MediaMaker Spotlight

Women in Film and Video (DC)
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 2d ago

    Physical Production: Solving Puzzles to Execute Stories

    In this episode, Kate Beyda, EVP of Physical Production at New Line Cinema, joins host Candice Bloch to share her extensive experience in film production. From managing budgets to hiring crews to solving complex logistical puzzles, physical production figures out how to get projects made. In the interview, Kate reveals stories from overseeing production logistics to solving on-set challenges, and offers advice on the essential skills required for success in this creative, collaborative industry. Kate has been a part of bringing countless beloved titles to our screens, including films such as While You Were Sleeping, The Rainmaker, Christmas Vacation, Elf, Mortal Kombat, The Hobbit trilogy, We’re the Millers, Wedding Crashers, The Conjuring and IT franchises, Weapons, and many more. Kate also happens to be one of Women in Film and Video’s 2026 Women of Vision honorees! See many of Kate’s credits here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0079878/ Purchase The Creative Producing Handbook here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1032842237 Support the show --- 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!

    Physical Production: Solving Puzzles to Execute Stories

  2. Sep 27

    The Origins of Podcasting with Shaun Michael Colón

    When Tara Jabbari found out there was a documentary about the history of podcasting and it’s impact of audio storytelling, she had to watch it. She also knew, she had to get them on MediaMaker Spotlight.  She speaks with the director of the doc, Shaun Michael Colón, who spent seven years making it. They go over how he got the idea, the evolution of how he got it made, and how he got some of the biggest names in podcasting involved, including Marc Maron, Kara Swisher, Ira Glass, and Tara’s personal favorites, Kevin Smith and Scott Moiser of Smodcastle.  Shaun Michael Colón is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and editor, currently known for Age of Audio, a film exploring the rise of podcasting and the balance between creativity and commerce. Based in Dallas, Shaun has spent seven years crafting this project, focusing on independent creators and audio storytelling’s evolution. To find a screening (or request one) and learn more about the film, visit: https://www.aoamovie.com/ Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/FW06TjJbWEc?si=Ra-r9BLYFfTLMDQ4  Support the show --- 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!

    The Origins of Podcasting with Shaun Michael Colón

  3. Sep 13

    Ed Sullivan's Legacy of Equality in Netflix's 'Sunday Best' Doc

    In this episode, Margo Precht Speciale, granddaughter of Ed Sullivan and producer of the documentary 'Sunday Best,' joins host Candice Bloch to share insights into her film that explores Ed Sullivan's role as a quiet disruptor during the civil rights era. Margo shares her journey of discovering Sullivan’s impact on social justice and about the power of media to shape culture. With a background in archival research and her personal connection to his legacy, Margo brings a unique perspective to the story of her grandfather. The documentary, directed by Sacha Jenkins, is nominated for both an Emmy and Peabody, and highlights the impact of Sulliva’s choices and the cultural significance of his television show. The conversation also explores the process of bringing the documentary to audiences, from assembling the team, to discovering footage gems, to using AI to bring Ed Sullivan’s voice to life in the documentary. Learn more at: https://www.edsullivan.com/sunday-best-the-untold-story-of-ed-sullivan-streaming-on-netflix/ Watch the documentary on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/82048609 Support the show --- 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!

    Ed Sullivan's Legacy of Equality in Netflix's 'Sunday Best' Doc

  4. Aug 30

    Telling Authentic Stories Through Collaborative Filmmaking

    In this episode, discover how award-winning director and producer Mary Darling navigates storytelling that fosters cultural understanding and unity. She speaks with Tara Jabbari about her work, especially her latest film, “Cast Aside The Clouds,” a love story set in Iran. They discuss the importance of cultural authenticity and representation in filmmaking, collaborative directing and diversity in film crews, the universal appeal of small, specific stories, and more.  Watch the trailer and find out the latest about Cast Aside The Clouds: https://www.castasidetheclouds.com/  See Mary’s work here: https://www.westwindpictures.com/  Support the show --- 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!

