The Vital Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Women in Media and Entertainment: Insights from World Mental Health Day Festival
In the fast-paced world of media and entertainment, women often find themselves balancing demanding careers while also managing their mental health. Prioritizing self-care is not only important but necessary. NYWIFT Members LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese had the privilege of attending Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival on October 10th in New York City, the largest global celebration of mental health awareness. The event brought together influential leaders from the arts, including Award-winning Musician, Actor and Advocate Demi Lovato; TODAY Co-Host Carson Daly; Founder and CEO of OBB Media, Michael D. Ratner; and Peoplehood Co-Founder; Actress Sanaa Lathan, to share insights on the importance of mental health, the power of storytelling, and the impact of self-advocacy.
READ MOREHBO Original Limited Series “The Penguin” Now Streaming on Max
The HBO Original limited series The Penguin from Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios, began with the series premiere on Thursday, September 19 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and is now available to stream on Max. New episodes debut on Sunday nights at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and Max. NYWIFT members Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee attended the red carpet premiere in NYC and share their exclusive interviews below!
READ MORE2024 Tribeca Festival Recap
Tammy Reese provides a recap of the red carpets, screenings, and events she covered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, including some exclusive video interviews.
READ MOREThe Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol 2024 Tribeca Festival World Premiere
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol had its World Premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival on Saturday June 8th in The Indeed Theater at Spring Studios in New York City. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon — The Book of Carol picks up where season one of the series left off, following fan-favorite characters Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) and Carol Peletier (Melissa McBride). They both confront old demons while she fights to find her friend and he struggles with his decision to stay in France, causing tension at the Nest. Fans of The Walking Dead Universe are eagerly awaiting to see best friends Carol and Daryl again. Tammy Reese had the honor of covering the red carpet and interviewing Reedus, McBride, and Scott M. Gimple, who are all Executive Producers. Watch her video interviews here!
READ MORENYWIFT @ 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 MORENYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Kait Plum
Kait Plum is a force to be reckoned with in the world of film editing, with a decade of experience and a knack for finding the emotional core of any project. Her journey to success is marked by notable achievements, from winning awards for her work in documentary filmmaking to making waves in the comedy genre with her latest project, Bad Shabbos.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Dawn Porter
Dawn Porter, a distinguished member of NYWIFT, continues to make waves in the film industry with her dynamic storytelling and impactful documentaries. Known for her acclaimed works such as Gideon’s Army, Trapped, The Way I See It, and John Lewis: Good Trouble, Porter has captivated audiences across HBO, Netflix, CNN, PBS, and more. Her latest documentary, The Lady Bird Diaries, won the Lone Star Prize at the 2023 SXSW Film Festival and is now streaming on Hulu. This year, Dawn takes the 2024 Tribeca Festival by storm as an Executive Producer of Rebel Nun, the director of Luther: Never Too Much, and the director of Power of the Dream. Tammy Reese checks in with her as the festival gets under way.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Tiffany Paulsen
The 2024 Tribeca Festival is set to premiere the eagerly anticipated romantic dramedy, Winter Spring Summer or Fall, directed by seasoned rom-com screenwriter Tiffany Paulsen. Winter Spring Summer or Fall follows the lives of Remy, played by Jenna Ortega, and Barnes, portrayed by Percy Hynes White. After a chance encounter, these two young individuals find themselves intertwined in an unexpected romance. As the seasons change from winter to summer, their relationship blossoms. However, with Remy’s plans to attend Harvard in the fall, the couple must confront the complexities of their future and what truly matters to them. Packed with classic romantic comedy elements, it’s a film that promises to resonate with audiences of all ages. Tammy Reese offers us an exclusive video interview with Tiffany Paulsen, who makes her directorial debut with the film.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Tribeca: In Conversation with Archival Producer Lauren Wimbush
We are thrilled to spotlight NYWIFT member Lauren Wimbush, an accomplished producer and archival researcher, as The Debutantes makes its highly anticipated debut at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. Lauren has built a career focused on telling compelling and thought-provoking non-fiction stories that highlight underrepresented characters, communities, and experiences. With a rich background contributing to notable documentaries for networks such as Hulu, PBS, and HBO, Lauren brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Archival Producer on The Debutantes. The film explores the tradition of debutante balls in Canton, Ohio, and the unique challenges faced by a new generation of Black debutantes. Join us as we learn about Lauren’s inspiring journey and her significant contributions to this poignant and timely documentary.
