Film Fatales

Wellness Workshop
2025-01-17
Film Fatales members impacted by the climate crisis were invited to an online wellness webinar with Dr. Annalise Ophelian from Reps on Set. Moderated by Film Fatales member Magdalena Albizu from NubianLatina Productions.
We’re in shock, we’re overwhelmed, we’re grieving, we’re frightened. Whether you’ve been impacted directly, are providing mutual aid, or are witnessing from afar, the Los Angeles fires have taken a huge toll on mental wellness. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Annalise Ophelian offers a series of guided somatic exercises to help you cope with stress and overwhelming emotions brought on by recent events. Together we gained an understanding into how our nervous systems react to emergency situations, and practiced breath work, body movement, and other tools designed to help us calm and soothe ourselves during unstable times. While this guided somatic webinar has been developed for Film Fatales members in Los Angeles, all are welcome to rewatch.

Changing The Ratio
2024-11-21 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Film Fatales members were invited to an in-person cocktail reception in Hollywood to find comfort in community and amplify underrepresented voices during awards season. There were some light bites, great music, and plenty of good cheer to go around.
Changing the Ratio is a cross-disciplinary networking event for industry professionals celebrating women, trans and/or nonbinary filmmakers during awards season. Our focus is to shine a light on some of the amazing projects and their creators from this year as we come together for a night of industry conversation and networking with professional filmmakers, crew, and influential industry decision-makers.
Co-hosted by the AWFC, Film Fatales, ReFrame and WIF. Sponsored by Paramount and Netflix.
With the current underrepresentation of women and non-binary creatives across technical and craft categories – from directors to composers, cinematographers, VFX and editors – our collective goal with this event is to carve out and occupy shared space. As film award season is underway, this event will highlight members across our organizations who have the potential to be nominated and considered for awards. This private event was by invitation only.

Desperately Seeking Producer
2024-10-11
Film Fatales and Dear Producer joined forces to bring you an online panel and curated networking mixer for feature filmmakers of all marginalized genders.
We began with a discussion around the elusive question, ‘How do I find a producer?’ with producers Lexi Tannenholtz (Booger, Bad Things), Mars Verrone (Union), and Monique Walton (Sing Sing, Bull). Moderated by Dear Producer founder Rebecca Green (It Follows, All That We Love). Afterwards, we divided up into smaller discussion circles for intimate conversations with the panelists based on a series of guided prompts.
Learn about the different types of producers in both the scripted and unscripted film space, the various stages of the process to bring on a producer, elements and materials you should prepare before approaching a producer, what you can expect in terms of producer compensation, and how to maintain long-term, healthy relationships with producers. Hear from seasoned producers about how they find projects and what qualities they value in their collaborators.

Consider This
2024-01-12
Thank you for joining Film Fatales for an online discussion about how to launch a successful awards campaign with limited resources.
We heard from filmmakers who have produced feature films that have been nominated for Spirit Awards, Gotham Awards, and Academy Awards. Panelists included producers Elizabeth Woodward (SXSW winning Another Body), and Nikkia Moulterie (Gotham and Spirit nominated Nanny). Moderated by Film Fatales member Liz Sargent (Take Me Home).
Awards matter in raising the visibility of films for a mainstream audience, introducing new cultural perspectives, and elevating films seeking distribution. In the past 95 years, only three women have won an Oscar for Best Director and only seven have been nominated. As Variety recently reported, “Every year, the race for the Oscar gets more expensive and less inclusive.” Campaigns for Spirit Awards and Gotham Awards are similarly challenging. Filmmakers must figure out how to independently cover their marketing costs and get their films seen by voters and audiences alike. We learned the nuts and bolts of what it takes to run an independent awards campaign in this round table conversation.
With support from event partners Pano Network, The Gotham, and NYWIFT. Thank you for coming!

