Meet the New NYWIFT Member Archives - New York Women in Film & TelevisionNew York Women in Film & Television

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Lindsey Lambert

Lindsey Lambert is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker originally from Austin, Texas. She works as a location scout for film and television in the NYC area, currently on Law & Order: Organized Crime. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Human Rights from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the spring of 2022, she began directing and producing her debut feature documentary Teaching Social Studies about public school education and the anti-critical race theory laws in Texas. It is currently in production and she hopes the film will be completed by the summer of 2025. In our interview, she discusses her decision to go back to school, her work on the new Amazon Prime series Étoile, how to educate young people about our challenging history, and the most memorable location she's scouted to date.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Melanie Fox

Let's give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member, Melanie Fox! Melanie Fox is a linguist who turned her passion for accents, dialects, presentations, and language learning into a thriving coaching business. Melanie empowers actors and public figures to speak clear, confident English through accent reduction, interview and presentation training. She also trains actors to master authentic English and Spanish dialects. She is a paid public speaker who helps her audiences "Hack into Language" and hosts a new podcast, "Hack That Accent." Melanie holds a Masters of Science degree in Linguistics from Georgetown University. She credits a lot of her inspiration to two semesters studying abroad at la Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. In our interview, she discusses how her work as a dialect coach spans multiple industries, her coaching success stories, and how she encourages clients to maintain their cultural authenticity while adjusting their presentation to match their business goals.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Hsi Cheng

Let's give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member, Hsi Cheng! Hsi Cheng is an award-winning filmmaker in both fiction and nonfiction, she’s originally from Taiwan and based in New York City. Her work often delves into themes of identity, community, and resilience, reflecting her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her short documentary Find Me won the 2024 DOC NYC U competition and was selected for multiple film festivals. Her horror-romantic drama I Heard a Fly Buzz won first place at the Annual School of Visual Arts Writing Contest and was published in Match Factory Magazine in 2023. Hsi is currently working on Voices of Deoli as an associate producer. In our interview, Hsi Cheng discusses the powerful themes throughout her work and the importance of community.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Melody Gilbert

Welcome to our new NYWIFT member, Melody Gilbert! Melody is an Emmy-nominated and Alfred I. duPont award-winning documentary filmmaker. Over the course of her career, Melody has directed and produced 20 documentaries that have been screened at several film festivals and distributed internationally. Melody is also an educator committed to teaching new and emerging filmmakers. She has been on the faculty at several universities (including the American University in Bulgaria), teaching documentary production, multimedia, and journalism. Currently, Melody is traveling the world and spreading her love for film by teaching pitch training workshops and conducting her “Documentary Boot Camp” while working on her new documentary about the scandalous topless monokini bathing suit in 1964. The most recent documentary she helped produce, Queendom, was shortlisted for an Oscar in the feature documentary category. In our interview, Melody discusses her move from chilly Minnesota to NYC, her unconventional documentary subjects, and key lessons she shares with film students.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Amanda Deering Jones

Welcome to NYWIFT, Amanda Deering Jones! Amanda Deering Jones is the director of the new short film Little Mother Lies. She is also the Producer of the Academy Award-nominated animated short film Borrowed Time. She has over 20 years of experience working with Dreamworks Animation and Blue Sky Studios and is currently at Pixar. Her career began in Cooperstown, NY, as House Manager at Glimmerglass Opera before transitioning to film. Amanda is a zero-waste advocate and a published writer for the Producer’s Guild Magazine. She is an active member of the Producers Guild of America, Women in Film, Women in Animation, a Governor of the Emmy’s Northwest Chapter Board, and now a NYWIFT member. Amanda discusses her theatrical roots, getting into animation (without drawing!), and how she creates work that elevates our thinking and highlights the complexities of being human!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member Sydney Giacomazzi

Sydney Giacomazzi is a writer and producer re-cultivating her Idaho roots in Brooklyn, NY. Her pilot script, Hidden Springs placed 2nd at the 2022 Shore Scripts Pilot Competition. It was also featured on Coverfly’s RedList, landing in the top 20 and top 1% for all TV half-hour pilots. Starved, her debut as a director, was nominated for “Best Original Story” at Cannes Shorts and won “Best Experimental Film” at the New York Short Film Festival. When she’s not writing, Sydney spends her time worrying about how she’s not writing. She calms her angst by people watching over a plate of diner pancakes. Get to know her in our latest interview!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Muriel Omur Ilbas

