When Marlee Matlin began her career 35 years ago, she says there was “nothing” in terms of accessibility in the awards industry space. But that’s begun to change, especially following her film Coda’s best picture win in 2022, including at the 2023 Oscars, where she saw a “significant improvement.”
“I’ve seen changes in award shows and how they are perceived by people who attend them, by producers, by the people who make the decisions as to what to present on the air — all the little things,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter. “Coda really was a game changer and made a huge impact in terms of equity, accessibility, and just how people are perceived in general.”
The Oscars, for which Matlin serves on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, has in the last several years taken the lead among the major Hollywood award shows in its...
“I’ve seen changes in award shows and how they are perceived by people who attend them, by producers, by the people who make the decisions as to what to present on the air — all the little things,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter. “Coda really was a game changer and made a huge impact in terms of equity, accessibility, and just how people are perceived in general.”
The Oscars, for which Matlin serves on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors, has in the last several years taken the lead among the major Hollywood award shows in its...
- 12/4/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Coda” stars and Oscar winners Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur have been chosen to host the 2023 Media Access Awards on November 7, marking the first time ever that two Deaf performers have presided as hosts over an awards show together. The awards were founded by Norman Lear in 1979 and annually honor artists and film and television projects that are inclusive of disabled characters and actors. This year’s ceremony will be held in Hollywood, airing December 3 at 9 p.m. Pt on Los Angeles public broadcaster Kcet and December 15 at 9 p.m. Pt over PBS SoCal.
Matlin won her Academy Award in 1987 as Best Actress for “Children of a Lesser God,” while Kotsur warned his as Best Supporting Actor in “Coda” starring alongside Matlin.
SEETroy Kotsur wins Best Supporting Actor Oscar for ‘Coda,’ makes history as first Deaf male champion
This year’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of the...
Matlin won her Academy Award in 1987 as Best Actress for “Children of a Lesser God,” while Kotsur warned his as Best Supporting Actor in “Coda” starring alongside Matlin.
SEETroy Kotsur wins Best Supporting Actor Oscar for ‘Coda,’ makes history as first Deaf male champion
This year’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of the...
- 10/18/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Coda actors Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin will host the 2023 Media Access Awards next month, marking the first time that two Deaf performers will host an awards show together.
The Media Access Awards, presented by the Media Access Awards and nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals Southern California, honors artists and film and television projects that are inclusive of disabled characters and actors. This year’s awards ceremony is set for Tuesday, November 7 in Hollywood, and will air Sunday, December 3 at 9 p.m. Pt on Kcet, and Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m. Pt on PBS SoCal, with streaming on both websites and on the free PBS App.
“2023 has been another incredible year for on-screen diversity and inclusion for the disabled community,” said co-ceo’s of the Media Access Awards, Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker. “We can’t wait to celebrate these talented individuals once again for their strong efforts in furthering...
The Media Access Awards, presented by the Media Access Awards and nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals Southern California, honors artists and film and television projects that are inclusive of disabled characters and actors. This year’s awards ceremony is set for Tuesday, November 7 in Hollywood, and will air Sunday, December 3 at 9 p.m. Pt on Kcet, and Friday, December 15 at 8 p.m. Pt on PBS SoCal, with streaming on both websites and on the free PBS App.
“2023 has been another incredible year for on-screen diversity and inclusion for the disabled community,” said co-ceo’s of the Media Access Awards, Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker. “We can’t wait to celebrate these talented individuals once again for their strong efforts in furthering...
- 10/18/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Last week Tony Award-nominated star of stage and screen, and the first deaf actress to play a Marvel Superhero, Lauren Ridloff hosted the Media Access Awards, in partnership with nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals Southern California.
The virtual event, which was streamed Live on the Emmy Award-winning entertainment and pop culture news source, ExtraTV.com honored Selma Blair, Peter Farrelly, David Zimmerman, Allen Rucker, Sofia Sanchez, As We See It, Love on the Spectrum U.S, Cha Cha Real Smooth, and Only Murders in the Building.
Founded by Norman Lear in 1979, and now spearheaded by Executive Producer Deborah Calla, and writer Allen Rucker, the Media Access Awards is an annual celebration honoring those in film and TV who include disabled characters and actors in their work, the 2022 Media Access Awards paid tribute to those individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the...
The virtual event, which was streamed Live on the Emmy Award-winning entertainment and pop culture news source, ExtraTV.com honored Selma Blair, Peter Farrelly, David Zimmerman, Allen Rucker, Sofia Sanchez, As We See It, Love on the Spectrum U.S, Cha Cha Real Smooth, and Only Murders in the Building.