Back to School Night
2023-09-21 18:00 - 20:00 (Asia/Karachi)
Film Fatales members gathered for an in-person mixer for feature film Directors and Producers in New York City! Looking to find your next collaborative endeavor? Film Fatales and Women Independent Producers joined forces for a night of festivities in the Lower East Side. We paired talented directors with equally accomplished women and non-binary producers over light refreshments. If you’re ready for mingling and interesting conversation under the last few tendrils of warm weather, join us next time!

Demystifying Distribution
2022-11-11
Thanks for joining Film Fatales for a discussion about Demystifying Distribution with Avril Z. Speaks (Distribution Advocates), Dina Amer (You Resemble Me), and Sophia Fields (Gravitas Ventures). It was moderated by Alece Oxendine (Columbia University).
Our panel of industry experts demystified film distribution and gave you an inside look at how producers, sales agents, and distributors work to get your films into the world. We heard about various paths toward distribution, creative ways to sell your work, and what the industry’s changing landscape means for independent filmmakers. With support from event partners Black Film Space, NYWIFT, Women Make Movies, and WrapWomen.

Writing without Limits
2022-07-08
Members of Film Fatales and alumni of The Writers Lab joined together for a private networking mixer for feature film directors and screenwriters.
Eager to meet creative collaborators? Excited to share details about your latest passion project? Missing the company of like-minded artists? This event was for you! We began with a group “getting to know you” exercise facilitated by Leah Meyerhoff, founder of Film Fatales, and Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon, co-founders of The Writers Lab, before dividing up into smaller discussion circles for meaningful conversations based on a series of guided prompts. The discussion was co-hosted by Film Fatales members Charise Studesville, Stacie E. Hawkins, and Donna Bonilla Wheeler.

Framing Agnes
2022-01-21
Thank you for joining Film Fatales and BFFoundation for a discussion with the creative team behind Framing Agnes fresh off their Sundance premiere. Speakers include director Chase Joynt, (cinematographer) Aubree Bernier-Clarke, (participant) Jules Gill-Peterson, (writer) Morgan M. Page, and Samantha Curley (producer). Moderated by programmer Stephanie Owens.
In 1958, a young trans woman named Agnes entered a study about sex disorders at UCLA to get the gender-affirming care she needed, by any means necessary. Her story was long considered to be exceptional until never-before-seen case files of other patients were found in 2017. Directed by Chase Joynt (No Ordinary Man) and featuring an all-star cast of transgender artists and actors, Framing Agnes uses re-enactment and genre-blurring storytelling techniques to breathe new life into previously unknown people who redefined gender in the midcentury. Featuring Angelica Ross, Jen Richards, Zackary Drucker, Silas Howard, Max Wolf Valerio, and Stephen Ira.

Show Me the Money
2021-12-03
Thank you for joining Film Fatales for a grant-writing workshop with the creative team behind 93Queen.
Director/Producer Paula Eiselt and Producer Heidi Reinberg offered real-talk, straight-up advice for navigating the documentary-funding landscape — including grants, equity financing and co-productions.
93QUEEN is the ITVS / arte SWR/ YesDocu co-production that received funding from all the major funders including Sundance, Tribeca, IDA, Open Society | Just Films, Fork Films, NYSCA, and the Hartley Film Foundation.

Let's Make A Deal
2021-11-19
Thank you for joining Film Fatales, FilmNorth, and Distribution Advocates for a free distribution workshop and teach-in about Negotiating Distribution Deals with producer Amy Hobby (What Happened, Miss Simone?) and distributor Andrew Neel (Radiant Films International). Moderated by Film Fatales member Avril Z. Speaks (Jinn).
In this session, a producer and a distributor broke down the specific components of a distribution deal. Hearing from both sides of the negotiation table, this session helped documentary filmmakers understand how to protect the interests of their film and avoid some of the common mistakes made by creators. Whether navigating educational or other distribution platforms, panelists shared how filmmakers can get the most out of their deal by knowing the basics.
Thank you for attending!

