Member Events

Power Pitching & Networking

Member Workshop

November 21, 2022

Join WIF for an interactive member workshop with Jim Arnoff that will give you the career coach / talent agent consultant’s secrets to networking and pitching with results. Learn the tools to make the strongest connection quickly, create the most memorable interaction and how to follow up effectively. Gain insights on how to lose your shyness, insecurities and uncertainty around networking/pitching. Build your own brand of networking/pitching that will set you apart, embrace your personality and make networking/pitching effortless. You’ll learn what it really takes to make a powerful pitch and networking connection. What are the pitfalls to avoid at all cost? How can you master the art of networking/pitching with your own style and personality? Hear tips on how to prepare, how to read the person you’re networking/pitching, how to engage, how to anticipate every question. If you ever wondered what it really takes to network for powerful connections and gain the confidence to pitch with results this workshop is for you.

Creating Winning Collaborations

Member Workshop

October 19, 2022

WIF is proud to bring another interactive member workshop with Jim Arnoff, that will give you the Career Coach / Talent Agent Consultant’s strategy for attracting, creating, and building powerful collaboration. Gain the tools to strengthen your creative vision through partnering with complementary individuals—creative colleagues, co-writers, producers, studio executives, directors, etc. What pitfalls should you avoid? How do you know if it’s the right fit? How do you structure the relationship, and what happens if the collaboration isn’t working? Learn to claim your voice in every relationship, articulate your creative points with impact, and how to navigate conflict. Create your own blueprint for an ideal partnership and reap the maximum rewards.

Navigating Netflix

WIFTI Worldwide Webinars

October 3, 2022

In this WIFTI Worldwide Webinar, join Netflix Director of International Original Film Teresa Moneo for an interactive Q&A session. She will share her own journey, answer questions, and give advice touching on the Netflix ecosystem. There will be a link to send questions in advance to Teresa in the September WIFTI newsletter. This conversation will be moderated by WIFTI President Helene Granqvist.

Pitch & Packaging the Netflix Way

WIFTI Worldwide Webinars

September 12, 2022

Chris Mack, Director of Grow Creative for Netflix Interactive Originals, will delve into what exactly makes a television pitch work at Netflix. In this tailor-made workshop, he’ll discuss the essentials you’ll need to catch Netflix’s eye and will zero in on how to write an effective pitch document. He’ll pose questions you’ll be able to answer and communicate for your series and give you ideas on how best to communicate your show’s overview, world, tone, and characters. Chris will then discuss how season summaries should be built and give you ideas on how to think about and present potential episodes. Finally, you will have the invaluable opportunity to ask Chris your own questions.

You will leave this presentation with the understanding of how to structure and present your series, not in theory, but directly from the source.

Greenlight: Media Execs Talk Shop

Workshop for Storyteller Level Members and Above

July 7, 2022

Calling all WIF members at the Storyteller level and above: WIF is hosting a virtual roundtable with incredible executives and creatives for an insiders’ conversation about the business. Join us as we chat with Eryn Brown (1IN4 Coalition) and Margaret Boykin (Head of Film, Ubisoft Film & Television), as well as other exciting guests to be announced about their perspectives on pressing issues in the industry as well as exciting new trends they want to see more of.

What Now? Marketing & Distributing Your Film

Member Workshop

July 6, 2022

This workshop is dedicated to indie filmmakers who find themselves asking “What now?” after their film is made. Join WIF and filmmaker Zanah Thirus for a member workshop that will cover the basics of marketing and distribution, as well as resources for getting your film out into the world! Space is limited to 25 participants! Don’t wait to sign up.

Maximizing Your Creative Team

Member Workshop

June 20, 2022

Do you feel challenged in attracting the right career partners that are truly aligned with you? Are you stuck in a relationship with an agent or manager and aren’t certain how to exit? Do you want to know how to pitch yourself to an agent or manager? Do you feel that you’re giving all your power over to your reps? If the answer to any of those questions is “yes,” then join Career Coach/Talent Agent Consultant Jim Arnoff in a highly interactive workshop that will give you the insights, confidence and power to create the right partners for you. You will learn what it really takes to have collaborations that honor your value, respect your skills, and are mutually beneficial in every way.