Founded by Norman Lear in 1979, and now spearheaded by Executive Producer Deborah Calla, and writer Allen Rucker, the Media Access Awards is an annual celebration honoring those in film and TV who include disabled characters and actors in their work, the 2022 Media Access Awards paid tribute to those individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the...
- 11/23/2022
- Look to the Stars
The Media Access Awards, in partnership with nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals Southern California, has announced the honorees of the 2022 Media Access Awards which will stream Live on the Emmy Award-winning entertainment and pop culture news source, ExtraTV.com; on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6pm Pt / 9pm Et.
Founded by Norman Lear in 1979 as an annual celebration honoring those in film and TV who include disabled characters and actors in their work, the 2022 Media Access Awards will pay tribute to those individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
“We are thrilled to again be celebrating the immensely talented people paving the way to a more inclusive world. We salute them all!” said the co-ceo’s of the Media Access Awards Deborah Calla, also the show’s Executive Producer, and Allen Rucker the show’s writer.
Founded by Norman Lear in 1979 as an annual celebration honoring those in film and TV who include disabled characters and actors in their work, the 2022 Media Access Awards will pay tribute to those individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
“We are thrilled to again be celebrating the immensely talented people paving the way to a more inclusive world. We salute them all!” said the co-ceo’s of the Media Access Awards Deborah Calla, also the show’s Executive Producer, and Allen Rucker the show’s writer.
- 10/27/2022
- Look to the Stars
The Paramount Global Summit on Disability will be held virtually and in-person at the company’s Hollywood Gower office in Los Angeles on October 31.
Presented by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the daylong summit for employees and external partners will feature discussions with performers from various series and films, company leaders, and philanthropic and nonprofit workers to call attention to the need for greater disability inclusion in media and entertainment. The goal is to engage the industry in their learnings and to share next and best practices.
The event will also honor October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the essential contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
“People with disabilities are responsible for creating some of society’s most beloved films, shows and characters, yet these professionals remain woefully underrepresented in media and entertainment. As we build on our commitment to disability inclusion and equality,...
Presented by the Paramount Office of Global Inclusion, the daylong summit for employees and external partners will feature discussions with performers from various series and films, company leaders, and philanthropic and nonprofit workers to call attention to the need for greater disability inclusion in media and entertainment. The goal is to engage the industry in their learnings and to share next and best practices.
The event will also honor October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which recognizes the essential contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce.
“People with disabilities are responsible for creating some of society’s most beloved films, shows and characters, yet these professionals remain woefully underrepresented in media and entertainment. As we build on our commitment to disability inclusion and equality,...
- 10/20/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Deaf advocate, and actress Millicent Simmonds hosted last week’s Media Access Awards, in partnership with nonprofit disability services provider Easterseals.
The annual ceremony which aired virtually on ExtraTV.com/MediaAccessAwards and mediaaccessawards.com was founded by Norman Lear and now under the leadership of Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker since 2010, honors those in film and TV who include characters and actors with disabilities. The event pays tribute to individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
The evening’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of their professional guilds with awards from the Casting Society of America (CSA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA).
For the first time ever, IMDbPro, the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals, presented the IMDbPro | Media Access Award for Excellence in Directing,...
The annual ceremony which aired virtually on ExtraTV.com/MediaAccessAwards and mediaaccessawards.com was founded by Norman Lear and now under the leadership of Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker since 2010, honors those in film and TV who include characters and actors with disabilities. The event pays tribute to individuals, series, and films that have redefined on-screen representation for the disability community, while advancing the portrayal and employment of people with disabilities in Hollywood.
The evening’s honorees were selected by the diversity committees of their professional guilds with awards from the Casting Society of America (CSA), Producers Guild of America (PGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), and Writers Guild of America (WGA).
For the first time ever, IMDbPro, the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals, presented the IMDbPro | Media Access Award for Excellence in Directing,...
- 11/22/2021
- Look to the Stars
At the Media Access Awards on Wednesday, honoree Marlee Matlin summed up the mood by saying that when she came to Los Angeles in 1985, “words like equality and access were so far outside the mainstream of Hollywood, I had to make noise.” Receiving the Maa’s lifetime achievement award “pushes me to be even louder.”
The annual awards have long honored film and TV shows that offer positive portrayals of disabled people. Other honorees, which were announced in advance, included Selma Blair, Troy Kotsur, John Krasinski, Jamie Nieto, Ryan O’Connell, “Luca” producer Andrea Warren and Zeno Mountain Farm.
