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Congratulations, Melissa!

Posted on August 3, 2015

Happy WIFV Anniversary to Melissa Houghton!

Congratulations to Executive Director, Melissa Houghton, who has been with Women in Film & Video for the past ten years! During her time with WIFV, Melissa has helped to produce over 60 projects. Her current passion project is our Documentary Seed Fund In honor of her anniversary, please consider making a contribution to the Fund! https://www.wifv.org/events/#id=237&cid=783&wid=401

Here’s what some WIFV Women had to say about working with Melissa!

“The first day I interned at WIFV, I went to shake Melissa’s hand and she responded with ‘Oh don’t bother, I’m no one important,’” Boy was she wrong! In fact, Melissa has the entire inner workings of WIFV inside her head! I am so glad I have had the opportunity to get to know her as a mentor and friend.” –Sam Aurilia (2015 Summer Intern)

“It was love at first sight! Melissa is the Mother Teresa of DC filmmakers.” — Jane Barbara (former Board Member)

“Melissa IS WIFV!” — Imon Edmonson (staff member, 2009-2011)

Thanks so much for all of your tireless work, Melissa! Here’s to 10 more years of helping our organization flourish!

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In the latest #podcast episode, 2024 Women of Visi

In the latest #podcast episode, 2024 Women of Vision honoree E. Samantha Cheng shares what she learned from her mentors.

Watch or listen to the whole episode out wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube!

#podcastclip #mediaclip #mentorship #mentors

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIF

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV’s 2024 Women of Vision honoree E. Samantha Cheng about her long resume in the media world. She is a writer, director, and producer who has worked in New York City and London before making the DMV home. Her passion and support of the Asian American community has formed the foundation of her work which includes Norman Mineta, the Boy from San Jose, and Honor and Duty: The Mississippi Delta Chinese, which ran nationally on PBS. During this episode, Cheng shares details about her latest project, Dora Fugh Lee: A Life in Art, which ran on WETA, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in May 2024.

Listen to the episode on the Media & Monuments website or watch the conversation on the Media & Monuments YouTube channel (follow the link in bio)

And follow E. Samantha Cheng on Instagram here @esamanthacheng

How many films actually pass the Bechdel Test? We

How many films actually pass the Bechdel Test? We discuss that in this clip from our episode with the @bechdelcast!

Watch or listen to the whole episode out wherever you listen to podcasts or on YouTube!

#bechdeltest #movieclips #podcast #moviepodcast #mediapodcast

As editors, we use many apps and tools to get our

As editors, we use many apps and tools to get our work done. This month we'd like to hear about the tools you use and why. If you've ever wondered what tools other editors use, this is your chance to find out. From software plugins to hardware peripherals, attendees will have the opportunity to recommend their must-have tools and learn about exciting new additions to consider adding to their workflow. With so many tools and software available, it's easy to overlook some hidden gems. You might learn of lesser-known tools that can streamline their workflow and enhance the quality of your edits.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Curious about participating on a 48 Hour Team as a

Curious about participating on a 48 Hour Team as a writer? Every year WIFV fields a team because it is an excellent way to gain experience in the art of storytelling and filmmaking. And - it is FREE. Also a great way to meet people who want to do the same.

A few weeks ago a team of aspiring and emerging writers came together to write the short, MURDER ON THE 31st. On May 17 they got to see their creation on the big screen at AFI Theater in Silver Spring.

A few of those writers have participated in past 48 Hour Film Projects. Most had not.

Volunteering to be part of the team is a way for aspiring writers to see what goes into writing as a group - and on a very tight deadline. At 7pm the genre(s), the character's name and profession, prop, and a line of dialogue is revealed to the team. The team must create a short film, not less than 4 minutes, not more than 7, based on these required components. The characters must be cast by 10 PM so the volunteer actors can be contacted with the information they need to play the various characters: script, costumes and/or make-up.

Join us as several of the writers from Team WIFV 2024 share their experiences creating MURDER ON THE 31st. It is a crazy 48 hours but a great way for aspiring writers to gain experience and confidence.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

On May 23rd, Women in Film & Video (WIFV) honored

On May 23rd, Women in Film & Video (WIFV) honored three amazing women at this year’s Women of Vision Awards. It was a wonderful evening held at the beautiful and fitting Museum of Women in the Arts. Guests mingled and connected during a reception with food and drinks, and then got inspired by the main presentation, introduced by WIFV President, Connie St. John who gave some lovely remarks. Documentarian, E. Samantha Cheng, PBS Chief Programming Executive, Sylvia Bugg, and Actor-Writer-Director, Mari Heller each received their honor and participated in a rousing discussion moderated by Washington Post Chief Film Critic, Ann Hornaday. The audience was also able to ask some questions.