    Telling Authentic Stories Through Collaborative Filmmaking

  5. Aug 16

    'Cookie Queens' Doc: 4 Girls Scouts & the Power of Selling

    Did you know that Girl Scout cookies are an $800 million business? In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Alysa Nahmias, the writer and director of "COOKIE QUEENS," a new documentary releasing on August 7 all about the pressure of selling the iconic cookies. The doc, which is winner of the SXSW 2026 Audience Award, spotlights four young Girl Scouts, ages five to 12. It follows Ara, Nikki, Shannon Elizabeth, and Olive, through their highs and lows during the Girl Scout cookie selling season - all while still navigating life and pre-teen fun. In their conversation, Alysa shares how the concept came to life after her children gave her a directive to make a film they wanted to see and how she went from wearing the "Mom" hat to the "Director" hat. She also explains the process of casting these four charming and ambitious girls, how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of Archewell Productions joined the project, and the role of Roadside Attractions, an independent film distributor, in getting the film into over 500 theaters. Learn more and find tickets: https://www.cookiequeensfilm.com/ Watch the Cookie Queens trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnSQS43Eil8 Support the show --- 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!

    'Cookie Queens' Doc: 4 Girls Scouts & the Power of Selling

  6. Aug 2

    The Penguin's Production Designer Shares the Power of Sets

    Host Candice Bloch is joined by Kalina Ivanov, an Emmy-winning production designer and storyboard artist with a rich background in both film and television, spanning various genres and styles. She’s known for her work on projects like Little Miss Sunshine, Grey Gardens, Peacemaker, Lovecraft Country, and The Penguin.  As the first artists brought on board a project, Production Designers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a story. Through collaboration on selecting locations, designing sets, and coordinating with other departments like cinematography and costume design, they establish the visual direction and aesthetics of a piece. In their conversation, we discover Kalina’s creative process, collaboration tips, and insights into visual storytelling in film and television. Kalina combines her artistic vision with a deep understanding of character and story to produce her impressive body of work. Kalina shares about doing her own research and creating mood boards, and offers first-hand stories about some of her past projects. For example, for the critically acclaimed HBO show, The Penguin, Kalina emphasizes that she focused on telling a New York story, which required careful consideration of the streets and architecture to achieve the desired atmosphere. And for her work on George Clooney’s period film, Boys in the Boat, her research and the historically accurate boathouse built for the production were crucial in capturing the era’s essence. To learn more about Kalina and her work, as well the Production Designers Collective:  https://www.kalinaivanov.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0412055/ https://www.instagram.com/kalina506/ https://www.productiondesignerscollective.org/ Support the show --- 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!

    The Penguin's Production Designer Shares the Power of Sets

  7. Jul 19

    Inside the Wild World of a Film Critic

    Film critic and entertainment journalist, Mara Reinstein joins host Sandra Abrams to talk about the state of the film industry from someone who covers it for a living. The life of an entertainment journalist may look glamorous, but it is not. Between the impossible deadlines when the Emmys run late, followed by an early morning screening for a major studio film, it can be a marathon for various publications. Reinstein also explains why large studios focus on remakes or franchises, fewer movies are in theaters, and the impact it has on the movie-going public. But there are a few breakout categories, and she gives insight into the new Tom Cruise movie, DIGGER, a satirical black comedy from director, Alejandro G. Inarritu, set for release in October 2026. Reinstein also shares more of her recommendations for movies to see this fall, plus she tells us about who her favorite actor was to interview - in a restaurant that was cleared out for their conversation! Check out Mara's website at maramovies.com    Support the show --- 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!

    Inside the Wild World of a Film Critic

  8. Jul 5

    Jury Duty's Next Reality-Style Scripted Show: Company Retreat

    Host Tara Jabbari chats with actress Wendy Braun, who gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of "Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat.” Learn the fascinating process behind the unique scripted comedy, where real human moments blend with meticulously staged interactions. Wendy shares insights about blending authenticity with improvisation, the human stories that resonate amidst comedy, and how creative resilience can transform careers and lives. Watch the show streaming on Prime Video, all episodes out now.  Wendy Braun’s free guided meditation for CREATING SUCCESS WHILE YOU SLEEP  Support the show --- 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!

    Jury Duty's Next Reality-Style Scripted Show: Company Retreat
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Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Women in Film and Video (DC)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    171
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Women in Film and Video
  • Show Website
    MediaMaker Spotlight