You’ll come away having learned to identify the blocks that get in the way of your attracting, nurturing and growing empowering relationships. You’ll also create the awareness to say YES to the right relationships, NO to those that are not empowering, and how to tell the difference! This workshop will give you the insider’s take on how to reclaim the decisions in your partnerships, the most effective ways to build your confidence, communicate with conviction and ask for what you want.You don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn the best ways to collaborate with ease, claim your authentic voice and honor your creativity.

MOTHERING SUNDAY

Member Screening and Q&A

March 17, 2022

WIF and Sony Pictures Classics present an exclusive, members-only advance virtual screening of Mothering Sunday, followed by a Q&A with director Eva Husson.

BEING THE RICARDOS

Member Screening and Q&A

March 16, 2022

WIF and Amazon Studios present an exclusive, members-only virtual screening of Being the Ricardos, followed by a Q&A with actress Nicole Kidman and Mindy Kaling.

"Loving the Process: Write the Story Only You Can Write" Workshop

March 16, 2022

Wouldn’t it be nice to finally give yourself the gift of getting started on that script? Then join us, and your fellow storytellers, for an inspirational workshop where you’ll learn some quick tips and tricks to help get you started right away. You should join if…

• You know you have great stories, but you have no idea how to get started writing that script.
• You know how to get started, but feel like you never have enough time.
• You’re secretly afraid that even if you did have enough time, you might not have enough talent.
• You’ve already written books or scripts, but feel like you don’t have a solid process/mindset that allows you to go deep enough with your stories.

What you can expect:

• Transformative discussions around time/talent that will show you a new way of looking at writing/storytelling and where/why it must fit into your life.
• Coaching around what it’s going to take to start and finish a script this year. Creating a schedule you can stick to, no matter how busy you are.
• A guided writing exercise to help you find and/or clarify the story/ies only you can tell.
• Tips for how to find the support/resources you need to get started and keep on going.

Be ready with your favorite writer’s beverage and/or snack and something to write with. Your writing journey starts now!

THREE SONGS FOR BENAZIR

Laptop Cinema Club

WATCH NOW

March 11, 2022

WIF and Netflix present an exclusive, members-only virtual screening of Three Songs for Benazir, followed by a Q&A with director/producer Elizabeth Mirzaei and editor Melanie Annan.

THE LOST DAUGHTER

Screening Series

March 10, 2022

WIF and Netflix present an exclusive, members-only in-person screening of The Lost Daughter, followed by a Q&A with director Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Member Lobby Chats

WIF @ Sundance

WIF members, have you already purchased your tickets for films at Sundance from women or non-binary directors? Join WIF staff members in “The Lobby,” for brief virtual conversations with other audience members for select films!

Maidenhood (Shorts Program), Directed by Xochitl Enriquez Mendoza
Register here to join WIF’s Toni-Marie Gallardo on Thurs. 1/20 at 5:00 p.m. PST

La Guerra Civil, Directed by Eva Longoria Bastón
Register here to join WIF’s Katherine Spada on Thurs. 1/20 at 6:30 p.m. PST

To the End, Directed by Rachel Lears
Register here to join WIF’s Emily Karlsson on Mon. 1/23 at 1:30 p.m. PST

AM I OK?, Directed by Stephanie Allynne & Tig Notaro
Register here to join WIF’s Raissa Reis and Toni-Marie Gallardo on Tues. 1/24 at 3:15 p.m.