Here is just a small taste of the WoV Awards. To view a larger set of photos from the whole evening, visit our Facebook album (link in bio). Photos by Leigh Mosely, Keri Williams, and Linda Hosek. Many thanks go out to the organizing committee and all of the volunteer efforts that made the evening possible!

Reel Moms is a Roundtable moderated by WIFV member

Reel Moms is a Roundtable moderated by WIFV member Alyscia Cunningham and WIFV. It is a supportive community for working Moms and Caregivers in the film and TV industry. Dads are welcome. For this "meeting," the beverage will be in your cup at your house, but the conversation will be online! You will be sent the login link to the coffee event with your registration confirmation.

Participate in the Reel Moms Short Film Challenge!
Tell a story in UNDER 2 minutes with the month's theme. This month's theme is OLD & NEW.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Here is a clip where Jack Murphy (@jackmurphy2020)

Here is a clip where Jack Murphy (@jackmurphy2020) the choreographer for “Bridgerton” shares the importance of working closely with costume and rehearsing in full wardrobe. Listen to the full episode out now anywhere you listen to podcasts!

*Images courtesy of Netflix

#podcast #podcastclip #mediaclip #bridgerton #choreography #costumedesign #fashion

Discussing Film Portrayals with The Bechdel Cast P

Discussing Film Portrayals with The Bechdel Cast Podcast

In this special double-host, double-guest episode, hosts Tara Jabbari (@tara_jabbari) and Candice Bloch (@janeofmanylanes) sit down with Caitlin Durante (@caitlindurante) and Jamie Loftus (@jamiechristsuperstar), the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Bechdel Cast. The quartet of podcasters discuss The Bechdel Cast, a weekly podcast from iHeartRadio, that dives into the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in movies. The show gets its name and premise from the Bechdel-Wallace test which investigates whether or not a work includes at least two women conversing about a topic other than a man. The show now often covers other tests and features lively and comedic discussions about films and the portrayals of their characters.

In this episode, you’ll hear about The Bechdel Cast’s origins and process, and some highlights and takeaways from their over-seven-year podcasting journey discussing hundreds of films that span all eras and genres. They discuss their community of supporters on Patreon, recording episodes in front of live audiences on tour, and how they have discovered that their show helps spark conversation about intersectional feminism and representation in movies.

Listen to the episode on the Media & Monuments website or watch the conversation on the Media & Monuments YouTube channel (follow the link in bio)

And make sure to follow them on Instagram @bechdelcast

It's heating up outside and onscreen with WIFV Fil

It's heating up outside and onscreen with WIFV Film Club's latest series: Summer Strangers. Each month, from June through September, we'll discuss a film that finds its protagonists making a new friend — or foe — who will change their lives, often in disastrous ways.

An accidental meeting takes a murderous twist in Alfred Hitchcock's classic STRANGERS ON A TRAIN (1951), the WIFV Film Club pick for June.

Based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, the screenplay was written by Raymond Chandler (DOUBLE INDEMNITY, THE BIG SLEEP) and newcomer Czenzi Ormonde. It stars Robert Walker and Farley Granger, was an Oscar nominee for best cinematography, and was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2021.

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN is free with ads on Tubi and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). It can also be rented on Amazon Prime Video.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

We encourage you to take the PA Training Workshop

We encourage you to take the PA Training Workshop on June 7 to prepare for this full-day program.

So, you want to work on film/TV productions, but don't know how or where to start? You're invited to a unique two-part workshop designed for those eager to master the role of a Production Assistant (PA). These sessions are a starting line for anyone interested in diving behind-the-scenes and becoming a part of the magic that brings stories to the big screen. Presenters include Mike Rose, Leslie Ralston, Kathi Overton, Peter Roof, Sheila Smith, and Dave O'Ferrall.

"I've Arrived On Set, Now What?"
When: Friday, June 14 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Interface Media Group, Washington DC
Discover what it's like to collaborate with crew members as a Production Assistant. This is your chance to learn about the essential daily tasks that keep a set moving, the tools a PA needs, production etiquette, on-set safety, and much more. You'll spend the afternoon guided by industry experts through a simulated film set experience designed to prepare you for your first real gig.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

This workshop will discuss how a line producer int

This workshop will discuss how a line producer interacts with the script and director via the script breakdown to get a project started. A line producer usually manages the budget and the film production at a particular location. The production manager handles the business, financial, and employment functions. The production manager is responsible for staying within the budget, and may have created the budget. This workshop is a public part of the Narrative Script Development Fellowship for June.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

In our most recent podcast episode, here is a clip

In our most recent podcast episode, here is a clip where John Glazer, the Costume Designer for “Bridgerton” shares the change in the men’s fashion in the latest season. Listen to the full episode out now anywhere you listen to podcasts!