Bring Your Own Producer
2021-09-25
Film Fatales, Latino Filmmakers Network, and Chicana Director’s Initiative collaborated on a panel discussion and networking mixer for filmmakers of all backgrounds.
We began with a panel discussion with producers Candy Ibarra (Forward Motion Entertainment), Gabriela Gonzalez (Words Unspoken), Maylen Calienes (The Three Bilinguals), Miguel Ferrer (Multi Studios), and Sandra Varona (Shine) moderated by Eileen Faxas. Afterwards, we divided up into smaller discussion circles for intimate conversations based on a series of guided prompts.
Thank you for joining us to hear from seasoned producers about what they do, how they do it, and what they’re looking for. We mixed and mingled with other directors and producers to spark connections that will turn into meaningful creative relationships.
Thank you for joining us!

On the Small Screen
2021-07-16
Thank you for joining us for a discussion about Directing Episodic Television with Film Fatales members Lisa France (Queen Sugar, Roll With Me) and Neema Barnette (Genius, Black Lightning, Jane the Virgin).
In this inspiring discussion, accomplished episodic television directors and producing directors will share their unique journeys to the small screen and illuminate the many stages of television production, including how to break into television and tips for building a sustainable career. How do you build rapport with actors? How do you serve appropriately as a “guest” on a set while bringing your style to the table? What is it like to step into a popular show? What can we do to create more equity and humanity in this fast-moving environment?

Going Paperless
2021-06-04
We hosted an interactive workshop about Going Paperless on set with Film Fatales member Valerie Weiss (Director of Mixtape, Outer Banks, and Prodigal Son).
Valerie discussed how Scriptation can empower you to navigate the new world of digital scripts, shorter work days, remote collaboration, and social distancing without compromising your production workflow. Through a demonstration of the app’s tools like Note Transfer, Script Annotation, Bookmarking, and Facing pages, Valerie showed us how she uses Scriptation successfully on set. Watch the recording to gain insight into her process and see how she works within the new production safety guidelines.
Valerie first started using Scriptation four years ago when she was introduced to it by the cast of Scandal who were fans of the program because of its almost instantaneous notes transfer when new drafts of episodes arrived. Valerie adopted it immediately because of its vast functionality (annotating, adding photo references, and more), the positive effect on the environment by going paperless, and the powerful way it increased communication with her department heads. Once the pandemic hit, Valerie knew that Scriptation would be even more essential because of diminished physical contact in prep and production. Valerie has taught seminars on Scriptation to the Directors Guild of America, the NBC Female Forward Program, NYC Women Filmmakers and to the LA-based Saturday Sessions as well as industry-wide events for Scriptation. She will share the signature way she uses the app to direct her films and television episodes with enhanced creativity and productivity.
Participants received one complimentary month of Scriptation following the workshop.

Walking Boldly
2021-04-23
Film Fatales hosted a round table discussion with Showrunners, Writers, and Creators about breaking barriers in Episodic Television with Emily Spivack (Worn Stories), Ilse Fernandez (Cyberwar), Mel Shimkovitz (High Maintenance), and Xan Aranda (My Love).
Together we can amplify creative voices who are breaking barriers in episodic television. How do you pitch a show that has never been made before? How do you maintain your distinctive voice and build community around it? Does a unique approach help you break in, or does it need to be packaged for the industry? How do you choose your battles and what have been your biggest challenges? What does it take to be part of the larger paradigm shift that’s happening in the episodic world and where do we go from here?

Filmmaking On a Budget
2021-04-02
Revist our discussion about low-budget feature filmmaking with Film Fatales members Alana Barrett-Adkins (Asunder: One Flesh Divided), Claudia Cifuentes (After the Wedding), Patricia Vidal Delgado (La Leyenda Negra), and Veronica McKenzie (Nine Nights).
We heard from experienced filmmakers as they discuss their unique experiences, and sometimes unorthodox approaches, in the world of low-budget filmmaking. We explored how to overcome numerous obstacles presented in development, financing, casting, crewing, shooting, and post-production. We also offered marketing and distribution strategies for scripted feature films made on minimal budgets. Rewatch to learn how each of these filmmakers found creative ways to overcome challenges specific to low-budget filmmaking to bring their visions to the screen.