Just Another Girl on the I.R.T., Directed by Leslie Harris
Register here to join WIF’s Ariel Grant on Tues. 1/24 at 6:30 p.m. PST

The Janes, Directed by Tia Lessen & Emma Pildes
Register here to join WIF’s Ebony Adams on Tues. 1/24 at 7:00 p.m. PST

Alice, Directed by Krystin Ver Linden
Register here to join WIF’s Ariel Grant on Weds. 1/25 at 9:15 a.m. PST

Brainwashed, Directed by Nina Menkes
Register here to join the WIF Help Line team on Weds. 1/25 at 2:30 p.m. PST

Emails, Bios, Credits, & Reels

High Impact, High Energy

January 13, 2022

It all starts with the first written communication—your one chance to connect and get that meeting! What makes that powerful pitch in writing and video? What language could be holding you back? And how can you communicate your story in the most compelling way?

Join Career Coaching/Talent Agent Consultant Jim Arnoff in an interactive workshop that will give you insider’s tips on how to craft the most effective emails, bio, list of credits, and reels. Hear the best ways to draft emails in bullet form that succinctly lay out your accomplishments, write a narrative biography for maximum connection, create a list of credits, and produce/edit a reel that embraces your career experiences with precision. This workshop is for anyone who wants to communicate powerfully in every situation, every time.

THE POWER OF THE DOG

In-Person Screening and Q&A

December 9, 2021

WIF and Netflix present an exclusive members-only screening of THE POWER OF THE DOG, followed by a Q&A with its award-winning director, writer, and producer Jane Campion, moderated by Guillermo del Toro.

Gotham Week

Owning It! Networking Event

September 20, 2021

Join The Gotham’s Owning It! program in partnership with New York Women in Film & Television, WIF, and European Film Market’s EFM Startups for a free virtual speed networking mixer in celebration of Gotham Week. Meet other driven, dedicated members of the filmmaking, creative, and entrepreneurship communities, and learn more about how the various organizations in attendance can help set you up for success.

Meet the Board

May 12, 2021

Join the conversation with our new intimate series for higher level members, featuring the WIF Board of Directors! WIF Board President Amy Baer (Landline Pictures, Gidden Media) and producer Monica Levinson (BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM) sit down together fireside chat-style as long-time friend and collaborators to kick off the series. The pair will be taking questions from members with the option of meeting them onscreen! Hear the two pros together.

This event is open to Career, Storyteller, Champion, and Patron level members. Click here if you are interested in upgrading your membership to have access to events like this one!

Reimagining RomComs in Bollywood, Nollywood, and Hollywood

WIFT International Event

March 2, 2021

The quest for love is everlasting, and so is the quest for relevant romantic comedies. With this event we will explore the cultural perspectives on love across the world’s most influential film industries, Bollywood, Nollywood, and Hollywood. Experts will discuss the beloved genre’s classics as well as new opportunities of storytelling today and for the future.

Members of WIFT chapters around the globe, including WIF Los Angeles, are welcome to attend this free, registration-required event. Members are also welcome to an exclusive networking session immediately following. With questions, contact info@wiftg.de.

Production Agreements and Deal Points

Dorisa Shahmirzai, JD

November 12, 2020

Join WIF for a vital, interactive workshop explaining key deal points for contracts and negotiating and understanding producer agreements for film and television with attorney Dorisa Shahmirzai, JD. Participants will have the opportunity to break into sessions and work on a fact pattern where they role-play as agents, producers, and talent, and exercise key negotiation points.

Being a Powerful Leader, Owning Your Power, and Claiming Your Authentic Voice

Career Coach Jim Arnoff

November 5, 2020

No matter where you are in your entertainment career, what your level of experience is, or what your position is right now, you can be a true, motivational, powerful leader—because it’s about your empathy, connectedness, and style of communication. This interactive workshop will give you the coaching tools and skills to be a strong leader in your own way, with your own personality—while embracing all the assets that are uniquely yours. Learn the steps to break through the blocks that hold you back from claiming your authentic voice and owning your power. Hear the Career Coach/Talent Agent Consultant’s take on speaking from strength, communicating with conviction, and leading through inspiration…no matter where you are in your career.

