MediaMaker Spotlight
The biweekly podcast "MediaMaker Spotlight" features conversations with industry professionals speaking on a wide range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. The series is a great resource for creators and collaborators who want to learn more about filmmaking, production, and all that goes into bringing projects to life. Our show is a great place to learn, find inspiration, discover communities of support, and celebrate our shared passion for film, television, video and visual storytelling in all formats and mediums. "MediaMaker Spotlight" is produced by the Women in Film & Video Podcast Committee. Learn more at MediaMakerSpotlight.com.
Episodes
127 episodes
Actor Carl Lumbly Reflects on Alias, Captain America, & More
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
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Episode 92
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32:11
Host Special: Love, Laughs, and the Rom-Com Genre
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 sharin...
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Episode 91
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46:40
Stories that Reframe Aging and Celebrate Older Women
Documentary filmmaker Melissa Davey sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to discuss her filmmaking journey and her latest film, Climbing Into Life. The film is about the remarkable story of Dierdre Wolownick, an accomplished...
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Episode 90
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34:15
Art Amidst Adversity: A Journey from Ukraine to Venice
In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with Zhanna Ozirna, a Ukrainian filmmaker whose first feature film premiered at the Venice Film Festival. They talk about the inspiration behind her film, the importance of art showcasing challen...
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Episode 89
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32:53
September 5: Inside the Day of Terror That Changed Live TV
In this episode, host Candice Bloch has a brief chat with Director Tim Fehlbaum and actors Leonie Benesch and Ben Chaplin of the film September 5. They talk about some of what went into producing the film, which unveils the...
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Episode 88
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17:05
Making Films That Highlight Shared Humanity
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Monda Raquel Webb, former EVP of WIFV (and still a board member), and winner of the 2024 Trailblazer Award from the African American Women in Cinema of New York City. Webb is a book author, ...
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Episode 87
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28:32
An Actor’s Career Retrospective and Observations
During a virtual press junket for 2024’s summer blockbuster, Borderlands, actor Benjamin Byron Davis spoke with host Tara Jabbari to discuss his role in the film, plus his experience working in over 50 projects ranging from ...
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Episode 86
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36:21
Creating Visual Alchemy & Continuity Through VFX Editorial
VFX editor and DC native, Anedra Edwards sits down with host Candice Bloch to give us a peek behind the curtain of visual effects magic. Anedra shares her knowledge from over 15 years of experience in VFX and picture editing for film and...
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Episode 85
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43:49
Woman of Vision: Sylvia Bugg
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams sits down with another of WIFV’s 2024 Woman of Vision honorees, Sylvia Bugg. As the Chief Programming Executive and General Manager of General Audience Programming for PBS, Bugg shares insight into why...
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Episode 84
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32:07
American Masters: Creative Spark with Minnie Driver
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at PBS’ Webby Award-winning podcast American Masters: Creative Spark. Join host Joe Skinner as he speaks with Oscar-nominated actress Minnie Driver about how she took ...
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31:26
The Magic Makers: A Conversation with a VFX Producer
Host Tara Jabbari talks all about visual effects with Leah Orsini, a VFX Producer with over 20 years of experience. Leah shares how she started in production and moved to be a VFX Producer, and talks about projects she worked on such as ...
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Episode 83
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20:58
Behind the Mix: Exploring Audio Excellence
Great sound is the mark of a quality project. In this episode, host Candice Bloch has a conversation with Charlie Hewitt of Mirror Studios to discuss all things audio post and sound design. From the difference between audio mixing and au...
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Episode 82
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43:47
Lessons in Filmmaking with What Went Wrong Podcast
The What Went Wrong podcast series brings you behind-the-scenes of films from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters to shed a light on what it really takes to make a film. The show’s hosts, Lizzie Bassett and Chris Wi...
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Episode 81
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41:22
Join the Celebration: Women in Film & Video Turns 45!
Women in Film & Video (WIFV) is turning 45! To mark the occasion, there’s going to be a big dance party on Friday, September 13. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with WIFV Board President Connie St. John to learn more about ...
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Episode 80
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29:14
Host Special: Renaming, Recasting, Rebranding
In this special all-host episode, we are thrilled to debut our new podcast name, MediaMaker Spotlight! During their conversation, hosts Sandra Abrams, Candice Bloch, and Tara Jabbari explain the story behind our rebranding...
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Episode 79
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43:37
Two Thumbs Up: How Siskel & Ebert Shaped Film Critiquing
In this episode, host Sandra Abrams has a conversation with Matt Singer - film critic, editor, podcaster, and author- about his new book, “Opposable Thumbs: How Siskel & Ebert Changed Movies Forever.” The book offers an insightful an...
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Episode 78
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46:44
Addressing Representation & Belonging With Molly McGlynn
In this episode, host Tara Jabbari sits with writer and director Molly McGlynn to talk about her new film, “Fitting In.” The comedic coming-of-age drama, starring Maddie Ziegler and Emily Hampshire, is a semi-autobiographical story about...
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Episode 77
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28:52
Giving Screenplays New Life With Immersive Audio Dramas
More stories get written than make it to screen, so what becomes of these lost narratives? In this episode, host Candice Bloch sits down with producer James Walker to dive into a project he and his company, Velocity Studios have e...
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Episode 76
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38:25
Woman of Vision: E. Samantha Cheng
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 that has worked in New York City and London before mak...
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Episode 75
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41:12
Discussing Film Portrayals with The Bechdel Cast Podcast
In this special double-host, double-guest episode, hosts Tara Jabbari and Candice Bloch sit down with Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus, the co-hosts of the popular podcast, The Bechdel Cast. Th...
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Episode 74
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46:17
Bridgerton on Netflix: Behind the Scenes of Season 3
Lady Whistledown has news: Dearest Gentle Listener - Bridgerton is back! The Regency period romantic drama from Shonda Rhimes dropped on May 16 on Netflix. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with many members of the talented produ...
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Episode 73
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51:38
Bringing Action to Life with Stunts and Motion Capture
Professional stuntwoman, motion capture performer, and champion martial artist, Thekla Hutyrova sits down with host Candice Bloch for a fun conversation all about bringing action to our screens - on film, television, and in video games. ...
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Episode 72
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45:24
"Women of Valor" Doc: Orthodox Women Find Their Voice
Israeli director, Anna Somershaf sits down with host Sandra Abrams in this episode to talk about her award-winning feature documentary, Women of Valor. The film follows the odyssey of Esty Shushan, an orthodox mother and wife, as she see...
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Episode 71
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28:27
Crafting Comedy: A TV Writer's Journey
Up-and-coming television comedy writer, Julia Lindon sits down with host Candice Bloch in this episode to chat about her journey in writing. You’ll learn more about the dynamics of the writers’ room, hear stories about leveraging connect...
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Episode 70
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26:06
"Oscar Wars" Author Talks 94 Years of Golden Moments
In this episode, Michael Schulman, author of "Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears'' sits down with host Tara Jabbari for a conversation about notable Oscars moments and their larger significance. Michael shares h...
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Episode 69
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31:05
