NYWIFT Blog

By Paige Hapeman

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!

NYWIFT Member Yvette Bass

Tell us about your experience becoming a producer! What inspired you to develop a career in the entertainment industry?

I’ve always loved the business side of media, especially in TV and film, along with creating blueprints and infrastructure — so producing felt like a natural fit. I got my start over seven years ago at a startup, working my way up to supervising producer. From there, I joined Making It Media as the primary revenue driver, where I led licensing deals and partnerships that played a major role in our Emmy wins for content.

What led you to join NYWIFT? What are you most looking forward to with your membership?

Moving from the West Coast to the East Coast, I’m excited to join a vibrant filmmaking community where I can connect with like-minded people who are as passionate about film and art as I am. I’m looking forward to building friendships and becoming part of a circle that shares my love for creating and storytelling.

I also feel passionate about supporting women in the creative space. Having faced unique challenges as a woman in this industry, I want to connect with others who understand these experiences and build a community of shared support and encouragement.

You are an executive producer at Making It Media. What led you to this opportunity and how has your time been there?

I wanted to combine my skills in revenue growth within a creative field and was recommended by an industry contact who saw me as a strong fit for Head of Business Development. The startup environment appealed to me — not only for the chance to have a direct impact but also for the unique opportunity to shape the licensing space. I was excited by the potential to create partnerships that would allow brands to participate meaningfully in a TV series, helping elevate their exposure and enabling them to share their stories in a way that connects with audiences.

Yvette Bass on Set

You have won multiple Emmys for your work as a producer. Congratulations! What was it like to experience receiving such a prestigious award?

It was an incredible, surreal experience to be on a stage with my team, accepting an award after all the dedication and hard work we poured into our show. We always envisioned success as delivering outstanding services and entertainment, but being recognized at this level is something I’ll never forget. It truly felt like reaching the next level.

All I can say is, never doubt what you’re capable of achieving. When you start with a strong vision and dive in with passion, you’ll find yourself executing beyond your wildest dreams.

Yvette Bass with her Emmy award

You are known for your creative leadership on the hit lifestyle series The Destination Channel. What should we know about this series?

This series is amazing because it dives into the stories of business owners while showcasing iconic spots in different cities. We capture not just the vibe of each place but also the personal narratives that bring them to life. People love following along to see which city we’ll explore next, adding a fun element of surprise.

The storytelling feels genuine, letting us showcase the real emotions of business owners and helping the audience connect with them in a genuine and meaningful way. We’ve covered big cities like LA, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco, and we’re always adding more to the list!

What do you find to be the most challenging element of producing a project? What about the most rewarding?

One of the biggest challenges in producing a show is balancing tight deadlines with maintaining high-quality content. The pace of TV production is incredibly fast, like a train on the move, and it’s not the right fit for everyone. However, when all the elements align, the outcome is truly magical.

In today’s competitive landscape, there’s an overwhelming amount of content available, which means we have to put in extra effort to ensure we stay focused on delivering top-notch productions. It’s crucial to highlight the unique messaging that sets our work apart and resonates with the audience.

The most rewarding part of my role is hearing from people about how inspired they feel when they visit a location we’ve featured, or to discover a new business that we’ve introduced. It’s fantastic for both the brands we spotlight and our viewers. We create a connection that benefits everyone by showcasing something fresh and giving those businesses the exposure they deserve.

Yvette Bass on the red carpet

Where do you hope your career as a producer leads you to in the future?

I would like to be producing more scripted projects in film, as well as expanding into feature documentaries. I’m passionate about both storytelling formats and am excited by the unique opportunities each presents to explore complex narratives and reach diverse audiences. My goal is to work on projects that inspire, challenge, and resonate, bringing impactful stories to life through both scripted and documentary films.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that I started out in matchmaking, which laid the groundwork for my consultative selling style. Connecting with clients on a personal level taught me the importance of truly understanding their needs — skills that continue to guide me in my work today.

I’m also a huge fan of music, which is one reason I admire Baz Luhrmann as a filmmaker. His use of music to shape narratives and add depth to his visuals is inspiring, and Romeo + Juliet is one of my absolute favorites. His work perfectly blends music and film to create unforgettable cinematic moments that resonate with me deeply.

Connect with Yvette Bass on LinkedIn!

(Photo Credits: All images courtesy of Yvette Bass)