"Owning Your Power; Taking Charge of Your Career"

Career Coach Jim Arnoff

September 17, 2020

Looking to have a lot more say in the way things are handled in your entertainment career? Tired of handing decisions over to your agent, manager, producer, or collaborator? Feeling intimidated about money and talking a deal? This interactive workshop will give you the agent’s/career coach’s take on how to reclaim the decisions in your career. Learn the most effective ways to build your confidence, communicate with conviction, and ask for what you want. Gain the skills to negotiate in a way that minimizes the fears and maximizes the results. Hear the insider’s tips on how to network in a way that sets you apart and creates the most memorable connections. You will hear the best ways to collaborate with ease, claim your authentic voice and honor your creativity. This workshop is all about claiming your power, leveraging your strengths, and being fully expressed.

Creating the Ideal Entertainment Career

Career Coach Jim Arnoff

July 9, 2020

With everything changing around you, what better way to take control than to design your ideal career that speaks your true career purpose and the impact you want to have in this world. Join repeat facilitator and Career Coach/ Talent Agent Consultant Jim Arnoff in an interactive workshop where you will strategize together how you will make that dream entertainment career become your new reality.  Break through blocks that have been holding you back, maximize your options and clearly see the career that truly embraces your passions.

Jim Arnoff is a Certified Career/Life/Business Coach to the entertainment industry, small business owners, veterans in film and television, women in finance, and NYU alumni. Jim is certified by the International Coach Federation and founded the Gay Coaches Collective, which provides pro bono coaching to the LGBT community. Jim draws from his experience as a talent agent to provide consulting services to creatives in the entertainment industry in developing their television series/feature films as well as guiding producers in starting their own production companies. He practices entertainment law in television, film, and digital. Jim worked at the William Morris Agency as both an in-house lawyer and television packaging agent. He leads workshops for Veterans in Media and Entertainment/East and West, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Women In Film, the U.S. Military Academy, Writers Guild of America/East and West, the Actors Fund/East and West, New York Women in Film & Television, NYU Tisch School of the Arts/Arts & Entertainment Alumni Network, Hollywood Women’s Collective, The Filmshop/East and West, Hollywood Radio and Television Society, Ladies of Comedy Association, Children’s Media Association, Women’s Network at NBCUniversal, and the Motion Picture Institute. Jim is a faculty member of the School of Visual Arts (“Pitching Your Television Series to the Industry Pros”) and guest speaks at NYU and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He is a member of the New York State, New York City, and LGBT Bar Associations.

Get Crewvie

Interactive Workshop

June 26, 2020

WIF is announcing its partnership with Crewvie, an online solution for producers to find and promote local crew and production support world wide. We are so excited to invite members to this interactive workshop lead by the Crewvie team to introduce the platform and build your profile with you. Open your browser to follow along! Learn more about Crewvie before joining.

Colleagues and friends Marcei Brown and Jeanette Volturno devised a plan to create a much needed, robust database designed for entertainment industry professionals, to assemble and share their top-tier location crews for movies, television, commercials and digital programming.

Marcei has served as an Assistant Director, Line Producer and Unit Production Manager (DGA) on films ranging from “Get Out,” to “BlacKkKlansman,” to “Benji.” Jeanette’s expertise includes accounting, VFX and production (PGA). She is currently a co-founder of Catchlight Studios and formerly Head of Production for Blumhouse Productions where she has worked on more than 60 feature films including Academy Award-winning movies “Whiplash” and “Get Out.” They also collaborate together in their other company CatchLight Films.

Marcei and Jeanette turned to web engineering veterans, Camille Alcasid and Sandra Jimenez of Westside Websites, to bring their vision to full fruition. Camille and Sandra listened carefully to Marcei’s and Jeanette’s goals and studied the industry’s pain points in film production from the perspective of Line Producers. The solution is Crewvie.com, a proprietary technology powerhouse, custom-developed with the latest web and distributed search engine technologies.