The Apple film “Coda” was the only winner of multiple awards, with Matlin, her co-star Troy Kotsur and the film’s casting directors Deborah Aquila, Tricia Wood and Lisa Zagoria honored. The trio received the casting society of America award, with the film’s writer-director Sian Heder praising them as partners.
The...
The annual awards have long honored film and TV shows that offer positive portrayals of disabled people. Other honorees, which were announced in advance, included Selma Blair, Troy Kotsur, John Krasinski, Jamie Nieto, Ryan O’Connell, “Luca” producer Andrea Warren and Zeno Mountain Farm.
The Apple film “Coda” was the only winner of multiple awards, with Matlin, her co-star Troy Kotsur and the film’s casting directors Deborah Aquila, Tricia Wood and Lisa Zagoria honored. The trio received the casting society of America award, with the film’s writer-director Sian Heder praising them as partners.
The...
- 11/18/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The selections for the 2020 Disability List were unveiled Thursday night at the Media Access Awards.
The Black List teamed with Easterseals Disability Services, the Writers Guild of America Writers with Disabilities Committee and Media Access Awards for the annual curated list of the most promising unproduced scripts featuring at least one lead character with a disability. The list opened submissions in August and from those, eight scripts from seven writers and one writing team were selected for the second annual edition of the Disability List.
“Our goal is to highlight authentic storytelling by, and about, people with disabilities,” said Mark Whitley, CEO of Easterseals Southern California. “Through realistic and entertaining stories that don’t rely on stereotypes of what it means to have a disability we can change dated perceptions and create a more inclusive society. Hollywood has an important role to play in making that happen. We thank...
The Black List teamed with Easterseals Disability Services, the Writers Guild of America Writers with Disabilities Committee and Media Access Awards for the annual curated list of the most promising unproduced scripts featuring at least one lead character with a disability. The list opened submissions in August and from those, eight scripts from seven writers and one writing team were selected for the second annual edition of the Disability List.
“Our goal is to highlight authentic storytelling by, and about, people with disabilities,” said Mark Whitley, CEO of Easterseals Southern California. “Through realistic and entertaining stories that don’t rely on stereotypes of what it means to have a disability we can change dated perceptions and create a more inclusive society. Hollywood has an important role to play in making that happen. We thank...
- 11/20/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Media Access Awards, in partnership with nonprofit disability services organization Easterseals, has announced the honorees of the awards show, which include critically-acclaimed documentary “Crip Camp,” Netflix’s “Away” and Ramy Youssef.
The award show, which will be presented virtually Nov. 19 and hosted by model and actor Nyle Dimarco, aims to pay tribute to creatives, series and films that have holistically portrayed individuals with disabilities and advanced representation for the disability community both on and off-screen.
“One out of four American adults has a disability, but they rarely see their lives reflected in the stories told on film and television. The Media Access Awards is an ongoing campaign to change that reality. And it will change. People with disabilities will be seen and heard,” Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of Media Access Awards, said in a statement.
The evening will see special appearances from Selma Blair, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Kimmel,...
The award show, which will be presented virtually Nov. 19 and hosted by model and actor Nyle Dimarco, aims to pay tribute to creatives, series and films that have holistically portrayed individuals with disabilities and advanced representation for the disability community both on and off-screen.
“One out of four American adults has a disability, but they rarely see their lives reflected in the stories told on film and television. The Media Access Awards is an ongoing campaign to change that reality. And it will change. People with disabilities will be seen and heard,” Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of Media Access Awards, said in a statement.
The evening will see special appearances from Selma Blair, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Kimmel,...
- 11/10/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan and Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
RespectAbility Entertainment Lab 2020 wrapped July 16, after 15 sessions intended to create an industry pipeline of professionals with disabilities behind the camera.
The five-week program is sponsored by the nonprofit RespectAbility and is run by four women with disabilities: Lauren Appelbaum, Tatiana Lee, Nasreen Alkhateeb and Leah Romond.
The program targets individuals who are interested in such jobs as writing, directing, producing, editing, sound and animation work.
It featured 30 participants, all of whom have experience in the entertainment industry prior to the Lab; however, most found they were stuck in assistant-level positions. The Lab is structured with two tracks: One for emerging talent and mid-career.
Speakers included reps from Bunim/Murray Prods., Film Independent, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Studios, the Walt Disney Studios, ViacomCBS and others.
The program is important because people with disabilities are frequently overlooked in Hollywood’s discussions about inclusion; their presence behind the camera is even rarer.