*Images courtesy of Netflix

#podcast #podcastclip #mediaclip #bridgerton #costumedesign #fashion #mensfashion

Trice Talent Services joins us to discuss union pa

Trice Talent Services joins us to discuss union payroll processing through a paymaster.

To properly process payments for your cast and crew as required by union contracts, all payroll taxes, state and federal unemployment, and workers' compensation insurances must be filed on behalf of each employee. Union benefit contributions and sometimes dues are also required to be filed for union members. A paymaster handles all these disbursements so that you can focus on all the other production details. Trice Talent has worked with the union's local offices for years and can provide guidance on union contract rules and the timeliness of processing payments and contributions to avoid any late pay assessments.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Filmmaking as a whole has become largely unsafe fo

Filmmaking as a whole has become largely unsafe for everyone, with longer and longer hours, and less consideration for people's needs on the whole. Learn how to fight that culture by hiring a Production Accessibility Coordinator (PAC) who can improve workflow on set for everyone, whether they identify as disabled or not. By the end of the session, you will have practical tips and resources to bake accessibility into your productions and plan more effectively for safe and successful productions.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Trailer Night is an opportunity to meet others in

Trailer Night is an opportunity to meet others in the documentary community and to provide feedback to several filmmakers on their trailers. Trailer Night is being moderated by Angela Pinaglia, Docs Board member and Docs Fellow alumna.

The Documentary Roundtable/Trailer Night is a regular program co-hosted by Docs In Progress and Women in Film and Video of Washington DC that alternates most months. You will receive the Zoom link one day before the event. We are looking forward to meeting you there!

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

So, you want to work on film/TV productions, but d

So, you want to work on film/TV productions, but don't know how or where to start? You're invited to a unique two-part workshop designed for those eager to master the role of a Production Assistant (PA). These sessions are a starting line for anyone interested in diving behind-the-scenes and becoming a part of the magic that brings stories to the big screen. Presenters include Mike Rose, Leslie Ralston, Kathi Overton, Peter Roof, Sheila Smith, and Dave O'Ferrall.

PART 1: "Before I Get to Set, What Do I Need to Know?"
When: Friday, June 7 | 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Interface Media Group, Washington DC
We'll demystify what it means to be a Production Assistant in the DMV area, show you how to find local gigs, secure your first job, and navigate the nuts and bolts of getting paid. You'll also learn how to step onto a film set for the first time with confidence, and fully prepared.

Overall, the Production Assistant Workshop is an opportunity to gather insights and practical know-how to set you up for success in this dynamic field. Whether you're set on starting your career or simply curious about what a PA does, join us for this immersive experience and become an indispensable crew member of any production team!

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Make It CRISPy: Consent-Forward Filmmaking with Wi

Make It CRISPy: Consent-Forward Filmmaking with Windy Borman

Do you want to create a workplace that is both creative and respectful? Join Windy Borman, an award-winning filmmaker and Certified Consent-Forward Artist, in this webinar to learn about the 5 elements of consent, as defined in the acronym CRISP. Windy will guide you on how to apply these elements so you can foster a consensual and collaborative environment in each of your productions, no matter where you appear on the Call Sheet.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

FREE for WIFV Executive Members (must be logged in and use discount code)
$15 for WIFV Members (must be logged in) and Students
$30 for public

This is a meeting held on Zoom. You will receive login information with your registration confirmation.

Looking forward to meeting up with filmmakers in t

Looking forward to meeting up with filmmakers in the Frederick area. This will be an in-person event. Register to let us know how many seats to save!

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

Le Luna Bakery & Cafe
162 W Patrick St.
Frederick, MD 21701

How to Think Like a Producer for the Non-Producer

How to Think Like a Producer for the Non-Producer

Simple approaches and exercises to open your mind to the producer way. For both development and execution of small and big projects, and long and short formats. Join Producer Virginia Bertholet who pulls parts of her Business of Filmmaking college class to help those who want to think more like a producer for their or other's film & video projects.

Find out more and register by selecting the event on our calendar at WIFV.org/calendar (link in bio)

$15 for WIFV Members (must be logged in) and Students
$30 for public
This is a meeting held on Zoom. You will receive login information with your registration confirmation.

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DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment

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