Crewvie.com is a much-needed resource that not only ensures a successful and efficient on-location working environment, but one that adheres to Marcei’s and Jeanette’s commitment to “Pay it Forward.”

Power Pitching & Networking

Career Coach Jim Arnoff

May 29, 2020

This interactive workshop will give you the career coach/talent agent’s secrets to networking and pitching with results. Learn the tools to make the strongest connection quickly, create the most memorable interaction, and how to follow up effectively. Gain insights on how to lose your shyness, insecurities, and uncertainty around networking. Build your own brand of networking that will set you apart, embrace  your personality, and make networking effortless. You’ll learn what it really takes to make a powerful pitch of your services and film/television projects. What are the pitfalls to avoid at all costs? How can you master the art of pitching with your own style and personality? Hear tips on how to prepare, how to read the person you’re pitching to, how to pitch as a team, how to engage, and how to anticipate every question. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to network for powerful connections and gain the confidence to pitch with results, this workshop is for you.

Jim Arnoff is a Certified Career/Life/Business Coach to the entertainment industry, small business owners, veterans in film and television, women in finance, and NYU alumni. Jim is certified by the International Coach Federation and founded the Gay Coaches Collective, which provides pro bono coaching to the LGBT community. Jim draws from his experience as a talent agent to provide consulting services to creatives in the entertainment industry in developing their television series/feature films as well as guiding producers in starting their own production companies. He practices entertainment law in television, film, and digital. Jim worked at the William Morris Agency as both an in-house lawyer and television packaging agent. He leads workshops for Veterans in Media and Entertainment/East and West, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Women In Film, the U.S. Military Academy, Writers Guild of America/East and West, the Actors Fund/East and West, New York Women in Film & Television, NYU Tisch School of the Arts/Arts & Entertainment Alumni Network, Hollywood Women’s Collective, The Filmshop/East and West, Hollywood Radio and Television Society, Ladies of Comedy Association, Children’s Media Association, Women’s Network at NBCUniversal, and the Motion Picture Institute. Jim is a faculty member of the School of Visual Arts (“Pitching Your Television Series to the Industry Pros”) and guest speaks at NYU and the Fashion Institute of Technology. He is a member of the New York State, New York City, and LGBT Bar Associations.

Happy Hour Hang with WIF Board Member

CAA's Talitha Watkins

May 15, 2020

Our special guest is Talitha Watkins, WIF Board member and an executive and motion picture agent at Creative Artists Agency focused on expanding opportunities for diverse talent.

Talitha Watkins is an executive and motion picture agent at Creative Artists Agency focused on expanding opportunities for diverse talent. She served as VP of Multicultural Marketing at Universal Pictures with a concentration on the African-American marketplace. With 75 films under her belt, she played an integral part in developing BEST MAN HOLIDAY and launching multicultural blockbusters FAST & FURIOUS 6, FURIOUS 7, and the record-breaking musical biopic STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON.

Formerly the Assistant General Manager for the digital suite of women’s brands at Telepictures Productions, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Television. She served in a multicultural development role creating strategies for the online presence of the premiere African-American women’s magazine – Essence.com. She also managed operations, sales, and audience development for Ellentv.com, Tyrashow.com, Extratv.com, and Momlogic.com.

Talitha was born in Jamaica; she grew up on the East Coast and spent the last decade-plus in Southern California. She began her career in cable television working in Affiliate Sales at A&E Television Networks in New York. Upon moving to Los Angeles, she spent time working for an agency representing well-known composers James Horner, Hans Zimmer, Terrence Blanchard, and many more.

Following that she worked in marketing and digital media capacities at notable cable networks. This cross-section of experiences has provided her valuable insight into the nuances of culture, content, and audiences.

Watkins holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from the Fox School of Business at Temple University. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her daughter Selah.