Lab members...
The five-week program is sponsored by the nonprofit RespectAbility and is run by four women with disabilities: Lauren Appelbaum, Tatiana Lee, Nasreen Alkhateeb and Leah Romond.
The program targets individuals who are interested in such jobs as writing, directing, producing, editing, sound and animation work.
It featured 30 participants, all of whom have experience in the entertainment industry prior to the Lab; however, most found they were stuck in assistant-level positions. The Lab is structured with two tracks: One for emerging talent and mid-career.
Speakers included reps from Bunim/Murray Prods., Film Independent, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Studios, the Walt Disney Studios, ViacomCBS and others.
The program is important because people with disabilities are frequently overlooked in Hollywood’s discussions about inclusion; their presence behind the camera is even rarer.
Lab members...
- 7/17/2020
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
The Black List and the Writers Guild of America have partnered with Easterseals — a nonprofit organization which provides resources for individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs — to create the Disability List, it was announced Thursday night at the Beverly Hilton during the 40th Annual Media Access Awards.
"Inclusion in Hollywood and authenticity in storytelling, starts in the writers' room," said Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of the Media Access Awards and members of the WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee. "We are honored to work with the Black List to spotlight these incredible ...
"Inclusion in Hollywood and authenticity in storytelling, starts in the writers' room," said Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of the Media Access Awards and members of the WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee. "We are honored to work with the Black List to spotlight these incredible ...
- 11/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Black List and the Writers Guild of America have partnered with Easterseals — a nonprofit organization which provides resources for individuals with developmental disabilities or other special needs — to create the Disability List, it was announced Thursday night at the Beverly Hilton during the 40th Annual Media Access Awards.
"Inclusion in Hollywood and authenticity in storytelling, starts in the writers' room," said Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of the Media Access Awards and members of the WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee. "We are honored to work with the Black List to spotlight these incredible ...
"Inclusion in Hollywood and authenticity in storytelling, starts in the writers' room," said Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, co-CEOs of the Media Access Awards and members of the WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee. "We are honored to work with the Black List to spotlight these incredible ...
- 11/15/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: As the needle of diversity and inclusion continues to make a slow and steady progression in Hollywood, the disabled community strive to make themselves known in the industry. In an effort to move the needle, Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, members of the WGA Writers with Disabilities Committee and Chairs of the Media Access Awards have released “Employing Writers with Disabilities: A Best Practices Guide”.
The guide not only reiterates the importance of representation in film and television but it also informs why writers with disabilities are essential to telling authentic stories. It covers the do’s and don’ts of the interview process, how to make the work environment accessible, and the benefits of casting actors with disabilities.
“On-screen representation helps make positive change by normalizing the existence and relationships of characters with disabilities,” said Calla and Rucker in a joint statement. “Creating these stories and characters that...
The guide not only reiterates the importance of representation in film and television but it also informs why writers with disabilities are essential to telling authentic stories. It covers the do’s and don’ts of the interview process, how to make the work environment accessible, and the benefits of casting actors with disabilities.
“On-screen representation helps make positive change by normalizing the existence and relationships of characters with disabilities,” said Calla and Rucker in a joint statement. “Creating these stories and characters that...
- 10/16/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Amid the ongoing call to hire inclusively, prospective employees with disabilities may face added skepticism in the workplace.
To combat these misconceptions, the Media Access Awards has published "Employing Writers with Disabilities: A Best Practices Guide."
The manual, penned by WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee members Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, reminds readers that the Americans With Disabilities Act obliges employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" to qualified applicants and employees who have disabilities.
On the set, these accommodations are fairly simple, notes the guide, and in some cases already in place. Sets already have ramps for wheeled dollies,...
To combat these misconceptions, the Media Access Awards has published "Employing Writers with Disabilities: A Best Practices Guide."
The manual, penned by WGA Writers With Disabilities Committee members Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, reminds readers that the Americans With Disabilities Act obliges employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" to qualified applicants and employees who have disabilities.
On the set, these accommodations are fairly simple, notes the guide, and in some cases already in place. Sets already have ramps for wheeled dollies,...
- 10/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Amid the ongoing call to hire inclusively, prospective employees with disabilities may face added skepticism in the workplace.
To combat these misconceptions, the Media Access Awards has published "Employing Writers with Disabilities: A Best Practices Guide."
The manual, penned by WGA Writers with Disabilities Committee members Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, reminds readers that the American with Disabilities Act obliges employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" to qualified applicants and employees who have disabilities.