Welcome to NYWIFT, Muriel Omur Ilbas! After working in television broadcasting, journalism, and advertising over 20 years in France and in Turkey, Muriel specialized in communication strategies and brand management consultancy, executive and intercultural coaching for French, Turkish and global companies as well as NGO’s including the United Nations agencies and the National Democratic Institute based in Washington DC. Since 1997, she produced and directed 10 biographic documentaries of famous Turkish businesspeople, artists and innovators. In recent years, Muriel has prioritized coaching and mentorships, and since 2010, has provided more than 2000 hours of executive, leadership, intercultural and empowerment coaching to worldwide corporate clients. Get to know her in our latest interview!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Kristin Sisley

Welcome to NYWIFT, Kristin Sisley! Kristin’s journey through the world of film and TV has been shaped by a passion for sustainability, creative collaboration, and uplifting underrepresented communities. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she is now leading the "Made in NY" Production Assistant Training Program, an initiative dedicated to diversifying New York City's film and TV workforce. In this interview, Kristin shares her unique path into the industry, the impact of the program, and her vision for the future of film production in NYC. From tackling challenges in a fluctuating market to inspiring future storytellers, Kristin’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, perseverance, and fostering inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Stephanie Mishelle Ard

Welcome to NYWIFT, Stephanie Mishelle Ard! Stephanie Mishelle Ard is a Texas-born, Brooklyn-based, multi-hyphenate storyteller, who works both in-front-of and behind the camera. Her work as a Director, Producer, Writer, and Actress spans narrative film, unscripted series, documentary, music videos, and branded content. Her debut short film, That Day, premiered at Berlinale 2016 and her most recent work, Shelly Belly, had its New York premiere at the Greenwich Village Film Festival this past November. In Stephanie's branded work, she has had had the opportunity to work with major brands and entertainment clients like HBO Max, DC Comics, State Farm, Travel Channel, and Warner Bros. Stephanie’s highest career aim is to tell impactful stories that unify us around the human spirit and spread empathy, while continuing to create opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to work in this industry and tell their stories through film and television. In addition to creating film magic, Stephanie loves to spend her time cooking, doing home-improvement DIY activities or crafts, and snuggling her cat Swayze (that is, when Swayze allows the snuggles 😼). Get to know her in our latest interview!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Cecilia R. Mejia

Welcome to NYWIFT, Cecilia R. Mejia! Cecilia R. Mejia was born and raised in Brooklyn, a first-generation Filipino-American. She has worked in development for several non-profit organizations, including NGOs affiliated with the United Nations. She’s worked with several grassroots organizations focusing on underrepresented communities, which lead to her working on a short documentary about the struggles of detained undocumented families, jumpstarting her film career. Cecilia has produced a number of short films focusing on critical social impact issues like mental health and gender inequality. She’s won several awards as the lead producer for the upcoming Yellow Rose and as Social Impact Producer for the award-winning doc Call Her Ganda. She currently serves as the creative lead on several other projects working on the creative, funding and social impact components of films. Now, she is Vice President of External Affairs, American Documentary | POV. Cecilia is combining her love of film with the goal of focusing on social impact stories that inspire change, most specifically with under-resourced youth through her non-profit organization Art of Me as creative director, helping students turn their stories into high-quality short films. Get to know her in our latest interview!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Emily Bennett

Welcome our new NYWIFT member, Emily Bennett! Writer/Director Emily Bennett is an Academy-recognized screenwriter and award-winning director, notably winning a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for her debut horror/thriller Alone With You. Her films have screened at festivals such as Sitges, Fantasia, Fantastic Fest, Brooklyn Horror and BIFAN. Bennett's debut feature Alone With You was produced with Andrew Corkin’s and Theo James’ Untapped Productions (Martha Marcy May Marlene) and premiered at Fantastic Fest in 2021. As an actress, audiences can see Bennett in Chris Stuckmann’s NEON acquired debut feature film Shelby Oaks, produced by horror legend Mike Flanagan. Bennett is repped by Antonio D’Intino at Spectrevision and former CAA agent/entertainment lawyer Marc Von Arx of Nelson Davis LLP. Emily sat down with us to discuss her directing philosophy and her love of genre.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Safiya Songhai

Welcome to NYWIFT, Safiya Songhai! Safiya's cinematic journey is a blend of inspiration, resilience, and the drive to bring authentic stories to the screen. Raised by a pioneering mother in the television industry, Safiya's work as a director is deeply influenced by her upbringing and her commitment to telling stories that highlight love, unity, and the power of Black families. As a television anchor, award-winning director, and university professor, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to both her creative endeavors and her mentorship of aspiring filmmakers. In this article, Safiya shares the themes that shape her storytelling, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she empowers the next generation of filmmakers to tell impactful stories.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Erin Anne MacDonald