The Creative Process in Times of Chaos

Dr. Megan Auster-Rosen, PsyD

May 14, 2020

Join clinical psychologist, writer, and performer Dr. Megan Auster-Rosen for her workshop, “The Creative Process in Times of Chaos.” In this workshop, Megan will expand on her discussion of grief, trauma, and self care, leaving you with specific tools that you can use to engage with your creative practice during this difficult time.

Megan Auster-Rosen, PsyD, is a writer, performer and clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma and grief. Her predoctoral training was at Bellevue Hospital Center where she worked at the Program for Survivors of Torture as well as in the psychiatric emergency room, and her postdoctoral training was with trauma and psychosis at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. In addition to being a psychologist she holds a Masters degree in Performance Studies from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and has written, directed and co-produced multiple theater projects with international refugee populations. She performs as a storyteller in both Los Angeles and New York and uses storytelling as a fundamental element to her work as a psychotherapist. She currently co-runs the mental health program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and she has a private practice in downtown, Los Angeles.

Feeling Overwhelmed and Underwhelmed

A Workshop on Grief

May 13, 2020

Are you having difficulty focusing, feeling a lack of motivation, and/or guilt around not accomplishing “enough”? You’re not alone. Many of us are experiencing despair and anxiety over COVID-19 including being furloughed, laid off or just feeling stress about the future. Although it may sound surprising, what you’re experiencing is grief and these genuine feelings of loss are completely normal. A deeper understanding of non-death related grief may help you navigate the challenges you’re facing or at least relieve some of the anxiety. In this intimate 90 minute workshop we will take a look at any sadness and anxiety that you may be currently experiencing and learn some new processing tools. All to help give ourselves access and permission to feel joy! Due to the experiential nature of the workshop, enrollment is capped at 20 people. Please bring a journal or have writing tools available — there will be a short writing exercise.

Laverne is a film and television producer with more than 20 years of successful programming experience in premium cable, broadcast and digital platforms. She is the Executive Producer of the Netflix series GIRLBOSS, and co-founder of K&L Productions, a film & television company created with Kay Cannon (writer of the PITCH PERFECT franchise and director of BLOCKERS).

For a significant part of her career, Laverne was a successful programming executive with stints as Senior Vice-President of Drama Development at CBS, and as Executive Vice-President of Original Programming & Development at EPIX. She was also Head of Television at Charlize Theron’s production company, Denver and Delilah. Her work has encompassed scripted comedy and drama series, documentaries, web series, animation, music events, comedy specials, and children’s programs. K&L Productions has a first look production deal at Sony Television with multiple projects sold including Amazon, Quibi, NBC, ABC, CBS, FBC and TBS. Laverne and Kay are passionate about championing underdog and underserved stories. Additionally, Laverne is a leadership and personal coach, certified grief counselor, and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University’s MS Leadership for Creative Enterprises program and Cal State Fullerton’s MFA Screenwriting program. She has coached a wide variety of clients including tech and entertainment executives as well as writers, producers, directors, actors, people from the military, non-profit and small business.

Happy Hour Hang with WIF Board Member

Fiduciary Stasia Washington

May 8, 2020

Our special guest is Stasia Washington, WIF Board member and long-time fiduciary who will be answering members’ top questions about all things finance.

Stasia Washington is a financial advisor and fiduciary assisting individuals and families to achieve their goals and objectives. She also helps family foundations and public charities to realize their long-term financial objectives through strategic planning, cash, and investment management. Ms. Washington has extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of investment management, trust services, loans, deposits, and philanthropic services.

Keeping Your Story Alive

Financial Support for COVID-19 Setbacks

April 30, 2020

Join WIF and executives from speciality entertainment financing company The Forest Road Company for an incisive and and empowering conversation about the options available for filmmakers whose productions have been halted due to COVID-19 related setbacks. Our experts will be taking your questions and providing practical advice for navigating the current uncertainty in our media landscape. This will be a vital discussion you can’t afford to miss!