On the set, these accommodations are fairly simple, notes the guide, and in some cases already in place. Sets already have ramps for wheeled dollies,...
To combat these misconceptions, the Media Access Awards has published "Employing Writers with Disabilities: A Best Practices Guide."
The manual, penned by WGA Writers with Disabilities Committee members Deborah Calla and Allen Rucker, reminds readers that the American with Disabilities Act obliges employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" to qualified applicants and employees who have disabilities.
On the set, these accommodations are fairly simple, notes the guide, and in some cases already in place. Sets already have ramps for wheeled dollies,...
- 10/16/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carl Hansen’s “Check Mate” won the award for best film at the fifth annual Easterseals Disability Film Challenge awards Thursday night.
Actor-comic Nic Novicki, founder-director of the Film Challenge, said the goal is to “show stories that haven’t been seen” and to remind the disabled community that they may feel invisible to Hollywood but things are changing. “The people are ready to see us,” he said, drawing cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience.
There were four honorees for the short films, including best filmmaker, Day Daniells, with “Hit On,” a seriocomic romance she co-wrote with the film’s star, Adam Nelson; awareness campaign award, David Tenenbaum, “Footloose”; and best actor, J.B. Abajian, “Visibility.”
Clips from each of the nominated works were shown, and the four winners were screened in their entirety.
Entrants were given 55 hours to complete their film, of three-to-five minutes in length, depicting disabilities in its many forms.
Actor-comic Nic Novicki, founder-director of the Film Challenge, said the goal is to “show stories that haven’t been seen” and to remind the disabled community that they may feel invisible to Hollywood but things are changing. “The people are ready to see us,” he said, drawing cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience.
There were four honorees for the short films, including best filmmaker, Day Daniells, with “Hit On,” a seriocomic romance she co-wrote with the film’s star, Adam Nelson; awareness campaign award, David Tenenbaum, “Footloose”; and best actor, J.B. Abajian, “Visibility.”
Clips from each of the nominated works were shown, and the four winners were screened in their entirety.
Entrants were given 55 hours to complete their film, of three-to-five minutes in length, depicting disabilities in its many forms.
- 5/11/2018
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
When director Jenni Gold, who has used a wheelchair since the age of seven, met her first professor at a Florida film school, he asked if she wanted to be a director. She said she did. He asked, “Do you know the odds of female directors working in this business? Add to that, use a wheelchair.” Gold said: “Screw you, I’m going to do it anyway.” He told her she was in and that he was just testing her.
Gold, who’s now CEO of Gold Pictures, joined other esteemed members of the disability community at USC’s Ray Stark Family Theater Tuesday to discuss Hollywood Jobs: Turning Disability Into Assets, a panel moderated by Variety’s Tim Gray.
Kaitlyn Yang, a USC animation program alumna who now works in post-production and founded Alpha Studios, said she assembled the panel to combat employers making disabled individuals feel invisible in...
Gold, who’s now CEO of Gold Pictures, joined other esteemed members of the disability community at USC’s Ray Stark Family Theater Tuesday to discuss Hollywood Jobs: Turning Disability Into Assets, a panel moderated by Variety’s Tim Gray.
Kaitlyn Yang, a USC animation program alumna who now works in post-production and founded Alpha Studios, said she assembled the panel to combat employers making disabled individuals feel invisible in...
- 5/2/2018
- by Tara Bitran
- Variety Film + TV
Fantastic Fest 2015 will include the second edition of the international co-production market Fantastic Market | Mercado Fantastico, and this year 15 projects have been selected. Read on for the full list!
The Fantastic Market | Mercado Fantastico runs September 18-20 in Austin, Texas. Fantastic Fest lead programmer Rodney Perkins and festival director Kristen Bell are heading up the effort. For more info on all of the below projects, visit FantasticFest.com/Projects.
Canana - the Mexican production outlet helmed by Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Pablo Cruz - is co-producing the market alongside filmmaker Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network. Cristina Garza, Vice President of Mundial, Canana's sales joint venture with Im Global, is sourcing projects from the region.
"The public response to this year's call for submissions was astounding," says market director Perkins. "The 15 selected projects represent a diverse mix of talent from the United States and abroad. We are extremely...
The Fantastic Market | Mercado Fantastico runs September 18-20 in Austin, Texas. Fantastic Fest lead programmer Rodney Perkins and festival director Kristen Bell are heading up the effort. For more info on all of the below projects, visit FantasticFest.com/Projects.
