she dedicates much of her time to cinematography and photography. Her talent for blending and accentuating colors and lighting on film is reflected in projects such as Brief Encounter, Sleepwalker, Epic, and The End of the Affair. To learn more about Hannah’s creative process, check out our interview as we discuss her collaboration style with directors, her approach to cinematography, and the influential role that her childhood viewing experiences contributed towards her future career.

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NYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Makeup Artist Asha Smith

We are thrilled to celebrate NYWIFT Member Asha Smith, who recently was an additional makeup artist for the film The Perfect Find, starring Gabrielle Union, Janet Hubert, Alani “La La” Anthony, and more. The film recently premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Festival. Asha’s love of photography sparked an interest in film, and she ultimately earned a degree in filmmaking. She finds the personal interaction involved with makeup artistry — as well as the collaborative aspects and immediate satisfaction she receives from the work — a bigger draw than other creative mediums. In addition to film and television, Asha regularly works in beauty and fashion. Asha spoke to us about her experience on The Perfect Find, and her philosophical approach to her work. 

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Cynthia’s Picks: All In, WFPF Submissions, Production Resumes

All In: If you haven’t seen All In: The Fight for Democracy yet on Amazon, do it – it’s a must-see, especially now. Filmmakers Liz Garbus and NYWIFT member Lisa Cortes examine the history of voter suppression and the activists who fight for the rights of U.S. citizens. WFPF Submissions: The NYWIFT Women’s Film Preservation...

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Michele Remsen’s First Feature Film Defies the Odds

Great ideas, even when plentiful, can have a short shelf life when confronted with sobering realities. But NYWIFT Michele Remsen knows how to persevere. As co-star, producer, director, and screenwriter of an anti-romantic comedy that defies expectations, Michele was the force that made it happen: in 12 days, on a shoestring budget.

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State of the Industry: A Conversation with Film Production Freelancer Isabella Olaguera

Throughout the coming weeks, NYWIFT will sit down with members of the film and television community for a look at how the global COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the industry, particularly those who work in the indie and art house world. Our first conversation is with NYWIFT Member Isabella Olaguera, a 1st AD who is organizing an initiative to help feed freelancers who are struggling. She shares her insight into how life has come to a halt with so many productions on hold.

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Cynthia’s Picks: Production Women, Ravenal Submissions, The Inclusive

Production Women: It’s time for more women behind the lens. From lighting to sound to stunts, costumes, sets, and beyond, learn about the many career opportunities for women in production with this new resource from Time’s Up. NYWIFT is a proud partner. (When you watch the PSA keep your eyes peeled for former NYWIFT Board...

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What’s in Your Toolkit: Adetoro Makinde

The trip to the Sundance Film Festival can be daunting - but NYWIFT Member and Women Independent Producers (WIP) President Adetoro Makinde has ventured to Park City eight times, so it is safe to say she is a  Sundance pro! We caught up with her on the eve of the festival to try to glean some wisdom...and see what's in her toolkit both at Sundance and on set. 

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Partner Post: Universal Production Services Costume Department- The newest option in costume rentals in the city

Our friends at Universal Production Services Costume Department in NYC offer a look at their services.

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Meet the New Board Members: Yvonne Russo

NYWIFT is governed by an 18 member Board of Directors, elected by the membership in late Spring. This diverse, accomplished group of women are at the top of their game in TV, film and digital media. We get to know producer Yvonne Russo, one of the latest additions to our leadership team.

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Terry’s Picks: Vida Writers, Production Workshop, Cannes-do Women

Vida Writers: Vulture takes a look inside TV’s first all-Latinx writers room, for the new Starz series Vida. Production Workshop: We are offering our annual one-day media production workshop for immigrant and first-generation women, taught by our friends at Third World Newsreel, this Saturday, May 12th. Learn more and apply to participate. Cannes-do Women: Meet...

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Terry’s Picks: WIFTI Conference, Thanks BWFF, The List

WIFTI Conference: I’m writing to you from the WIFTI (Women in Film & Television International) Conference in London, where women in film chapters from around the world are gathering to network, share ideas and collaborate on our goals! Thanks BWFF: The Brooklyn Women’s Film Festival has graciously offered to donate proceeds from their ticket sales...

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Coming Soon: PA TVee Will Teach Production Assistant 101

Producer and NYWIFT member Jane Applegate offers a sneak preview of PA TVee, her new online video series that teaches young people the ins and outs of being a production assistant. Inspired by a real life 16-year-old PA (who also hosts), the videos offer a humorous but educational take on paying attention, the film set chain of command, and the importance of craft services.

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Creative Block: A Production Diary of Filming in Paris (Part 2)

In part 2 of her Paris production diary, NYWIFT member Nicola Rose encounters police, dogs and national landmarks, and shares her words of wisdom...some of which are French!

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Creative Block: A Production Diary of Filming in Paris (Part 1)

In part 1 of her two-part production diary, NYWIFT member Nicola Rose describes the joys and challenges of shooting her short film in Paris, featuring early call times, angry shop owners, delightful locals, and a little balloon drama.

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Meet the New Board Members: Terra Bliss

As NYWIFT finishes our Meet the New Board Members interview series, we sit down with Terra Bliss, Vice President and General Manager at Panavision New York. Bliss discusses inequality, shaking up the hiring process, and seeking out new partnerships to diversify entertainment industry recruitment.

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For Indie Projects: An Actor’s Table Read Offers Best Results

On an indie film set there is little to no time to rehearse and most of the times the story is shot out of sequence, so it makes sense to have an actor table read before you start shooting.

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KEEPING THE CREW SAFE

On Set Injuries, Tips and Proper Safety Procedures – by Ana Breton Sarah Jones on set. (Photo via The Hollywood Reporter)   Earlier this year, New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) produced a “Safety on Set” panel in light of the death of Sarah Jones, the 27-year-old camera assistant who was struck and...

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First Shoot Day

5 TIPS TO SAVE SANITY AND TIME ON THE FIRST DAY OF PRODUCTION – by Claudine Marrotte Your actors, crew, schedule and locations are locked and now it’s time to actually shoot. From my experience the most exciting part of filmmaking is being on set making the script come to life. The first day of...

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