Zachary Tarica, CEO
Zach manages the company’s loan book, builds our project pipeline, and invests in various ancillary services and tax credits/rebates. Prior to founding Forest Road, Zach was an Energy Sector Head in the Private Equity Group at Brookfield Asset Management, and spent the last 8 years analyzing public and private market distressed credit securities.

John Bails, Director
John is responsible for analyzing Forest Road’s tax credit activities and projects across film, real estate and renewable energy. John has been an executive at an affiliated group of incentive consulting and finance companies, overseeing the acquisition or financing of more than $300M in tax credits for the entertainment and real estate development industries.

The Forest Road Company
Forest Road is an investor in the independent film space, and an ally for members of the entertainment industry. As a specialty lender and services company, we provide economical solutions through soft-money financing, putting cost-effective capital in the hands of innovators. With over $300M in capital ready to deploy against tax credits and various forms of senior debt – including presales, gap, minimum guarantees, backstops, and studio/streamer license agreements – we are constantly finding creative solutions to support projects in need, and bring unique stories to life. To date, FRC has used its capital to provide financing for over 60 films. For more information, please visit: www.forestroadco.com.

Happy Hour Hang with WIF Board Member

Showtime's Helen Huang

April 24, 2020

Our special guest is Helen Huang, WIF Board member and Senior Director of Content Acquisitions at Showtime Networks.

Helen Huang has negotiated and/or managed in business deals to procure thousands of hours of cutting-edge stand-up comedy specials, award-winning documentaries, and feature films for Showtime Networks. In 2011, Huang was recognized by the State of California for her volunteer leadership, and in 2016, she was a Nominated Changemaker at the United State of Women—the inaugural women’s summit convened by The White House during President Barack Obama’s tenure—and a participant of the U.S. Department of Labor’s second Worker Voice Summit. Huang has served as an Advisor to the LA Film Festival, on the Nominating Committee of the NAACP Image Awards, on the Board of Advisors of the Middleburg Film Festival, and on the Seattle International Film Festival Official Competition Jury. She is the first film acquisitions executive of Asian descent in U.S. television network history.

Finding (and Keeping) Your Financial Footing

Executive Member Workshop

April 21, 2020

WIF executive members and above are invited to a workshop with financial experts Heather Quinn & Barbara Bernstein (Northwestern Mutual) for an illuminating discussion about the current market, the CARES Act, and more.

Happy Hour Hang with WIF Board Member

Echo Lake's Lauren Williams

April 17, 2020

Our special guest is Lauren Williams, WIF Board member and talent manager/producer at Echo Lake Entertainment.

Lauren Williams is a talent manager and producer at Echo Lake Entertainment who represents clients such as Lana Condor (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Deadly Class), Italia Ricci (Designated Survivor, Chasing Life), Samantha Isler (Captain Fantastic, Molly’s Game), Daisy Betts (Last Resort), Annika Noelle (The Bold and the Beautiful), and Dan Liu (The Walking Dead). She began her entertainment career in 2008 working for Sean Friedin in the TV Literary department at ICM Partners. In 2010, she was promoted to agent in their Talent department. She transitioned from ICM Partners to Echo Lake Entertainment in 2018, and now collaborates with her clients on their producorial pursuits as well as their talent careers. Lauren graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara with B.A. in Directing for the Theatre and a minor in Women’s Studies. Lauren is also an avid animal lover and a board member of Much Love Animal Rescue.

'Should I Be Worried?'

Navigating California's AB 5 Law as an Entertainment Industry Independent Contractor

March 31, 2020

Join WIF and expert Julia Damasco for a vital discussion about California’s new AB 5 law. Wondering how your future prospects and earnings will be affected by your status as an independent contractor? Curious about how production companies will manage the shift in classification for their cast and crew?

Come join the conversation and learn what AB 5 says; whom it affects; and what steps you should take to manage your career in the wake of its implementation across the industry.