In the season 6 premiere of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West celebrate the stories of Black women and gender expansive people in entertainment and media. They highlight community partners like the American Cinematheque and Post in Black podcast. The episode spotlights Alyson Fouse and Morenike Joela Evans, creator and director of the Netflix show 'Act Your Age,' and explores their inspiring journeys from early career challenges to notable successes. Topics include their industry experiences, the importance of representation, financial challenges in the industry, and practical advice for aspiring creatives.

00:00 Welcome to Season Six!

00:11 Shoutouts to Community Partners

01:56 Introducing Today's Guests

02:18 Behind the Scenes of 'Act Your Age'

04:40 Alyson Fouse's Journey

08:04 Morenike Joela Evans' Path to Directing

15:59 Multicam vs. Single Cam: A Director's Perspective

18:16 Financial Realities in the Industry

24:01 Navigating the Strike and Career Challenges

25:36 Directing and Producing During the Pandemic

26:48 The Evolution of Television and Technology

28:46 Tools and Techniques for Directors

32:27 Collaborative Work Environment

39:03 Advice to Younger Selves

43:56 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this special episode of Sista Brunch recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, Fanshen speaks with entertainment attorney Jalene Mack (@jalenemack). 

The discussion explores Mack's role in entertainment law, the importance of protecting intellectual property, and vital business advice for filmmakers and creative professionals. Jalene also shares insights on fundraising, navigating the industry, and the critical role entertainment attorneys play from development to distribution. Highlighting the significance of having a knowledgeable lawyer, Mack advises against hiring general practice attorneys for industry-specific needs.

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:27 Introducing Entertainment Attorney Jaylene Mack

00:48 Jalene Mack's Role at Essence and Panel Details

01:28 Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)

02:24 Jalene Mack's Book and Business Advice

03:07 Lessons Learned and Persistence in the Industry

04:43 Finances and Fundraising in Film

05:49 The Role of Entertainment Attorneys

06:33 Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Needs

07:16 Closing Remarks and Festival Enjoyment

This is our final special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans! 🎬🌟 

Fanshen was thrilled to sit down with the inspiring Letitia Guillory and Crayton Robey to discuss their neo-noir crime drama screenplay, Hound Dog. Based on true events from the 1950s, Hound Dog delves into the life of Don Robey, founder of Peacock Records, and explores themes of gender, equity, and the price of success. 

Featuring insights into their fundraising journey, development process, and more, this episode is packed with education from the legend that is Letitia Guillory who says, 

"We've garnered some support, and we are actively looking for wonderful collaborators and partners to bring this project to fruition." ✨

👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia

Sista Brunch Team at Essence: Brenda James: host, Fanshen Cox: host, Tasha Rogers: audio, Beau Williams: producer & camera, Kamesha Rodriguez: branding and talent coordinator

Special thanks to these Black-owned companies who donated to our SWAG bags: @waitandseabeauty, @nairobijewelrystudio, @cprwrap, @coolassblackwoman, @shoplovecharisma, @inner_beaudee, and especially to @corpulence_consultingfirm for connecting us with the brands.

#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:12 Introducing Crayton and Letitia

00:40 The Story of Hound Dog

02:01 Don Robey's Legacy

03:35 Crayton and Letitia's Connection

05:05 Pitching and Fundraising for Hound Dog

09:14 Let's Talk Tech: Writing Tips

12:30 Conclusion and Best Wishes

In this special bonus episode of Sista Brunch, recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, host Fanshen Cox sits down with acclaimed novelist Jacqueline Luckett. Jacqueline discusses her inspirational journey from writing novels to adapting her book 'Passing Love' into a screenplay. She shares personal stories, her motivations behind 'Passing Love', and the challenges of transforming a novel into a screenplay. Jacqueline also talks about her hopes for the film's future and pays a heartfelt tribute to her late mother. Don't miss this captivating conversation!

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:30 Introducing Jacqueline Luckett and Her Screenplay

00:57 The Journey from Novel to Screenplay

01:20 Exploring Themes of Identity and Family

04:08 Challenges of Adapting a Novel to a Screenplay

05:35 Let's Talk Tech: Screenwriting Terms

06:37 Hopes and Dreams for Passing Love

07:26 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

It’s another special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival! 🎬🌟 

Fanshen shares time with the inspirational creative duo Angela Davis and LaToya Turner to discuss their innovative animated project 'Brown Hands, Black Schools, HBCUs!' 📚✨ 

"With your brown hands you can pick up books. With your brown hands you can do so many different things." 

Sista Brunch dives into the inspiring stories of Black women thriving in entertainment and media. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one! 

👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia 

Sista Brunch Team at Essence: Tasha Rogers: audio, Beau Williams: producer & camera, Kamesha Rodriguez: branding and talent coordinator, Brenda James: host, Fanshen Cox: host 

Special thanks to these Black owned companies who donated to our SWAG bags: @waitandseabeauty @nairobijewelrystudio @cprwrap @coolassblackwoman @shoplovecharisma @inner_beaudee and especially to @corpulence_consultingfirm for connecting us with the brands. 