Canana - the Mexican production outlet helmed by Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Pablo Cruz - is co-producing the market alongside filmmaker Robert Rodriguez's El Rey Network. Cristina Garza, Vice President of Mundial, Canana's sales joint venture with Im Global, is sourcing projects from the region.
"The public response to this year's call for submissions was astounding," says market director Perkins. "The 15 selected projects represent a diverse mix of talent from the United States and abroad. We are extremely...
- 8/9/2014
- by Debi Moore
- DreadCentral.com
The Guild Presentation: Focus on Diversity Programs panel and Director's Roundtable are scheduled during the Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival (July 31-August 4, Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood). Both panels will be held at the Arena Cinema - 1625 North Las Palmas Avenue (adjacent to the Egyptian Theatre).
There will be an informal cocktail reception following each panel. Please let us know if we can reserve you a seat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 1:
Guild Presentation - Focus on Diversity Programs
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Diversity Panel
4:30pm -5:00pm - Cocktails
HBRFest will present a panel discussion explaining the importance of the Diversity Committee from three of the most powerful guilds in Hollywood: DGA, WGA and PGA.
The mission of all three guilds is to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The DGA and WGA have a number of minority committees representing Hispanics, gays, women, blacks, and Asians. The DGA has only one committee, the Diversity Committee, where all the subgroups fall under.
For this goal, the Diversity Committee offers a number of programs and opportunities to members and non-members in education and networking. They all celebrate producers whose projects in film, TV, and the Web reflect their mission.
Panelists:
Producers Guild of America (PGA) - Deborah Calla
A writer/producer originally from Brazil. She is the Chair of the Producers Guild of America Diversity Committee as well as the Chair of the Media Access Awards and a member of the WGA.
Writers Guild of America (WGA) - Kimberly Myers
Myers served as Vice President of Program Development at Turner Network and Vice President of Movies and Mini Series at Fox. She was the producer of television films for NBC, CBS, Lifetime and TNT prior to joining the Writers Guild of America in 2007 as its Director of Diversity.
Directors Guild of America (DGA) - Regina Render
Before joining the DGA, Render was a Business Representative at the International Cinematographers Guild and later a Senior Representative at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, where she managed key organizational functions and coordinated labor initiatives on public policy issues, multi-union campaigns, and political action. Regina has a long history of civic engagement, including being appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley to the “Neighbor to Neighbor Program,” which developed community response programs and activities after the civil unrest of the 1992 riots.
Friday, August 2
Director's Roundtable - Focus on the Creative Process
3:00pm - 4:30pm - Director's Roundtable
4:30pm -5:00pm - Cocktails
Back by popular demand, attending filmmakers will participate in a special Filmmakers Roundtable moderated by Robert Koehler, former Variety critic and expert in Latin American cinema. This event will provide great insight into the current state of Brazilian filmmaking, trends and an opportunity to meet the rising talent of Brazil.
Special Guest: Laurence Reymond - Directors Fortnight short film programmer.
Moderator: Robert Koehler
Panelists:
Gabriela Amaral Almeida
Director “The Comforting Hand” 19’ – West-Coast Premiere (Documentary)
Sergio Andrade
Director “Jonathas´ Forest” 98’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Daniel Aragão
Director “Good Luck, Sweetheart” 95’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Marcelo Caetano
Director “By Your Side” 20’ – North-America Premiere (Short Film)
Caetano Gotardo
Director “The Moving Creatures” 97’ – West-Coast Premiere (Short Film)
Helvecio Marins
Director “The Song Of The Nightingale” 19’23” (Short Film)
Gabriel Mascaro
Director “Housemaids” 76’ – North-America Premiere (Documentary)
Anna Myulaert (HBRFest Guest of Honor)
Director – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” 52’ -Opening Night Film (Narrative Feature) ; “Durval Records” 103’ - Closing Night Film (Narrative Feature)
Allan Ribeiro
Director “This Love That Consumes” 80’ – International Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Rafael Sampaio
Producer “The Package” 18’ – L.A. Premiere (Short Film)
Leonardo Sette
Co-director “Enraged Pigs” 10’ – West-Coast Premiere (Short Film)
Rafael Todeschini
Director “Eva Maria” 12’ – World Premiere (Short Film)
Michael Wahrmann
Director “Avanti Popolo” 72’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
For additional details: http://hbrfest.com...
There will be an informal cocktail reception following each panel. Please let us know if we can reserve you a seat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 1:
Guild Presentation - Focus on Diversity Programs
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Diversity Panel
4:30pm -5:00pm - Cocktails
HBRFest will present a panel discussion explaining the importance of the Diversity Committee from three of the most powerful guilds in Hollywood: DGA, WGA and PGA.
