NYWIFT Board Treasurer Anita Katzen was featured in Ms. In the Biz article “How to Build Your Empire: Managing Your Money with Anita Katzen.”
You never know what sort of accomplished woman you may come across at a NYWIFT event.
During last month’s Cocktails and Conversation at Soho’s Post Factory, Ms. In the Biz blogger Candy Washington chatted it up with Anita Katzen, NYWIFT’s Board Treasurer, who was recently named Best Accountant of 2013 by the New York Enterprise Report. “[Katzen] is literally a gold mine of knowledge of how to make the most of your money…as a creative professional.“
This kind of connection between women in the industry is exactly why we do this work. We got Katzen to answer a few more questions about why NYWIFT is so important to her.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do in the industry.
I am a tax accounting partner at Schulman Lobel et al LLP. I have a niche in entertainment where I service talent, entertainment companies, and film companies. I also do business management for clients where I handle their day-to-day receipts and disbursements. I am a member of the NYSSCPA’s Entertainment Arts and Sports committee.
Why did you join NYWIFT? What’s your favorite aspect of being a member?
I have been a sponsor of NYWIFT for about 6 years. I became the treasurer this July and find NYWIFT’s programs, special events, and energy inspiring. We just had our Muse Awards and that was a thrilling day! This is a warm group that helps each other find what they need.
Do you have any advice for other women in the industry?
Join NYWIFT! Joining an organization that is so entrenched in your industry can be invaluable. If you are looking to raise money or write a documentary, there are excellent programs to attend. I think networking with people in your industry is a big help. You can always find someone to run your ideas by, or business issues with. NYWIFT is dedicated to seeing its members succeed.
Want another chance to mingle with our amazing members and staff? Check out our next NYWIFT Night Out on January 13, 2013, at Butterfield 8.
— JOYCE CHOI LI
Joyce Choi Li is NYWIFT’s Communications & Community Coordinator.
nywift
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Shervonne Brown
Welcome to NYWIFT, Shervonne Brown! Shervonne Brown is a New York-based award-winning actress, writer-director, producer, and science-fiction creator working across science fiction, fantasy, action, and psychological drama. She wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in Sureiya: The Eidolon Plane, earning Best Actress at the 2026 WSO Theatre & Film Festival. Her pilot screenplay, Sureiya: Legends of Emperion, was a 2026 finalist in the London International Screenwriting Competition. Before filmmaking, Brown built an international K-pop performance career, co-founded performance groups, created award-winning music videos, appeared on television, and performed across the United States and South Korea, including the K-Pop World Festival broadcast internationally on KBS television. In our interview, Shervonne discusses her creative inspirations, artistic upbringing, and the multiple genres that motivate her work.
READ MORECelebrating Storytelling, Representation, and Independent Voices at the 9th Annual Queen City Film Festival
From October 15–18, the 9th Annual Queen City Film Festival (QCFF) brought filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and community members together in Plainfield, New Jersey, for a celebration of cinema, culture, and the power of storytelling. Recognized for its commitment to uplifting underrepresented and marginalized filmmakers, the Queen City Film Festival continues to create opportunities for diverse voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through screenings, special events, and engaging panel discussions, the festival demonstrated how film and media can inspire meaningful conversations, strengthen communities, and help shape the future of entertainment. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee bring us the inside scoop!
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Molly Rydzel
Welcome to NYWIFT, Molly Rydzel! Molly Rydzel (WGAE) is a screenwriter specializing in female-driven horror and dark satire. She was a staff writer and story editor on Alejandro Iñárritu’s The One Percent for Starz and head writer of the web series Assisted Living. Her horror play, Serial Lover, was developed with Ars Nova and Sanguine Theater Company. Molly teaches screenwriting at New York University and Pace University, specializing in horror, fantasy, and science fiction. She is developing a slate of mythic horror features and is committed to creating more opportunities for women in genre film through bold, commercially viable storytelling.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Julie Pham
Welcome to NYWIFT, Julie Pham! Julie Theresin-Pham is a Vietnamese American actor, storyteller, host, writer, producer, and business strategist based in New York City. A first-generation immigrant and mother, she creates experiences that bring people together through storytelling, hospitality, and community. Her work explores identity, family, belonging, and human connection across film, performance, and documentary storytelling. She trained at the William Esper Studio, graduated from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv training program, serves on the Junior Board of TADA! Youth Theater, and is developing her first documentary, American Daughter: Stories We Carry. She is also an active NYWIFT member who values collaboration, mentorship, and connection.
READ MORE