Marriage Story
2020-10-09
Revisit a Film Fatales discussion about The Director-Producer Partnership with independent producers Avril Z. Speaks (Jinn, Hosea), Heather Rae (Bull, Tallulah), Kim Sherman (Sun Don’t Shine, You’re Next), and Shruti Ganguly (H., Initials SG). Moderated by Film Fatales member Ruth Du (Your Baby Is Mine).
We tackle the important and sometimes difficult relationship between the Director and Producer in the narrative feature film space. Panelists discuss their experiences with short term and long term collaborators, what it takes to maintain a creative relationship, and weigh in on what they would do in fictional hypothetical situations.

Making or Breaking a Story
2020-09-18
Revisit a Film Fatales discussion about Making or Breaking a Story with episodic television creators, writers, and showrunners Alexandra Cunningham (Dirty John), Kitao Sakurai (The Eric Andre Show), Shoshannah Stern (This Close) and Marie Jamora (Family Style).
This panel was an open conversation with episodic television creators and showrunners to discuss how they are pushing boundaries and conventions in the stories that they choose to tell. How did the seed idea become the show it is today? How do you navigate the studio/network and still maintain a unique voice? How do you build and lead a creative team?

Gatekeepers and Gatecrashers
2020-08-21
Revisit a Film Fatales discussion with episodic television creators, showrunners and producing directors including Elle Johnson (Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker), Janine Sherman Barrois (Claws, Self Made), Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland) and Sarah Gertrude Shapiro (UnREAL). Moderated by Film Fatales member Shaz Bennett (Director, Queen Sugar, Billions).
This panel was an open conversation to discuss the push for hiring equality NOW. How do you manage your gate? What are the barriers to systemic change? How do directors get that first episode? And how do they get invited back? How do you find directors that can authentically tell your stories?

Camera Phone Filmmaking
2020-08-07
Revisit a Film Fatales discussion about Camera Phone Filmmaking with Hope Farley (EP, Adolescent Content), Leslie Bumgarner (DP, Co-Ed), Richard Vialet (DP, 9 Rides), and Ted Melfi (Director, Daughter). Moderated by Film Fatales members Rachel Feldman (Director, The Rookie) and Christine Swanson (Director, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel).
Welcome to filmmaking during the Pandemic. Join us for a deep dive into making films with what we might have at hand. We unpack the hows of nimble filmmaking with expert directors, cinematographers, and producers who have utilized phone technology to shoot remarkable films. With our professional curiosity piqued, we dive into how we might apply some of these skills and resources to making our own films while we stay at home. Maybe you’re itching to shoot a short in your house, up your home-movie game, or are prepping your next film with this amazing technology, we focus on craft and creativity in a time when camera houses and production teams are not yet within reach.

Authentic Authorship
2020-07-31
Film Fatales member Roxy Shih moderated this discussion on authentic authorship and ethical storytelling with Geeta Gandbhir (Director of Why We Hate and Call Center Blues), and Lisa Valencia-Svensson (VP of Finance, Multitude Films and Co-Producer of Pray Away), Smriti Mundhra (Creator of Indian Matchmaking and Director of St Louis Superman) and Tamara Dawit (Director of Finding Sally and co-founder of Racial Equity Media Collective).
The conversation focused on authentic authorship and the importance of filmmaker point of view. We explored issues of implicit and explicit bias, extractive storytelling, and who has “the right” to tell which stories. Panelists offered, too, first-hand experiences with directing or producing BIPOC stories or dealing with projects with a western/white gaze both in western countries and the global south.

Comedy in Film + TV
2019-11-11
Film Fatales members joined us in person at the WGA West for a round table discussion about Comedy Film & Television with David Caspe (Black Monday), Jasmine Daghighian (Our Lady Productions), Patti Lee (Mad About You), and Sydnee Rimes (Black-ish) facilitated by Film Fatales members Nadine Truong and Stefanie Black.