The mission of all three guilds is to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The DGA and WGA have a number of minority committees representing Hispanics, gays, women, blacks, and Asians. The DGA has only one committee, the Diversity Committee, where all the subgroups fall under.
For this goal, the Diversity Committee offers a number of programs and opportunities to members and non-members in education and networking. They all celebrate producers whose projects in film, TV, and the Web reflect their mission.
Panelists:
Producers Guild of America (PGA) - Deborah Calla
A writer/producer originally from Brazil. She is the Chair of the Producers Guild of America Diversity Committee as well as the Chair of the Media Access Awards and a member of the WGA.
Writers Guild of America (WGA) - Kimberly Myers
Myers served as Vice President of Program Development at Turner Network and Vice President of Movies and Mini Series at Fox. She was the producer of television films for NBC, CBS, Lifetime and TNT prior to joining the Writers Guild of America in 2007 as its Director of Diversity.
Directors Guild of America (DGA) - Regina Render
Before joining the DGA, Render was a Business Representative at the International Cinematographers Guild and later a Senior Representative at the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, where she managed key organizational functions and coordinated labor initiatives on public policy issues, multi-union campaigns, and political action. Regina has a long history of civic engagement, including being appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley to the “Neighbor to Neighbor Program,” which developed community response programs and activities after the civil unrest of the 1992 riots.
Friday, August 2
Director's Roundtable - Focus on the Creative Process
3:00pm - 4:30pm - Director's Roundtable
4:30pm -5:00pm - Cocktails
Back by popular demand, attending filmmakers will participate in a special Filmmakers Roundtable moderated by Robert Koehler, former Variety critic and expert in Latin American cinema. This event will provide great insight into the current state of Brazilian filmmaking, trends and an opportunity to meet the rising talent of Brazil.
Special Guest: Laurence Reymond - Directors Fortnight short film programmer.
Moderator: Robert Koehler
Panelists:
Gabriela Amaral Almeida
Director “The Comforting Hand” 19’ – West-Coast Premiere (Documentary)
Sergio Andrade
Director “Jonathas´ Forest” 98’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Daniel Aragão
Director “Good Luck, Sweetheart” 95’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Marcelo Caetano
Director “By Your Side” 20’ – North-America Premiere (Short Film)
Caetano Gotardo
Director “The Moving Creatures” 97’ – West-Coast Premiere (Short Film)
Helvecio Marins
Director “The Song Of The Nightingale” 19’23” (Short Film)
Gabriel Mascaro
Director “Housemaids” 76’ – North-America Premiere (Documentary)
Anna Myulaert (HBRFest Guest of Honor)
Director – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” 52’ -Opening Night Film (Narrative Feature) ; “Durval Records” 103’ - Closing Night Film (Narrative Feature)
Allan Ribeiro
Director “This Love That Consumes” 80’ – International Premiere (Narrative Feature)
Rafael Sampaio
Producer “The Package” 18’ – L.A. Premiere (Short Film)
Leonardo Sette
Co-director “Enraged Pigs” 10’ – West-Coast Premiere (Short Film)
Rafael Todeschini
Director “Eva Maria” 12’ – World Premiere (Short Film)
Michael Wahrmann
Director “Avanti Popolo” 72’ – West-Coast Premiere (Narrative Feature)
For additional details: http://hbrfest.com...
- 7/29/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival (HBRFest) celebrates its fifth anniversary with more than 30 premieres showcasing fiction, documentary and short films in competition from Jul 31-Aug 4 in Hollywood.
The Opening Night Gala Film will be Guest Of Honour Anna Muylaert’s family drama While My Guitar Gently Weeps and the closing film, also from Muylaert, will be the comedy Durval Records.
Other films premiering include Joel Pizzini’s biopic about director Rogerio Sganzerla, Mr. Sganzerla, Sérgio Andrade’s Jonathas’ Forest and Gabriel Mascaro’s Housemaids.
HBRFest will offer several industry panels that include discussions on diversity with Deborah Calla of the Producers Guild Of America, Kimberly Myers of the Writers Guild Of America and Regina Render of the Directors Guild Of America.
For a complete line-up of films visit HBRFest’s official website.
The Opening Night Gala Film will be Guest Of Honour Anna Muylaert’s family drama While My Guitar Gently Weeps and the closing film, also from Muylaert, will be the comedy Durval Records.