#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:21 Introducing Brown Hands: The Animated Project

00:50 The Inspiration Behind Brown Hands

01:27 From Teaching to Filmmaking

01:44 The Power of HBCUs

02:00 Angela's Journey into Filmmaking

03:17 Animation and Live Action: A Unique Blend

05:05 Challenges and Triumphs of Working with Young Actors

06:08 Financing the Animation Project

08:03 Technical Insights: Tools and Techniques

08:53 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Join us for another special Sista Brunch episode live from the Essence Film Festival! Our host connects with the talented Tamika Lamison to discuss her poignant film 'Superman Doesn't Steal,' a deeply personal story set during the Atlanta child murders. 

Get insights into her creative journey, the Commercial Directors Diversity Program, the heartfelt Make a Film Foundation, and her inspiring new venture, Makta Entertainment. 

'You definitely need to raise between 25 and 50,' Lamison shares about film budgeting, emphasizing Black excellence and quality production values. 

Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the entire episode now on YouTube! 

#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:08 Black Girls Film Camp Reunion

00:45 Superman Doesn't Steal: A Personal Story

01:35 Tamika Lamison's Career Highlights

03:24 Financing Independent Films

06:13 Filmmaking Terminology: The Push In

07:48 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

In this special episode of the Sista Brunch Podcast, host Bree is joined by Keena Ferguson Fraser, Delece James, Karen Southall, and Miatta Vincent Ronca—key members of the production team for 'The Devil Ain't Pius.'

They discuss the inspiration behind the film, the challenges they faced with financing, and their excitement about premiering at the Essence Film Festival.

Each guest also shares valuable insights on their core values and what advice they would give to their younger selves. The episode offers an inspiring look at the collaborative and resilient spirit of Black women in filmmaking.

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch Podcast

00:10 Meet the Team Behind 'The Devil Ain't Pius'

00:47 The Story Behind 'The Devil Ain't Pius'

02:02 Essence Film Festival Experience

03:30 Financing the Film

06:07 Core Values and Words of Wisdom

10:26 Brunch with Your Younger Self

14:33 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

🎉✨ Bonus Episode Alert! ✨🎉

We’re thrilled to bring you a special bonus episode of the Sistabrunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans! 🎬🌟

Our amazing host sits down with the incredible Yhá Mourhia Wright to discuss her short film, 'Chocolate with Sprinkles', and its journey to being screened at this prestigious festival.

🎥 "It's surreal. I'm really grateful, grateful to the writer-director, Hurriyah Muhammad, for assembling such a strong team," says Yhá Mourhia Wright about her project.

Sista Brunch dives into the inspiring stories of Black women and gender expansive people thriving in entertainment and media.

👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia.

00:00 Welcome Back, Yhá Mourhia!

00:06 Surviving the Southern Heat

00:31 Celebrating 'Chocolate with Sprinkles'

01:29 Navigating Film Production Finances

03:55 Core Values for Creatives

06:09 Wrapping Up with Yhá Mourhia

At the Essence Film Festival for Essence's 30th anniversary, Sista Brunch hosts a special episode featuring Santana Coleman, a Black woman filmmaker with 11 years of experience. Santana discusses her latest short drama, 'The Last Week,' which explores love and the effects of Black male incarceration on families, and shares her journey from college filmmaking to winning an Emmy. The conversation also touches on financing independent films, uplifting Milwaukee's creative community, and important filmmaking terminology.

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:27 Introducing Santana Coleman and Her Film

01:16 The Journey of an 11-Year Filmmaker

01:56 Building a Black Audience Through Cinema

02:46 Financing the Last Week

03:36 Filmmaking in Milwaukee

04:49 Winning an Emmy and Future Goals

05:38 Let's Talk Tech: Continuity in Filmmaking

06:32 Closing Remarks and Appreciation

🎉✨ Bonus Episode Alert! ✨🎉

We’re thrilled to bring you a special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival! 🎬🌟

Join us as we celebrate and learn from the amazing Tracey Baker Simmons, a trailblazer in urban reality TV. Tracey shares her journey, insights on the importance of Black representation behind the camera, and practical advice on financing and producing projects.

One key takeaway from Tracey: 'I think one key thing is to have more of us behind the camera.'

👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia #SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow

00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival

00:18 Introducing Tracey Baker Simmons: Pioneer of Urban Reality TV

00:38 Tracey's Workshop on Reality Television

01:36 Challenges and Triumphs in Reality TV

02:56 Financing Reality TV Projects

04:16 Self-Financing and Ownership in Filmmaking

05:19 Networking and Fundraising Tips

06:37 Let's Talk Tech: Unscripted TV Terminology

08:09 ECCO: Media and Civic Engagement

10:15 Upcoming Projects and Reality TV Decoded