Reel Talk: An RFC Spotlight Speaker Series
By Reel Families for Change
Reel Talk: An RFC Spotlight Speaker SeriesJul 21, 2022
E309 - Leslie Forde
In this episode, Leslie Forde -- founder and CEO of Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® -- talks us through the four pillars of equitable, inclusive workplaces. She'll share how hirers, large and small, can center care for all their workers -- including contingent workers like those in the screen industry.
About Leslie Forde
LinkedIn | Notable Media Mention
About Mom’s Hierarchy of Needs® Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X9 (formerly Twitter)
E308 - Vicki Shabo
Join us on this episode as we hear from Vicki Shabo, founding director of the "Re-Scripting Gender, Work, Family, and Care" program at the New America Foundation's Better Life Lab. Vicki is a lawyer, advocate, and policy expert who aims to affect shift paradigms by changing narratives... literally.
In her role as director of the "Re-scripting" program, Vicki collaborates with studios, showrunners, and writers to integrate more authentic storytelling on topics of care, family, gender, and overall work-life success into scripted and unscripted TV and film.
Recognizing that accountability structures and support vehicles must exist to see these efforts succeed, she also champions policy that expands workers' access to paid family and medical leave and paid sick time, promotes fair pay and aids all workers with caregiving responsibilities – including those in the screen industry.
About Our Guest
LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter)
About Her Work
E307 - Dr. Rupi Legha // Anti-Racist MD
Rupinder Legha, MD is an independent clinician, scholar, and activist based in Los Angeles, CA, where she specializes in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. Her approach centers on holistic mental health services, emphasizing healing without coercion, force, or harm.
As an antiracism educator, Dr. Rupi has authored numerous articles on integrating anti-oppressive practices into mental healthcare and medical education.
Recently, she introduced The Antiracism in Mental Health Fellowship, a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, intensive training program for healthcare providers.
GUEST INFO
LinkedIn | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
ABOUT HER WORK
Website | Fellowship Registration
E306 - Melinda Hsu
On today's episode, we're talking with Melinda Hsu; writer and showrunner for some of your favorite binge-worthy classics like LOSt, NANCY DREW, TOM SAWYER, and more.
Listen in as Melinda shares what she's learned from her years in the industry about genuine collaboration, intentional listening, and leading with kindness.
With her insightful perspective and practical applications, Melinda is a role model for any industry executive ready to shift toward more sustainable, KIND production practices.
GUEST INFO
Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
ABOUT MELINDA'S PODCAST | Lead with Kindness
A podcast that explores how kindness and inclusion, and intentionally fostering both in your environment, leads not only to better business results and higher standards of professionalism but PS - is the right thing to do.
E305 - Kim Rohrer
Meet Kim Rohrer, writer, caregiver advocate, and Chief Creative Officer of Peak HR -- a company striving to change the way we work from the inside out.
Indeed, Kim is far from your ordinary HR executive. A former actor, she's uniquely familiar with working artists' need for portable, flexible benefits and has been working to expand new market options into the entertainment space.
Now, Kim leverages her unique perspective to help executives who hire contingent workers understand the benefits of supporting their workforce -- even if they aren't classified as "employees."
Listen in as Kim shares the parallels between entertainment and technology, analyzes the effects of tech investment in the film industry, and offers suggestions for how we can improve work-life integration efforts in the industry.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
LinkedIn | I Care Too Much Substack | X (formerly Twitter)
ABOUT THE COMPANY
E304 - Mo Ryan // Burn It Down
On this episode, we're joined by Maureen "Mo" Ryan, a veteran reporter and Hollywood critic as we explore her first book, Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and the Call for Change in Hollywood.
Together, we'll delve into how Mo leveraged years of research, reporting, and righteous anger, not only to challenge the industry's toxic norms but also consider how care, compassion, and a whole lot of outside-the-box thinking can make things better.
BURN IT DOWN
ABOUT MO
E303 - Kiel Thorlton
KielThorlton is an award-winning indie writer and director. His most recent feature,A PLACE CALLED HOME, not only centers on themes of family and care but was intentionally produced to ensure the presence of families on-set.
In this episode, Kiel will share how he and his team deliberately applied compassionate accountability to bring sustainability to their set with shorter days and on-site childcare. And he'll offer some insights into how you can do the same, whether you're an established filmmaker, a weekend warrior, or still finding your way into the fray.
