NYWIFT Blog

Cine Qua Non Lab – Creative Paradise for Screenwriters

Imagine two full weeks where creativity is your only priority. Then, picture yourself in a majestic location, surrounded by writers from around the world, where you are supported by a generous staff and brilliant mentors to help you tell the best version of your story possible. And… you’re eating epically delicious food. The view from...

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NYWIFT Success Story: Makeup Artist Jennifer Snowdon Masters the Art of Networking

By Katie Chambers During my first six months as Community Engagement Coordinator for New York Women in Film & Television, I have been struck by how warm, welcoming and nurturing our members are with one another. No one exemplifies this more than NYWIFT member Jennifer Snowdon. At NYWIFT events, it seems as though she knows...

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Terry’s Picks: Equal Rights, Angelina Jolie and Blockbuster Women Directors

#ERAnow: Contact your Congress members and insist they support the Equal Rights Amendment, which would expressly prohibit discrimination against girls and women on the basis of sex. Kudos: Angelina Jolie’s By the Sea will be the first woman-directed film to open AFI Fest in at least a decade. No laughing matter: Directors Catherine Hardwicke, Nicole...

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Big Success on the Small Screen: Women Screenwriters Discuss Change and Opportunity at NYWIFT Panel Discussion

On the seventh floor of one of the busiest office buildings in New York City, the employees of the Writers’ Guild of America, East are usually wrapping up their day at 6 PM, sending last minute emails and shutting down their computers for the night. However, on the evening of June 18th, approximately one-hundred eager...

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Terry’s Picks: Indie Women, Revolution, Jill Soloway

Good news: Four of the top five highest grossing indie films of 2015 feature women leads. Even better? Three of them are over the age of 50. Revolution: 2013 NYWIFT Muse Honoree Robin Wright says “we need a female Che Guevara” to fight Hollywood sexism. “We need a revolution.” Important Read: The Moveable Fest printed...

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Terry’s Picks: A Discrimination Primer, New Faces, Freeheld

Discrimination 101: Check out this informative primer on the ACLU investigation into Hollywood’s gender discrimination to learn about the cycle – and how to break it. Kudos: Filmmaker Magazine named its 25 New Faces of Independent Film – and 11 of them are women. #LoveIsLove: Looking forward to the timely film Freeheld, starring Julianne Moore...

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Terry’s Picks: Tatiana Maslany, Sci-Fi Women, Hiring Disparity

Congrats: Tatiana Maslany finally earned her first Emmy nomination this year for playing not one but six leading roles on Orphan Black, one of my favorite shows. Food for thought: Teo Bugbee points out in this piece for The Daily Beast that, with the exception of Amy Schumer in Trainwreck, most strong women making waves...

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Terry’s Picks: Doc on Industry Bias, Jessica Williams Talks Money, Meryl Streep Writes to Congress

Must-watch: This 26-minute documentary from Bloomberg Business sheds a harsh light on the institutional bias against women in the film industry. Good point: The Daily Show’s Jessica Williams reminds us that while it might be nice to see a woman’s face on a $10 bill, real change is measured by how much money women earn....

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TERRY’S PICKS: FUN HOME, MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL & SPY LANDS AT THE TOP

Bravo! The Broadway production Fun Home made feminist history this week when Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron became the first all-female writing team to win Best Original Score. Oh, please:  37-year old Maggie Gyllenhaal was turned down for a movie because she’s “too old” to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. “It made...

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WEEKLY ROUNDUP: SISSY SPACEK, NETWORKING MYTHS & NO-BUDGET MARKETING TIPS

A “fearless” Sissy Spacek headlines the highly anticipated series Bloodline. Congratulations to Kirsten Schaffer, new Executive Director of Women In Film, Los Angeles! Glass ceilings exist in more movies than in reality and networking can backfire for women. How The Nightly Show writer Robin Thede turned her bleak childhood into career success. Latina media mogul Nely Galan has essential advice...

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Weekly Roundup: The Awards, the Scripts, the Possibilities…

//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/461567942?et=HYbpAcvhQQ97gzNg0s1DHw&sig=eHwZlkhMcXKcGx5bKxYYA-gujHYdYPUDhvh1APThdp8=&caption=true A full range of Oscar nominees, shockers and snubs. In other awards news…women ruled The Golden Globes! Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez is America’s new sweetheart. Still haven’t seen the movie? Read the award-nominated scripts instead. From Arrested Development to Archer, actress Jessica Walter keeps us laughing. Perhaps your film doesn’t need a screenplay? – KELLY GLOVER

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NYWIFT Members at Sundance Film Festival

From the documentary The Hunting Ground. Members of New York Women in Film and Television have films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which runs from January 22 to February 1 in Park City, Utah. Here’s a sneak peek: ADVANTAGEOUS Section: U.S. Dramatic Competition Director: Jennifer Phang Screenwriters: Jacqueline Kim, Jennifer Phang Production Designers: Dara Wishingrad (NYWIFT Member), Aiyana...

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Flix Not to Miss: ‘Making Mr. Right’ (1987) by Susan Seidelman

I always enjoy a good romantic comedy, and Susan Seidelman provides a quirky, offbeat example of the genre with a touch of sci-fi in Making Mr. Right. Comedian Ann Magnuson is terrific as a high-powered image consultant who’s tasked with creating a more human android, played by a young John Malkovich. Unfortunately, she succeeds a little too...

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Road to Muse: Honorees Dawn Ostroff, Mary Bailey & Abigail Disney

Dawn Ostroff, president of Condé Nast Entertainment.   Tomorrow afternoon, New York Women in Film & Television will celebrate the achievements of Condé Nast Entertainment President Dawn Ostroff, script supervisor Mary Bailey, and actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Wanda Sykes at the nonprofit’s annual Muse Awards, held at the New York Hilton. Filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist Abigail Disney will be honored with...

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Road to Muse: #ThrowbackThursday Videos

We hope you have your 2014 Muse Awards ticket in hand! If not, buy one now. You don’t want to miss the sure to be jaw-dropping, laughter-inducing Wanda Sykes’ acceptance speech, the industry insights from the stunning and talented Maggie Gyllenhaal, the thought-provoking, global-minded Abigail Disney’s Changemaker Award acceptance speech, or further wise words from industry...

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Top 10 Reasons to Join NYWIFT

Discounts to High-profile Special Events Celebrating Women Calling the Shots in Television, Film & Digital Media: Attend our well-loved annual tributes to women working in the industry at the right industry insider price! Designing Women: A celebration of the achievements and influence of costume designers, make-up artists, and hair stylists in film, television, and digital...

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Join Now! 50% Off Initiation Fee Until 12/5

Join New York Women in Film & Television by December 5, 2014, and get 50% off the initiation fee! NYWIFT membership creates business and networking opportunities—where you can build your career, hone your skills, stay in the job market, preserve your cultural legacy, and make a difference. Learn more about NYWIFT member benefits and how to apply for membership. 

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Weekly Roundup: Dinners, Movies, Podcasts & ‘Wonder Woman’!

//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/455781430?et=uSJjXvrKQ9JuzXhIyl-DSA&flyout=off&sig=VXRfNEizB7-TEJyIus89qal9YlvXTc9lQ0cKb-EtsDw= SNL member Cecily Strong chosen to host the White House Correspondents Dinner. Beyond The Lights star Gugu Mbatha-Raw discusses the film’s important empowerment messages. Women and Hollywood launches a podcast. Spread the word! Michelle MacLaren will probably direct Wonder Woman. Lexi Alexander said “no way” to the opportunity. Women are funny but being a woman in comedy is...

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