READ MOREInside Look: NYWIFT’s Tammy Reese & LaKisa Renee Exclusive “Anne Rice’s Interview With The Vampire” Cast Interviews
The AMC Immortal Universe continues! The much-awaited season 2 of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is set to premiere on May 12th on AMC Networks. The anticipation reaches a fever pitch among fans. To offer a glimpse into the world of this thrilling hit series, NYWIFT Members Tammy Reese & LaKisa Renee recently graced the red carpet premiere at The McKittrick Hotel in New York City, securing exclusive interviews with the cast and producers.
READ MOREChanging Commercial Theatre Producing
Cynthia Tong, co-founder of The Industry Standard Group, is thrilled to announce the public launch of Second Act Theatrical Capital (2ATC), a groundbreaking initiative that revolutionizes Broadway investment accessibility. After three and a half years of dedicated development, Second Act Theatrical Capital opens the doors to Broadway investment for everyone. Tong and her colleagues at The Industry Standard Group have meticulously researched and created a model for radical access into Broadway investing and producing.
READ MORELive from the Red Carpet: “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live”
From NYWIFT blogger Tammy Reese: Stepping onto the red carpet at The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live premiere at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Los Angeles, California was a surreal moment, one that AMC graciously offered me. As I navigated through the glitz and glamour of the evening, the honor to meet my favorite television actor, Andrew Lincoln as well as the iconic actress Danai Gurira, both beloved actors and executive producers of the new spinoff, became the highlight of an unforgettable experience. Join me as I delve into the heart of this extraordinary journey, weaving together personal and professional reflections from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Sundance: In Conversation with Shivani Rawat
During the 40th edition of The Sundance Film Festival, NYWIFT blogger Tammy Reese interviews NYWIFT Member Shivani Rawat, founder of ShivHans Pictures and executive producer of the thought-provoking film Love Me. This captivating film explores a unique premise — long after humanity’s extinction, a buoy and a satellite meet online and unexpectedly fall in love.
READ MORENYWIFT @ Sundance: In Conversation with Amanda Culkowski
During the 40th edition of The Sundance Film Festival, Tammy Reese interviews fellow NYWIFT member Amanda Culkowski, the Executive Producer of As We Speak, a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the intersection of art and justice. Focusing on Bronx rap artist Kemba, the film sheds light on the alarming trend of rap lyrics being weaponized within the United States criminal justice system and beyond.
READ MOREPostcard from Park City 2024: Sundance Film Festival Recap
From Tammy Reese: I had the incredible opportunity to cover the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, and it was an absolute blast. From capturing the excitement on the red carpets to immersing myself in the world of independent cinema, every moment was filled with energy and anticipation. Let me take you on a recap of some of the unforgettable film premieres I had the privilege to cover. The red carpets were a spectacle in themselves, as A-list celebrities and emerging talents and filmmakers graced them with their presence. It was a surreal experience witnessing their arrivals and hearing their insights about their latest projects.
READ MOREThe 7th Annual MACRO Lodge at Sundance Film Festival Announces Its 2024 Schedule of Events
The MACRO Lodge at Sundance Film Festival (www.StayMACRO.com), hosted by MACRO Founder & CEO Charles D. King (Mudbound, Judas and the Black Messiah) and his wife Stacey Walker King, Chief Brand Officer of the company, returns to the Sundance Film Festival for its seventh annual showcase of panels and parties at the iconic film festival to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location at 136 Heber Avenue in Park City, UT with three days of programming.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Hyon Jung “Helen” Lee
In this edition of our Meet the New NYWIFT member segment, we have the pleasure of introducing Hyon Jung Lee, affectionately known as Helen. Helen is not only the executive producer but also the talented writer behind the thought-provoking short film, Bible Camp. This captivating film delves into the lives of young immigrants at a backwater camp who face daily microaggressions from the locals. Through her writing, she sheds light on the challenges faced by young immigrants and encourages dialogue surrounding issues of discrimination and prejudice. We are thrilled to have Helen as a member of our beloved NYWIFT community. Her unique perspective and creative talent contribute greatly to our mission of supporting and empowering women in the entertainment industry. Here is our exclusive interview with Helen, where she shares insights into her creative process, challenges faced during production, and her hopes for the impact Bible Camp will have on its viewers.
READ MOREAMC Networks Drops New Teaser and Official Premiere Date for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
AMC Networks announced that The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe, will premiere Sunday, February 25, 2024 on AMC and AMC+. A new teaser for the series, which stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira as beloved TWD characters Rick Grimes and Michonne, was also released during the series finale of Fear the Walking Dead.
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