In this episode, host Candice Bloch interviews William Fay, a seasoned producer and motion picture executive, discussing his extensive career in the film industry. Bill, known for producing and executive producing many notable projects through the years such as Independence Day, The Patriot, 300, The Hangover, The Town, and more, elaborates on the multifaceted role of a producer, his journey into filmmaking, key milestones, and the founding of Legendary Entertainment. He shares insights on balancing creativity with business, the importance of audience engagement, and the evolution of the producer's role over the decades. The discussion also touches on the fun aspects of producing and working with directors, the increased diversity in production teams, and the advancements in visual effects technology. Bill also shares insights on transitioning to new ventures, including his current work in the wine and spirits industry and a theater adaptation of 'Happy, Texas.' 

You can see a list of Bill’s credits here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0269621/
Learn more about his spirits company here: https://steric.com/

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

In this second episode of a special two-part series, host Sandra Abrams chats with Maxine Peake about her portrayal of Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian-American journalist, in the film Words of War. Maxine shares what it was like to play the real life reporter, wife, and mother of two who risked her life to uncover the truth about the Chechen War. Anna was assassinated on October 7, 2006, the same day as Vladimir Putin’s birthday. The international cast for this geo-political thriller includes Ciaran Hinds as her editor, Dimtry, Jason Isaacs as her husband, Sasha, Harry Lawtey as her son, Ilya, and Naomi Battrick as her daughter, Vera. Maxine says she loved filming on location in Latvia and shares which scene she and Jason did some improvising. Sean Penn serves as executive producer. The film is now in theaters. 

Part one of this series (episode 97) features Mark Maxey, President of Rolling Pictures, WIFV board member, and one of the producers of the film. 

To learn more about Words of War, visit: https://www.rollingpictures.com/
You can watch the film’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pui6KMbHECM

#WordsOfWar

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

In this first episode of a special two-part series, host Sandra Abrams chats with Mark Maxey, WIFV board member and producer of a new geo-political thriller, WORDS OF WAR. The film tells the story of Russian-American journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated on October 7, 2006 for uncovering the truth about the Chechen War. The film opens in theaters on May 2, the day before United Nations’ World Press Freedom Day. The all-star cast includes Maxine Peake as Anna, Ciaran Hinds as her editor, Dmitry, and Jason Isaacs as her husband, Sasha. Oscar-winner Sean Penn and Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) serve as executive producers. In their conversation, Mark shares why this film is so timely to what is happening today when the world seeks to hold the powerful accountable for crimes against humanity. He also gives insight into how Sean Penn joined the film as executive producer. 

Part two will feature lead actress, Maxine Peake and will be released on May 11th. 

To learn more about Words of War, visit: https://www.rollingpictures.com/
You can watch the film’s trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pui6KMbHECM

#WordsOfWar
#WorldPressFreedomDay

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Ahead of Earth Day, host Candice Bloch interviews Kat Friis, an Emmy award-winning producer and founding member of Green the Bid, a grassroots, non-profit industry organization that aims to shift the media production industry to zero-waste, minimal carbon, sustainable and regenerative practices. The two discuss the importance of sustainability in the production industry, educating and advocating for sustainable practices, and practical steps that producers can take to reduce their carbon footprint. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about sustainability, the cost-effectiveness of sustainable practices, and the resources available through Green the Bid for those looking to implement eco-friendly practices in their productions.

To learn more about Green the Bid, visit: https://www.greenthebid.earth/

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Host Tara Jabbari has a conversation with Catherine Haigh and Hannah Congdon to explore the journey of creating their documentary, Women Behind the Wheel, which focuses on women's empowerment in remote communities. They highlight the importance of research, language, cultural challenges, and community support as they share their experiences connecting with local women, the complexities of gender roles, and the impact of social media in their research. They also address serious issues like bridal kidnapping and the nuances of feminism in different cultural contexts, emphasizing the need for small, incremental changes to foster empowerment and support local initiatives.

Learn more about Women Behind the Wheel here: https://catandhan.wixsite.com/womenbehindthewheel
and https://www.instagram.com/women.behind.the.wheel/

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

MediaMaker Spotlight, the official podcast of the DC-based non-profit, Women in Film & Video, features conversations with industry professionals on a range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. It's a must-listen resource for filmmakers of all interests and experience levels! Through fun and inspiring interviews with award-winning creators, you’ll learn all about what goes into bringing projects to life. We shine a light on subjects such as producing, editing, film festivals, costuming, sets, acting, diversity and inclusion on set, filmmaker resources, and so much more. It’s a great place to gain knowledge and inspiration, while celebrating visual storytelling!

Our interview-style episodes are typically around 30 minutes in length, hosted by our three rotating hosts: Candice, Sandra, and Tara. New episodes drop every other Sunday.

Find all episodes, learn more about the show, search topics, and more on our show website: https://mediamakerspotlight.com/

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Dr. Paul Heinzelmann of the documentary feature, Safe Sets, and Becky Morrison of the production company, The Light, sit down with host Candice Bloch to discuss humane production practices. They explore the systemic issues affecting health and safety on set, alarming statistics regarding mental health, and the historical context of production practices. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for crew members and the need for cultural change within the industry. They also discuss the Safe Sets documentary, which aims to raise awareness and advocate for better working conditions in film production.

To learn more about Safe Sets: https://wwwsafesetsmovie.org/ 

And https://linktr.ee/safesetsmovie

To learn more about The Light: https://thelight.nyc

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Host Sandra Abrams chats with publishing trailblazer Regina Jones and Soraya Sélène, one of the co-directors of the new documentary, “WHO THE HELL IS REGINA JONES?” The film tells the remarkable story of Jones’s journey from being a financially struggling young mother of five to witnessing the Watts Rebellion in 1965 to creating and running SOUL newspaper. SOUL became a nationwide publication, scoring scoop after scoop with some of the era's biggest artists, like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. SOUL was where Black artists could get coverage. After her marriage ended, the newspaper shuttered, and her mother died, Jones explains how as a Black woman she navigated all the trials of life during that tumultuous time. Regina and Soraya also reveal how the film came to life thanks in part to the amazing SOUL archive that Jones’s grandson is preserving. 

To learn more about Who the Hell is Regina Jones, visit https://whoisreginafilm.com/ or follow the film on Instagram and Facebook @whoisreginafilm

You can watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZRdpxKUxKU

Learn more about co-director Soraya Selene at www.sorayaselene.com and on Instagram @soraya_selene

Learn more about co-director Billie Miossi at www.billy-miossi.com and on Instagram @billy_miossi

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

In this episode, host Tara Jabari interviews actor Carl Lumbly, known for his roles in Captain America, Alias, Doctor Sleep, and more. They discuss Lumbly's portrayal of Isaiah Bradley in the latest Captain America: Brave New World, a character rooted in historical injustices faced by African Americans, and the thematic elements of love and sacrifice in the Marvel Universe. Lumbly shares insights from his career, including his experiences on Alias and his aspirations to write a one-man show about James Baldwin. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and respect in the industry, as well as the anticipation surrounding Lumbly's upcoming projects.

Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World opened in theaters on February 14, 2025.

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

It’s time for another all-hosts special! Hosts Sandra, Tara, and Candice chat all about romantic comedies ahead of Valentine’s Day. We discuss some of our favorite films, actors, and tropes within the ubiquitous rom-com genre, while also sharing some fun facts. You’ll love hearing the banter about meet-cutes and steamy scenes, and you may even discover some classic movies to cozy up to with a special someone.

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Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!

We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!