Welcome to NYWIFT, Erin Anne MacDonald! Erin is a multi-talented force in the world of film and theater. From her early beginnings in musical theater to becoming an acclaimed writer, producer, and actress, Erin’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and passion. Her diverse body of work includes projects like Vicky's Big Break and the short film Bump, which have solidified her as a voice to be reckoned with in the industry. We spoke with Erin about her roots in Milwaukee, what led her to the world of film, and how she balances the many roles she takes on in the filmmaking process. Join us as we dive into the insights and experiences that fuel Erin's creativity.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Fernita Wynn

Welcome to NYWIFT, Fernita Wynn! Fernita is the Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer and Showrunner behind SHERRI, the nationally syndicated talk show hosted by Sherri Shepherd. Over the course of her career, Fernita has shaped some of the most successful shows on TV for nationally recognized talent and media brands including Oprah Winfrey/OWN, Steve Harvey, Queen Latifah, Nickelodeon and more! From her early days in news reporting to her rise as a leading TV executive in New York, Fernita has crafted a career that blends creativity, vision, and the ability to lead teams. She sat down with us to discuss her award-winning work, on-camera roots, and advice for aspiring leaders!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Elba Sette-Camara

Let’s give a warm welcome to our new member, Elba Sette-Camara. Elba Sette-Camara is an accomplished actor, writer, and psychotherapist, celebrated for her compelling storytelling and dedication to portraying resilient women who have triumphed against the odds. Trained at the prestigious Actors Studio Drama School, Elba’s acting journey has seen her collaborate with iconic directors like Spike Lee and Luc Besson. With over 15 years as a practicing psychotherapist, she brings a deep understanding of human nature to her work, both on screen and on the page. A proud new member of New York Women in Film & Television, Elba continues to inspire through her multifaceted career in the arts and mental health.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Yvette Bass

Welcome to our new NYWIFT member, Yvette Bass! Yvette Bass is an Emmy Award-winning television producer with over a decade of experience creating acclaimed content for major networks and streaming platforms. Previously, as Executive Producer at Making It Media, Yvette oversaw the creation of successful branded lifestyle content for CBS, Roku, Amazon Prime, and Pluto TV. She played a key role in driving significant revenue growth through effective content distribution and licensing agreements. She has produced hit series such as Destination Series (The Destination Channel) and Staycation!, leading creative strategy, managing large production teams, and spearheading sales efforts. Yvette’s passion for storytelling, combined with her leadership in revenue generation and talent development, has earned her a stellar reputation in the industry. Learn how Yvette balances her business and creative sides, her favorite moments producing a travel series, and how her unique experience as a matchmaker impacts how she connects with collaborators today!

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Jill Ruby

Welcome to NYWIFT, Jill Ruby! We’re thrilled to introduce Jill Ruby, a seasoned podcast producer and editor whose work spans national organizations and top-tier networks like PBS, A&E, and Nickelodeon. With a background in television production and a strong track record in podcasting, Jill’s expertise and dedication to impactful storytelling have earned her multiple Webby-Anthem Awards and recognition in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, Jill is a mother, a wife, and a creative spirit who’s equally at home in the editing suite as she is crafting new ideas for her next podcast project. In this interview, Jill shares her journey from television documentaries to podcasting, her approach to editing, and the stories that inspire her to keep pushing boundaries in the world of audio storytelling. Whether you're a fellow producer, a fan of podcasts, or simply curious about what it takes to create high-quality content, Jill's insights and pro tips are sure to resonate. Read on to learn more about her work, her inspiration, and her passion for connecting with audiences through the power of sound.

Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Johanna Tolentino

Welcome to NYWIFT Johanna Tolentino! Tolentino, whose acting journey began at just 16 with a role in the iconic film Lean On Me, alongside Morgan Freeman, has made her mark in both television and film, appearing in acclaimed shows like Orange is the New Black, Law & Order SVU, and the Creed films. With a rich background in theater, she has honed her craft at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York, bringing authenticity and depth to every character she portrays. Johanna’s latest project, the web series Whatever It Takes, reflects her personal journey as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, showcasing her resilience and commitment to sharing powerful stories. As she joins the NYWIFT community, Johanna expresses her excitement about connecting with fellow women creatives who inspire and uplift one another. Let’s dive into her remarkable journey, her approach to acting, and the impactful stories she aims to tell.

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