Sista Brunch

TruJuLo Productions

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the film industry, an aspiring filmmaker, or a media enthusiast, Sista Brunch offers a rare glimpse into the professional lives of those who shape contemporary entertainment. It's an essential resource for understanding the role of an inclusive lens in crafting stories that resonate across audiences. Tune into Sista Brunch to hear the powerful voices of those leading the way in Hollywood and beyond. Learn from their experiences, get inspired by their stories, and gain insights into making your mark in the entertainment world.

  1. 06/30/2025 · BONUS

    Sheila Ducksworth on Making Soap Opera History | Sista Brunch Bonus Episode

    TV history in the making! Sheila Ducksworth, executive producer of Beyond the Gates—the first one-hour soap with a predominantly Black cast—joins us to share how she brought her lifelong vision to life. We talk about how the CBS/NAACP partnership came to be, Sheila's career journey from economics major to entertainment exec, and what it means to build with purpose and impact in TV. She also shares a brilliant tech tip, brunch stories, and advice for her younger self. 🎧 Listen + follow us on Spotify, Apple & everywhere you get podcasts. 📲 More on Instagram, YouTube + TikTok: @trujulomedia | @sistabrunchpodcast #BeyondTheGates #SheilaDucksworth #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInEntertainment #TruJuLoMedia

    34 min

  2. 06/19/2025 · BONUS

    Love, Identity & Self-Liberation: Kareema Bee x Ekwa Msangi | Sista Brunch + The HiveMind Unified Q&A

    In this intimate post-screening conversation, The HiveMind Unified founder and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kareema Bee sits down with acclaimed director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor) to unpack the powerful themes in both of their films: The Self Love Act and Farewell Amor. This special Q&A was part of the Sista Brunch x HiveMind Unified celebration held at Vidiots, featuring a community-centered screening and artist talk. From self-love to immigration, cultural identity to creative risk, Kareema and Ekwa speak candidly about what it means to make deeply personal work that also reaches audiences across the globe. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a fan of indie cinema, or on your own healing journey—this conversation is for you. 📍 Farewell Amor is now part of the Criterion Collection.🎬 The Self Love Act is fundraising to produce more episodes—visit HiveMindUnified.com to support. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Welcome & Kareema Bee intro by Shirlyn Cesar01:00 - Ekwa Msangi intro & career highlights03:00 - Love, identity & creative parallels between the two films06:00 - Navigating assimilation & cultural duality10:00 - Ekwa’s personal inspiration for Farewell Amor13:00 - Kareema’s journey to on-camera vulnerability in The Self Love Act16:00 - The metaphor of Kizomba, Kuduro & music as storytelling19:00 - Final reflections on voice, risk & artistry ✨ Hosted by Sista Brunch and The HiveMind Unified 🎧 Subscribe to hear more stories of Black women and gender expansive creatives in entertainment:📺 YouTube: @trujulomedia📲 TikTok: @trujulomedia📸 Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast🌐 Website: www.sistabrunch.com #KareemaBee #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #FarewellAmor #TheSelfLoveAct #HiveMindUnified #Juneteenth #IndependentFilm #BlackWomenDirectors #ImmigrantVoices #CriterionCollection #DocumentarySeries #TruJuLoMedia #StorytellingAsLiberation 🎥🌍🧡

    20 min

  3. 06/19/2025 · BONUS

    Ekwa Msangi on Farewell Amor, Filmmaking Grit & Legacy | Sista Brunch x HiveMind Unified

    In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of Sista Brunch, co-hosted by The HiveMind Unified, we sit down with award-winning writer/director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor, Saint X, Three Women) to talk about the deeply personal story behind her debut feature film, navigating the industry as a Black woman filmmaker, and the long journey to recognition—from Sundance to Criterion Collection. Join host Fanshen Cox and co-host Shirlyn A. Cesar (Emmy-winning producer and HiveMind Unified Director of Programs) as they explore the power of storytelling, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to make timeless work—especially in the face of systemic exclusion. Plus, Ekwa shares what she’d tell her younger self at a real-deal Sista Brunch. 🖤 This episode is dedicated to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black filmmakers everywhere. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome by Fanshen Cox & Shirlyn A. Cesar 03:00 - Introducing Ekwa Msangi & Farewell Amor 06:00 - What inspired the story 08:30 - Navigating Sundance, investors & indie financing 13:00 - Budgeting the film and sacrifices made 16:00 - Distribution journey & pandemic impact 17:30 - Advice to her younger self 19:00 - Five years later: why this film still resonates 20:00 - Immigrant narratives in the age of Trump 21:00 - Favorite creative resources & staying inspired 📍 Recorded at Vidiots and in partnership with The HiveMind Unified, an organization supporting underrepresented early-career creatives in entertainment. 🔗 Follow, Subscribe, and Watch More: Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast YouTube: @trujulomedia TikTok: @trujulomedia Website: www.sistabrunch.com #Juneteenth #BlackFilmmakers #FarewellAmor #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInFilm #CriterionCollection #IndependentFilm #TheHiveMindUnified #TruJuLoMedia #FilmTalk #SundanceFilmFestival