FILM INFO
E302 - Plan C (The Movie) w/ Tracy Droz Tragos and Jess Jacobs
SENSITIVITY NOTICE: War | Grief | Abortion
In this episode, we'll talk with the powerhouse director-producer duo, Tracy Droz Tragos and Jess Jacobs, of the award-winning documentary PLAN C. It follows Francine Coeytaux, a public health expert and the co-founder of the organization of the same name as she and her team fight to expand knowledge of - and access to - the abortion pill across the United States.
Hear from the filmmakers about how they traversed rejection, found aligned partnerships, and ultimately brought this timely, urgent, and compelling story to the screen.
And watch the digital premiere of critically acclaimed documentary here on AppleTV.
GUEST INFO
Jess Jacobs
Tracy Droz Tragos
FILM INFO
The National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda was referenced during this episode. You can learn more about them here.
E301 - Natalie Metzger
On this episode, we'll sit with Natalie Metzger: award-winning filmmaker, VP of Production and Development at Vanishing Angle, and brand new mom. (Yes, film and family!)
Natalie will share some of her tried and tried processes for fostering a sustainable set, building a cooperative team, and taking care of your crew. She'll talk about why sustainability doesn't actually cost you more money... and how it might even save you a few dollars.
Learn more about Natalie and her incredible work here:
You can also follow Vanishing Angle online via these platforms:
(BONUS) E208: ARTS-BASED SUPPLIER DIVERSITY w/Shavonne White
Thank you for joining us for Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
We appreciate your support as we worked to make this season a special one with our limited edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
For this final BONUS episode, we're joined by Shavonne White, Director of the Office of Supplier Diversity at Delaware's Division of Small Business.
With nearly 20 years' experience in the public sector aiding nonprofits, small businesses, and independent contractors in the process of supplier certification, Shavonne shares how arts-based, minority-owned businesses can leverage government sales to sustain their business.
Still haven't purchased the full catalog? Now's your chance! Visit our program page and you can gain full access to the entire audiovisual series with a minimum $5 contribution. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E207 - FROM WIN TO WIN w/Rashidi Hendrix
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
Join us for a candid conversation with 3-time Emmy winning producer and industry leader, Rashidi Hendrix. We'll hear from him about why it's important to keep the big picture in mind, take chances, and how to reframe our thoughts about achievement to help us find (and strive for) the next win.
Interested in learning more? Want to get in touch with Rashidi? We invite you to visit our program page. A minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E206 - HOW TO "TRUST YOUR MAGIC" w/Kristen V. Carter
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers. Yet another incomparable treat, today we'll hear from Executive Producer, Kristen V. Carter. Kristen is an award-winning creative and the founding principal of "Blessed, Booked, and Busy" and founding member of the brand, "Trust Your Magic." Her work aims to support independent contractors and emerging entrepreneurs with becoming 6-figure earners.
Want to hear more from Kristen about her process for helping creatives to consistently earn six-figures? Visit our program page to access the full series catalog. Trust us -- and trust yourself -- it's worth it! Your minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests, including Kristen.
Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry. We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E205 - BUSTING THE MYTH OF "THE BIG BREAK" w/Booker T. Mattison
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers. Join us as we chat with Booker T. Mattison: author, filmmaker, professor, father, and husband. Booker shares why dedication and consistency are better than passion alone. He talks about his streaming debut, The Sound of Christmas (2022), on BET+ starring Ne-Yo and Serayah McNeill as well as what's next.
To get in touch with Booker, hear more about his process, and discover why in the world he'd headed to Arkansas, you'll need to acquire the full series catalog. Visit our program page and make a minimum $5 contribution to gain access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E204 - ANTI-RACIST ARTMAKING w/Nicole M. Brewer
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
Today, you're in for a treat as we listen in to Nicole M. Brewer; Founder and Lead Practitioner at Anti-Racist Theatre.
In this session, Nicole shares why naming ourselves and owning the authority of our agency is critical when entering negotiations -- and why everything is a negotiation. She'll highlight the importance of community and why it's key to listen to yourself.
