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
119 episodes
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
Reality TV: Our Hosts Take a Candid Look
In this episode - our first with a video companion - join all three of our hosts on a journey through the dynamic world of American reality TV. We explore its origins, cultural impact, and evolving genres. From the groundbreaking series "The Re...
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Episode 68
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39:20
PBS’s Grantchester Star Talks Disability and Acting (Rerun)
People with disabilities have been historically underrepresented in the entertainment industry. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with U.K.- based actress, writer, and disability advocate, Melissa Johns. Johns explains how she la...
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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33:06
The Rewarding Chaos of Live Broadcasting (Rerun)
You’ve only got one chance to get it right when the broadcast is live. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with Remote Operations Manager, Pam Chvotkin all about the fast-paced and intense world of live event coverage. Pam has year...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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41:29
Two Thumbs Up For Film Critics (Rerun)
Thumbs up, thumbs down? Five stars (or are four stars the highest number?)! In this episode, host Tara Jabbari speaks with film critics to discuss how viewing films has changed over the last few years. When is it worth going to th...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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57:31
Accessing the Marginalized So We're All Seen & Heard (Rerun)
Making a career pivot after 15 years in one job takes guts and some financial planning. Then add to the mix several disabilities and it sounds impossible. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams talks to filmmaker, advocate, and podcaster, Ariel...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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32:33
Exceeding Indie TV Show SEXPECTATIONS (Rerun)
In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with the creative team behind the hit indie TV show, ‘Sexpectations.’ Writer Jenna St. John and Director Kevin Good shed light on how they took the series from story concept through produc...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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36:47
Woman of Vision: Abby Greensfelder (Rerun)
Abby Greensfelder has an instinct for developing not only iconic cable shows such as, “Say Yes to the Dress,” but also documentaries featuring icons Megan Rapinoe and Alicia Keys. In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with the indie ...
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Season 4
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Episode 24
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35:20
Casting the Best Performers for Your Project (Rerun)
Originally released Oct 1, 2023The choice of who is cast in a role can make or break a performance. In this episode, host Candice Bloch talks with casting director Anne Chapman all about the art and business of casting a projec...
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Season 4
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Episode 23
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32:06