    22 min

  4. 05/09/2025 · BONUS

    Let’s Talk Tech: Tools & Tips from Black Women in TV + Film | Sista Brunch Season 6 Bonus

    How do Black creatives in entertainment actually get the job done? In this end-of-season bonus episode of Sista Brunch, our guests and Black Girls Film Camp co-hosts break down the tech, tools, and behind-the-scenes knowledge they rely on—from LED screens to Avid, Scriptation, and color theory. Whether you're an aspiring director, editor, actor, or producer, you’ll get the real tea on what it takes to thrive behind the scenes in TV and film. Timecodes & Guests:[00:00:00] Jayden introduces Let's Talk Tech[00:00:30] Khalilah Joi – Lighting, backdrops, Line Learner, iMovie & auditions[00:01:50] Shirlyn A. Cesar – Paper edit process (High on the Hog, Netflix)[00:02:45] Noelle Green – LED screens vs. green screens + VFX team dynamics[00:04:25] Canella Williams Larrabee – Art & Props Dept explained[00:05:45] Morenike Joela Evans – Scriptation, Keynote & multicam directing[00:07:00] Erika Green Swafford – Writer-to-showrunner career ladder[00:07:35] Jaida Cox (BGFC alum) – Symbolism & color in post-production[00:08:45] Daysha Broadway, ACE – Editing reality TV, frame rates, camera grouping[00:10:30] Loretta Edwards Wilson – Programming strategy & pitch tips[00:12:00] Marley Jones (BGFC alum) – Sony A7 camera love & film camp support Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast sharing stories of Black women & gender-expansive folks in media. Hosted by Fanshen Cox & Shawn Pipkin-West. Watch, listen, follow, subscribe, like & share on:Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube: @youtube.com/trujulomediaTikTok: @trujulomedia #FilmTech #BlackWomenInMedia #SistaBrunch #DirectingTips #TVProduction #WomenInFilm #BlackGirlsFilmCamp #MediaCareers #SetLife #PostProduction #Scriptation #ColorTheory

    13 min

  5. 05/06/2025 · BONUS

    Dream Bigger: Wisdom for the Next Generation | Sista Brunch Season 6 Compilation

    What would you tell your younger self if you could sit down together for a real Sista Brunch? 🥂 In our Season 6 finale, our brilliant guests — from award-winning writers to groundbreaking producers and directors — share heartfelt advice they wish they had heard when they were just starting out. 💛 From trusting your journey, to embracing your light, to building your dreams without fear — this compilation is packed with the wisdom, love, and encouragement we ALL need to hear. ✨ Guest Timecodes: 00:06 — Erika Green Swafford 00:20 — Noelle Green 01:00 — Tayanna Todd 02:00 — Nandi Bowe 02:53 — Meagan (MeaganzWorld) 03:42 — Shirlyn A. Cesar 05:00 — Daysha Broadway, A.C.E. 06:00 — Khalilah Joi 07:00 — Crystal Shaniece Roman 08:00 — Loretta Edwards Wilson 08:40 — Morenike Joela Evans 09:40 — Alyson Fouse 💥 Don’t miss our most listened-to episode every season! Hit that play button, listen to these gems, and share this love letter to the next generation of Black women and gender expansive storytellers. 👉🏾 Watch, like, comment, subscribe and share! 🖤 YouTube: @trujuolomedia 🖤 TikTok: @trujuolomedia 🖤 Listen on Spotify + Apple Podcasts too! #SistaBrunch #EntertainmentIndustry #BlackWomenInMedia #PodcastCompilation #WisdomToMyYoungerSelf #Storytellers #Filmmakers #TVWriters

    13 min

  6. 04/29/2025 · BONUS

    Real Money Talk: How Black Women Thrive Financially in Film, TV & Media | Sista Brunch Podcast Bonus

