NYWIFT Blog

Independent Filmmakers are Like Farmers and Bakers

What can independent producers learn from farmers and bakers? A lot more than you might think, according to NYWIFT member Jane Applegate.

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Sandra Schulberg Receives Berlinale Camera Award

Marking the 40th anniversary of the IFP (Independent Filmmaker Project), Sandra Schulberg, IFP founder and a long-time activist on behalf of filmmakers working outside the Hollywood studios, was awarded the Berlinale Camera for her 40 years of service to the field at the EFM (European Film Market). NYWIFT member Heidi Philipsen sat down with Schulberg to reflect on her legacy of film preservation, and how much work is left to be done.

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Cynthia’s Picks: Agnes Varda, Ravenal Grant, Amy Poehler

Agnes Varda: I was so saddened to hear about the passing of legendary filmmaker, documentarian and cinephile Agnes Varda. Indiewire offers up a list of where to watch eight of her best films. Ravenal Grant: Congratulations to directors Lydia Dean Pilcher and Suzanne Guacci, both recipients of this year’s NYWIFT Ravenal Feature Film Foundation Grant. We are...

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My Film Angels

It takes a village to make a film. Here, NYWIFT member Jane Applegate give thanks to all those who lended a hand - literally and figuratively - over the years.

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You’re The Pest creator Taylor Coriell on collaboration, inclusion and her new comedy web series

NYWIFT member Taylor Coriell is the executive producer, co-creator and co-star of the new comedy web series You’re The Pest. Fellow member Leah Curney, who is currently developing her own web series, sat down with Coriell to chat about the joys and challenges of being a multi-hyphenate creator.

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Terry’s Picks: Blockchain Technology, The Tale, Barbican Program

Blockchain Technology: The industry is abuzz with excitement – and questions – about Blockchain technology, so NYWIFT is holding a panel this Thursday to discuss its potential power for filmmakers. Member Heidi Philipsen also recently wrote a guest post for Women and Hollywood exploring the technology’s possible impact on indie filmmaking.  The Tale: We are...

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Exploring Family and the Individual Search for Self

NYWIFT WFPF Co-Chair Kirsten Larvick previews the eighth and final installment of the From the Vault: Women’s Advocacy on Film series, co-presented with UnionDocs. Two documentaries, Joe and Maxi and Anything You Want to Be, explore the nature of womanhood and identity within the contexts of family and society at large.

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A Report from The American Film Market

NYWIFT member Jane Applegate reports back on her trip to the American Film Market in Santa Monica, CA, in early November.

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Positive News for Filmmakers at the New York Film Conference

Entertainment industry experts speaking at the first annual New York Film Conference on October 10, 2017 had some great news for attendees: It’s getting easier to sell your content directly to consumers, consumers are more open to watching films with subtitles and big digital platforms are spending billions on buying new content. NYWIFT member Jane Applegate shares insights from the conference.

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Women’s Stories in Film and the Need for an Authentic Ending

Why is it that when men make poignant films about a male’s coming-of-age, they are allowed to explore the pain, heartache, betrayal, danger, and the need for getting even or choosing a lesser evil to right a wrong—while women-centric films are expected to carry out a fairy tale romance? NYWIFT member Heidi Philipsen tackled this question as she made her first feature film.

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Terry’s Picks: Wonder Woman, Vanessa Redgrave, Indie Stats

Wonder Woman: Indiewire reports that Wonder Woman may be the best DC universe film yet! Vanessa Redgrave: The legendary actor explains how the refugee crisis inspired her to step behind the camera for the first time…at the age of 80. Indie Stats: Dr. Martha Lauzen of the Center for the Study of Women in Television...

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Starless Moonlight’s Lesson on Making Your Production Shine Brighter: Q & A with Casting Director Angela Mickey

After Moonlight won the Oscar for best picture, casting director and NYWIFT member Angela Mickey had some insights on what independent filmmakers and can learn from its casting.

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Sound Advice: Avoid (or Fix) the Two Biggest Mistakes in Sound Design

Mismatched ambient noise and clothing rustle are the two biggest mistakes in sound design, according to award-winning sound designer, editor and mixer Paul Michael. At a recent NYWIFT program, he explained to how to avoid - or fix - these problems.

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The Ask for Jane Filmmakers on Telling a Little-Known Story from Women’s History

When NYWIFT member Cait Johnston first heard about the Jane Collective — a real-life group of women who helped others get abortions before Roe v. Wade — at a NYWIFT screening, she knew it was a story she had to tell. She teamed up with fellow member Rachel Carey, a screenwriter and director she know through a NYC theater company called The Shelter, to create Ask for Jane, a narrative feature film that they are currently crowdfunding for on Seed&Spark.

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NOW ON VOD – FEBRUARY 2016

This month, NYWIFT members are offering some feature length film suggestions to your VOD queue - plus a film screening in NYC today, one coming up very soon, and one you can pre-order for digital download while simultaneously supporting its Kickstarter campaign for wide release. So show some love to members of New York Women in Film & Television and check out these films...

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NOW ON VOD – Jan 2016

Indie projects available to watch now from #NYWIFT members. This month you can watch a comedic web series about NY women entrepreneurs selling weed, a documentary about losing virginity, a feature drama about 30-somethings trying to get laid, a short holiday film and more...

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Up & Down The Big Apple: Press Day with a Publicist

An average day in the life of an entertainment publicist is filled with stressful emails, phone calls, eager filmmakers, anxious clients, busy journalists and binding deadlines. It usually begins w/a coffee and ends w/a glass of wine. An average press day at MSophia PR usually begins with a full day of vitamins and ends with a...

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WEEKLY ROUNDUP: TELEVISION, TRIBECA & TECH

Television now showcases the most talented actresses over 40. Women will lead Vice Media’s launch of Broadly, a female-focused channel. Tribeca’s international lineup includes several female directors.  The WGA still has a white, male bias. Actor, Megan Sikora on the pleasures and pitfalls of being on Broadway. An “entirely subjective” list of innovative tech equipment for...

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