Other films premiering include Joel Pizzini’s biopic about director Rogerio Sganzerla, Mr. Sganzerla, Sérgio Andrade’s Jonathas’ Forest and Gabriel Mascaro’s Housemaids.
HBRFest will offer several industry panels that include discussions on diversity with Deborah Calla of the Producers Guild Of America, Kimberly Myers of the Writers Guild Of America and Regina Render of the Directors Guild Of America.
For a complete line-up of films visit HBRFest’s official website.
- 7/11/2013
- ScreenDaily
The Hollywood Brazilian Film Festival (HBRFest) celebrates its fifth anniversary with more than 30 premieres showcasing fiction, documentary and short films in competition from Jul 31-Aug 4 in Hollywood.
The Opening Night Gala Film will be Guest Of Honour Anna Muylaert’s family drama While My Guitar Gently Weeps and the closing film, also from Muylaert, will be the comedy Durval Records.
Other films premiering include Joel Pizzini’s biopic about director Rogerio Sganzerla, Mr. Sganzerla, Sérgio Andrade’s Jonathas’ Forest and Gabriel Mascaro’s Housemaids.
HBRFest will offer several industry panels that include discussions on diversity with Deborah Calla of the Producers Guild Of America, Kimberly Myers of the Writers Guild Of America and Regina Render of the Directors Guild Of America.
For a complete line-up of films visit HBRFest’s official website.
The Opening Night Gala Film will be Guest Of Honour Anna Muylaert’s family drama While My Guitar Gently Weeps and the closing film, also from Muylaert, will be the comedy Durval Records.
Other films premiering include Joel Pizzini’s biopic about director Rogerio Sganzerla, Mr. Sganzerla, Sérgio Andrade’s Jonathas’ Forest and Gabriel Mascaro’s Housemaids.
HBRFest will offer several industry panels that include discussions on diversity with Deborah Calla of the Producers Guild Of America, Kimberly Myers of the Writers Guild Of America and Regina Render of the Directors Guild Of America.
For a complete line-up of films visit HBRFest’s official website.
- 7/11/2013
- ScreenDaily
The annual Producers Guild Of America-hosted confab, designed to foster producers with diverse perspectives in television, film, and digital media, will be held from May 28 to July 13 in Los Angeles. Submissions will open on March 11 and close April 19 at 12 midnight Pt, with ten candidates selected to participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions and master classes with veteran producers and PGA members. “Reflecting diverse communities through accurate and informative storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool that brings us all closer together”, workshop chair and PGA Diversity Committee chair Deborah Calla (Dream House, A Beautiful Life) said in a statement. “As PGA producers, we have a responsibility not just to appreciate different perspectives, but to empower such producers with the tools, resources and capacity to assist them in bringing their projects to fruition”. In past years the “Power Of Diversity” workshop enlisted Silver Linings Playbook‘s Bruce Cohen, Grey’s Anatomy‘s Mark Gordon,...
- 3/6/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) announces it is open for submissions for their ninth annual PGA Producing Workshop; "The Power of Diversity." The multi-session workshop runs May 28 - July 13 in Los Angeles, and is designed for experiences and aspiring producers. Ten participants are selected and given 1:1 mentoring from members of the Guild's Diversity Committee, as well as master classes with some of the industry's top producers. Topics range from story development to marketing, and are tailored for the specific participants. The Committee's Deborah Calla states, “Reflecting diverse communities through accurate and informative storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool that brings us all closer together. As PGA producers, we have a responsibility not just to appreciate different perspectives, but to empower such producers with the tools, resources and capacity to assist them in bringing their projects to fruition.” Some producers that have mentored in past years include Damon...
- 3/5/2013
- by Sophia Savage
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Producers Guild of America (PGA) is pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the ninth annual PGA Producing Workshop: “The Power of Diversity.” This multi-session workshop will run from May 28 through July 13 in Los Angeles, and is designed to foster the development of aspiring and seasoned producers who bring diverse perspectives to television, film and digital media. This annual program provides ten participants with one-on-one mentoring sessions with members of the Guild’s Diversity Committee as well as master classes with some of today’s top producers. Topics are tailored to the participating producers and their projects, and will include all aspects of producing such as story development, pitching, packaging, financing, marketing and digital media. “We’re excited to offer this unique and career-enhancing workshop to entertainment professionals,” said workshop chair Deborah Calla, who also chairs the PGA Diversity Committee. “Reflecting diverse communities through accurate and informative storytelling...
- 3/5/2013
- by hnblog@hollywoodnews.com (Hollywood News Team)
- Hollywoodnews.com
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