    At Sista Brunch, we keep it real — and this bonus episode is no different! 🎤💸 Season 6 guests open up about salaries, budgets, residuals, and multiple income streams across film, television, theater, digital content, and production. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an industry pro, this is the financial wisdom you NEED to hear! 🙌🏾 👀 Watch, Listen, Follow, Subscribe, Like & Share!🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts📺 YouTube: @trujuolomedia🎵 TikTok: @trujuolomedia 👉🏾 Full Timecodes: [00:00:00] Alyson Fouse: Executive Producer salaries, saving tips, and residuals reality [00:03:00] Morenike Joela Evans: Directing gigs post-strike, juggling gigs, and building multiple careers [00:07:00] Loretta Edwards Wilson: Producer budgeting tips and maximizing backend income [00:09:00] Crystal Shaniece Roman: Theater production budgets and financial survival strategies [00:12:00] Khalilah Joi: How actors negotiate pay for Guest Star, Recurring, and Series Regular roles [00:15:00] Daysha Broadway: Climbing the editor pay ladder and why having an agent matters [00:18:00] Shirlyn A. Cesar: The real cost of docuseries production and the constant push for fair pay [00:21:00] Meagan aka MeaganzWorld: Content creation as a business: brand deals, media kits, memberships [00:24:00] Nandi Bowe: Early days pay as a PA and AD, and the hustle for long-term success [00:26:00] Tayanna Todd: Salary growth in corporate media and negotiating beyond base pay [00:30:00] Noelle Green: Breaking down studio production budgets and high-level exec salaries [00:32:00] Erika Green Swafford: Residuals, script fees, and winning with reruns [00:33:00] Fanshen & Shawn: How to support the Sista Brunch community! 🔥 Key Topics: Salaries for TV writers, showrunners, directors, editors, actors, producers, and execs Budgeting for film, theater, TV, and digital content How residuals, grants, brand deals, and memberships build financial sustainability Why negotiating and self-advocacy are critical at every career stage The financial realities behind "making it" in Hollywood 🖤 Hosted by Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West🎙️ Produced by TruJuLo Productions✨ A Webby Award-Nominated Podcast 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss the wisdom, love, and truth that Sista Brunch delivers! #SistaBrunch #EntertainmentIndustry #FilmTVCareers #BlackWomenInFilm #MoneyTalks #TVProduction #Filmmaking #BlackCreatives #PodcastClips #MediaCareers

    34 min
  7. How to Get Away with Murder Screenwriter/Producer Erika Green Swafford on Empowering Black Women in Film and TV

    04/22/2025

    How to Get Away with Murder Screenwriter/Producer Erika Green Swafford on Empowering Black Women in Film and TV

    In this episode of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West, along with Black Girls Film Camp alumni co-host Jaida Cox, delve into the journey of seasoned screenwriter/producer Erika Green Swafford. They discuss her career path from hotel management to writing for hit TV shows like 'How to Get Away with Murder' and 'The Mentalist,' her experiences with the Warner Brothers Writers Workshop, and her current deal to develop TV shows with Disney’s Onyx Collective. The episode also covers technical aspects of filmmaking, financial insights into the industry, and the importance of community and representation in media. Swafford shares personal anecdotes, professional advice, and her vision for the future, making this an inspiring and informative conversation for anyone interested in the entertainment industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:53 Meet Jaida Cox: Black Girls Film Camp Alum 01:20 Jaida's Film Camp Experience 03:28 Welcoming Erika Green Swafford 04:22 Erika's Early Life and Career Beginnings 10:08 Transition to Entertainment Industry 20:51 Warner Brothers Writers Workshop and The Mentalist 26:06 Understanding the Hierarchy in TV Production 26:36 Challenges of Moving Up the Ranks 27:19 Promotions and Career Milestones 27:35 Supporting Our Podcast 28:05 Discussing Financial Aspects of TV Writing 29:12 Residuals and Script Fees 33:27 Overall Deals and Industry Insights 36:32 Technical Aspects of Production 38:41 Personal Touches in Storytelling 42:39 Signature Sista Brunch Question 45:02 Closing Remarks and Credits

    47 min
  8. Netflix Sr. Physical Production Executive Noelle Green on Navigating the Industry From Reston, Virginia to the Most Successful Streaming Service

    04/15/2025

    Netflix Sr. Physical Production Executive Noelle Green on Navigating the Industry From Reston, Virginia to the Most Successful Streaming Service

    In this episode of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West interview Noelle Green, a Senior Physical Production Executive at Netflix. Noelle discusses her journey from Reston, Virginia, to becoming a leading figure in physical production. She shares insights on her career, including working on films with budgets ranging from $20 million to $200 million and spearheading the Netflix Shondaland Producers Inclusion Initiative. The conversation covers various aspects of film production, including the importance of planning, budgeting, and the use of LED screens, and highlights Noelle's commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:31 Introducing Today's Guest: Noelle Green 01:53 Noelle Green's Journey to the Industry 03:14 From Freelance to In-House: Noelle's Career Path 05:43 The Impact of Cinema and Early Influences 08:35 The Role of a Production Coordinator 14:43 Insights into Production Supervision 17:39 The Importance of Inclusion in the Industry 18:58 Budgeting in Film and Series Production 21:27 Executive Salaries at Major Studios 23:12 Shondaland Producers Inclusion Initiative 25:34 Training Programs for Aspiring Producers 28:51 The Rise of LED Screens in Filmmaking 35:40 Signature Sista Brunch Question 40:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    42 min
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5
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the film industry, an aspiring filmmaker, or a media enthusiast, Sista Brunch offers a rare glimpse into the professional lives of those who shape contemporary entertainment. It's an essential resource for understanding the role of an inclusive lens in crafting stories that resonate across audiences. Tune into Sista Brunch to hear the powerful voices of those leading the way in Hollywood and beyond. Learn from their experiences, get inspired by their stories, and gain insights into making your mark in the entertainment world.

Information

  • Creator
    TruJuLo Productions
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 279398
  • Show Website
    Sista Brunch