Want to hear the full episode and listen as Nicole guides us through the correlations between how we show up in the room and how that translates into our revenue-generating endeavors? Visit our program page and download the full catalog. A minimum, on-time $5 contribution will grant you access to the complete audiovisual sessions with each of our featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E203 - LIFE CENTERED FINANCE FOR FREELANCERS w/ Sabrina LaFleur, CPA
[THIS EPISODE WAS PRE-RECORDED]
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
On this episode, we'll hear from Sabrina LaFleur -- Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Manager.
Sabrina will share her experience with life-centered financial planning; a pathway to financial literacy and fiscal wellness that centers your personal value and lived experience when calculating things like salary and pricing, and offer unique considerations for artists looking to apply this unique approach.
If you'd like hear Sabrina's full recommendations and take advantage of special pricing for RFC members, you'll need to visit our program page and access the full series catalog. A minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our various featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E202 - KNOWING THE WORTH OF YOUR WORK w/Bliss Griffin
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
On today's episode, we're joined by RFC regular, Bliss Griffin of BG Consulting, LLC. Bliss is an acclaimed DEI strategist and consultant specializing in the media and entertainment space.
Listen in to this brief clip where she shares her perspectives about showing up as artist and entrepreneur in challenging spaces, and how to leverage relationships with aligned partners.
If you'd like access to the full series catalog, we invite you to visit our program page. A minimum $5 contribution will grant you access to the full audiovisual sessions with our featured guests. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E201: THE ARTPRENEUR MINDSET w/Mackenzie Irick Milks
Welcome to Season 2 of Reel Talk, a spotlight speaker series brought to you by Reel Families for Change.
This season, we're doing things a bit differently. We're Introducing a special edition series called "Of Color". This unique series is dedicated to showcasing and empowering BIPOC changemakers in the screen industry. These engaging sessions were recorded as part of our BIPOC Artpreneur Training Program, an industry initiative to bridge gaps for BIPOC creative entrepreneurs. Each week, we'll share an abridged clip from one of our featured speakers.
In this episode, we'll hear from Mackenzie Irick Milks; long-time supporter of Reel Families for Change and the Founder/CEO of Belief by Design, LLC. She'll share with us the importance of a positive inner-monologue and personal fortitude when trying to thrive as an artpreneur, as well as her experiences and expertise around personal strategy consultation and transformative sciences.
Mackenzie will offer some insight into what's needed to overcome the self-imposing barriers and limiting beliefs that often trip us up on the way to entrepreneurial sustainability; especially for those of us identifying as BIPOC or from a marginalized demographic.
If you'd like access to the full catalog, we invite you to visit our program page. There you'll find a contribution link ($5 minimum) that will grant you access upon receipt of your one-time payment. Your paid support contributes to the program's sustainability and the empowerment of underrepresented voices in the industry.
We look forward to your support and invite you to stay connected.
E108 - Bliss Griffin, DEI Media Strategist (FINALE)
On today's episode, we'll chat with DEI Media Strategist, Bliss Griffin.
Bliss is a nationally acclaimed strategist, known for her work with some of the country's top theatrical and media-based entities. Her work centers on brining the business side back to show business, as we look at what it means to integrate inclusive solutions.
In her work, Bliss seeks ways to help individuals and organizations have the hard conversations about expectations and operations so they can come together for more intentional, authentic, and respectful creation.
Listen in as we chat with the community organizing, justice touting, left-handed Gemini; full of sparkles, statistics, and snark: Bliss Griffin.
FOLLOW BLISS ONLINE
www.blissgriffin.com
Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
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E107 - BONUS! Work-Life Summit AMA Session with RFC Founder, Akima A. Brown
You're in for a real treat this week, Friend!
Join us for a sneak peek into the design and implementation of RFC's biggest programs and Initiatives. Learn how the organization came into partnership with the Parent Artist Advocacy League for Performing Arts + Media, and what the organizations have in mind for future collaborations. Be among the first to hear about some of RFC's forthcoming solutions and how you can get involved.
Ready to make the future of filmmaking fair. Tune in now!
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Check out both orgs online
PAAL Theatre
www.paaltheatre.com
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter
Reel Families for Change
www.reelfamilies.org
LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
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Want to continue the conversation? Join our online community forum.
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E106 - Jon Bregel, Founder of Variable
It's that time again! Welcome to another episode of Reel Talk, our spotlight speaker series with industry changemakers.
