By Guneet K. Singh Places everyone. Roll camera. Action…Time to welcome our new NYWIFT member, Ise White! Ise is a New York based director and writer who has directed commercials and narrative work spanning action and drama for film and TV. She grew up traveling the world and is trained in the indigenous martial arts of Silat, Wing Chun and Kali. Ise worked for FLOTUS Michelle Obama, became one of the top luxury fashion editors in the world, and has choreographed fight scenes.  Read our full interview with Ise below to learn more about her career pivots, guiding principles, and inspiring ..read more

By Tammy Reese The AMC Immortal Universe continues! The much-awaited season 2 of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is set to premiere on May 12th on AMC Networks. The anticipation reaches a fever pitch among fans. To offer a glimpse into the world of this thrilling hit series, NYWIFT Members Tammy Reese & LaKisa Renee recently graced the red carpet premiere at The McKittrick Hotel in New York City, securing exclusive interviews with the cast and producers. Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, adapted from the iconic novel, The Vampire Chronicles has captivated audiences w ..read more

By Maura Garnett, Welcome to NYWIFT, Doris Martinez! Doris Martinez brings over 20 years of experience in Partnerships & Business Development/Entrepreneurship within the US Hispanic and LATAM markets, with notable roles at HBO and DIRECTV Latin America. Her expertise spans programming strategy, content negotiations, and fostering successful partnerships. Martinez shares insights on her career journey and industry advice, emphasizing the importance of bringing innovative ideas to the table and treating everyone with respect. With a track record of revamping programming strategies and f ..read more

By Sofiya Saykovska Welcome to NYWIFT, Jennifer Buzzelli! Jennifer Buzzelli is a New York-based producer, international distributor and co-producer. With involvement in the film industry since the 90s, she is the founder of production house Jimmy B Media. Read more to discover her experience in leading film distribution and about her most recent project, producing the upcoming documentary, Long Live the Tyrant. NYWIFT Member Jennifer Buzzelli   Describe yourself. Give us your elevator pitch! I’m a long time international distribution & co production exec, originally from Charleston ..read more

By Terry Greenberg There I was, in Durham, North Carolina, visiting my husband’s relatives for the weekend. While strolling through town Friday afternoon, we stopped into the Durham Hotel for a moment to check out the lobby. Lo and behold, I saw a camera crew, a small crowd, and a sign that said, “Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.” Although I was familiar with the festival, I had no idea it was taking place that weekend. I was very excited! I thought to myself, “Surely, I must know someone in this NYC-looking group,” and a moment later, I spotted the documentary filmmaker Doug Block. I wen ..read more

By Tammy Reese Cynthia Tong, co-founder of The Industry Standard Group, is thrilled to announce the public launch of Second Act Theatrical Capital (2ATC), a groundbreaking initiative that revolutionizes Broadway investment accessibility. After three and a half years of dedicated development, Second Act Theatrical Capital opens the doors to Broadway investment for everyone. Tong and her colleagues at The Industry Standard Group have meticulously researched and created a model for radical access into Broadway investing and producing. Tong states, “We’re on a mission to transform the landscape of ..read more

By Maura Garnett Welcome to NYWIFT, Lynn Dow! From cherished advice on the joy of filmmaking to the heartwarming tale of transitioning from Wall Street to the silver screen, Lynn Dow offers a glimpse into her journey which has been fueled by passion and family support. Her Harlem cultural tapestry weaves its way into her captivating narratives, while insights from her time at Columbia University offer a unique approach to storytelling. Explore Lynn’s intersection of finance and filmmaking through the lens of resilience and strategic thinking, as she shares her favorite projects and inspiration ..read more

By Maura Garnett Welcome to NYWIFT Janet Hyojo Oh! Janet Hyojo Oh is an independent producer and screenwriter with a passion for rom-coms and storytelling. Janet shares insights into her creative process, the impact of events she organizes for women in the arts, and overcoming challenges in her career. Janet emphasizes collaboration, kindness, and the importance of balance in the business of producing. She also reflects on winning her first screenplay award and offers advice to aspiring producers and screenwriters: embrace kindness, collaboration, and curiosity. NYWIFT Member Janet Hyojo Oh ..read more

By Guneet Singh Let’s give a warm welcome to our new NYWIFT member, Taffy Lashley! Taffy is of Afro-Caribbean roots and her love for telling underrepresented stories led her down the path of becoming an editor. She’s worked on interviews highlighting independent creators & their mental health, a documentary with the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, as well as with A+E networks and Reel Works. She’s grateful to network with inspiring women in the media industry. Her involvement with NYWIFT began as an intern and she’s excited to now continue her journey with NYWIFT as an official member!   ..read more

By Ozzi Ramirez Let’s say hello to the fabulous Brianne Neira! She is a director and video editor with a commitment to representing and giving a voice to women and the queer community through her work. Since graduating with a BFA from Emerson College’s esteemed Media Arts Production program in Boston, Brianne’s most celebrated projects include the feminist short film Rotten Meat and her award-winning directorial debut A Place for Ashes.   Get to know Brianne better as we chat about her fascination with horror and the genre’s ability to facilitate a platform that can engage an audience and ..read more