Today, we have Jon Bregel. Jon is a filmmaker and filmmaking coach located in Baltimore, MD. He is also the founder of Variable; an online community where filmmakers prioritize wellness & growth. Through the Variable community, Jon also offers one-on-one coaching for filmmakers.
Join us as Jon explains the life-altering experiences that led him to prioritize his physical and mental health, restructure his work around it, and then support other filmmakers in doing the same.
Follow Jon Online
wearevariable.com
Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to continue the conversation? Join our online community forum.
***Be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star comment.***
E105 - Jennifer Price Founder of Disability Media Network
Welcome to another episode of Reel Talk! On today's episode we're joined by the incomparable Jennifer Price.
Jennifer is the Founder and CEO of the Disability Media Network (aka DiMe Network), a streaming platform intentionally designed to center content that represents the differently abled. The network features films, shows, and sporting events that are either produced by or showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities.
This episode will also feature a conversation on "dignified storytelling"; a phrase that embodies a movement which aims to encourage the telling of authentic, respectful stories without jeopardizing the dignity and/or integrity of the subjects or those creating them. Listen in and learn more.
Connect with Jennifer online
https://www.dimenetworktv.com
Instagram | Twitter
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E104 - BONUS! Work-Life Summit Opening Remarks with Madeline Di Nonno
Join us for a phenomenal conversation with the phenom herself, Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO of The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, as we explore the importance of representation, access, and accountability when supporting screen workers on their journey #FromSeeingToBeing.
Madeline is a highly active, well-versed production professional who understands the needs and is doing the work. Tune in now!
Follow Madeline Online
www.seejane.org
Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
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E103 - Bree Frank, Founder of Hue You Know
Bree Frank is an accomplished Television Executive from Queens, New York. With over 20 years of professional production experience, she has produced 275 hours of unscripted television including MTV's Room Raiders, TLC's A Makeover Story and the award-winning television format Wife Swap. She has also contributed to a number of series during a 10-year run in Production Management for ZodiakMedia's New York office.
Bree got her start in media as an accountant coordinator at BBDO for clients such as Campbell's Soup, American International Group and Swanson. It wasn't long before she made the transition to the world of freelance production where she provided production management and line production services for reputable companies such as Blackfin Television and Magilla Entertainment. In 2018, Bree took a leap of faith and moved her entire family to Los Angeles, CA to begin a new chapter of her life. She quickly landed at Matador Content and served as the Executive in Charge of Production where she managed a robust development slate as well as projects for Disney+, Apple TV+, Crackle, and Showtime.
Two years later, Bree transitioned to SVP of Physical Production, Unscripted for Reese Witherspoon's media company Hello Sunshine. Bree is thrilled to work at a women-led company with a clear mission to tell exceptional stories and move the television zeitgeist forward. In addition to television, Bree is extremely passionate about mentorship. She is the founder of HUE You Know, an online production resource group for professionals of color. The organization currently consists of over 18,000 members around the nation in various areas of production. Bree’s ultimate goal is to create paid opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds and above all, lift the voices of our collective community in the world of media and beyond.
Follow Bree
hueyouknow.com
@hueyouknow_
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E102 - Meg Messmer, Multiphenate Creative and Filmmaking Mama
Join us as we chat with Meg Messmer; multi-hyphenate producer-creator-writer-actor and mama. She's the founder of the Multi-Hyphenate Creative Community on Facebook and the forthcoming Hollywood Mama podcast, which centers moms balancing the demands of caretaking and their roles as screen industry professionals. Meg's work spans more than a decade. She's worked on film and television projects ranging from low-budget indie films to multi-million dollar studio productions with A-list talent.
Listen in as we explore Meg's balance of filmmaking and motherhood, hear about her recent projects, and discover how her relocation to the European Union has changed her views about what's possible when supporting parent-artists.
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Follow Meg Online
www.megmessmer.com
@megmessmer
E101 - Melissa Houghton, Women in Film & Video (DC)
On this episode, we're joined by WIFV-DC's Executive Director, Melissa Houghton, as she talks with us her work supporting female-identifying, and female-allied, media-makers in the Mid-Atlantic and around the world. We learn a bit about her journey and explore how her love of story and history have informed her perspectives on media as a vehicle for social change.
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***Be sure to subscribe and leave a 5-star comment.***