The Reel Women

Author: The Reel Women

  • @LisaStockFilm

    @LisaStockFilm

    What pulled you into film and TV in the first place?

    The power of stories and storytelling through a magic visual medium. Like many others, The Wizard of Oz was my earliest influence. It scared me, enchanted me and gave me hope. As I grew up, I understood the purpose of metaphors all the more, and how beautifully they could be brought to life in films. I started telling people when I was 5 years old, I was going to direct movies. My parents encouraged it and I’ve never looked back. To this day, you can still see the influence of Oz in my work through color palettes, subtext through windows and in backgrounds, magic realism and a character’s singular journey toward truth.

    What do you think the industry gets most wrong about women like you?

    That we’re a novelty. Women filmmakers are still caught in the gerbil wheel of “proving ourselves”. I get questions like, did you do that yourself? YOU edited the film? Why are you doing it like this? As if it’s a surprise that I’m capable of wearing many hats on a film. Or I have to explain myself over and over before being trusted, regardless of my previous successful works. I’m grateful for women pushing through and making films like they want to, redefining the landscape and producing remarkable stories that make a lasting impression.

    What does success mean to you?

    Knowing that the audience carries my film out of the theater or off the screen with them. If one audience member sees themselves in one of my characters and finds themselves thinking about it later on, in relation to their own life, then I feel no greater success than being able to connect with them.

    What are you most proud of that most people don’t know about?

    The amount of time and the late nights that I put into each project. That I don’t consider it done until I think I’ve made my cast and crew proud too. That maybe if that 5-year-old girl could look forward and see my films she would say, “That’s exactly what I wanted to do.”

    What keeps you going when the industry makes it hard?

    Keep telling stories, keep making films. Start a script, buy a prop, anything to just keep taking steps forward and doing what I love.

  • @thelesliebecker @organizedactor

    @thelesliebecker @organizedactor

    What pulled you into film and TV in the first place?

    I fell in love with film when my mom introduced me to movie musicals as a kid. She loved them and they opened a world for me that led a 25-year career performing musicals on Broadway, which led to also appearing in various TV and film roles. Now I’m focusing on the writing side. I have two full-length musicals that have been produced (and another on the way) as well as a TV sitcom and dramatic episodic in development.


    What do you think the industry gets most wrong about women like you?

    It’s still shocking to me that when a woman is strong and direct and passionate she is looked at as difficult, but when a man is the same way, he is revered. Also, as much as there is a culture of needing to have multiple creative outlets, there are still some people who don’t believe you can be really excellent at a lot of things. That’s the beauty of being a creative though, using all the gifts God gave you, not just the ones somebody else says you should use. Women in their very nature can do a lot of things well and I like to celebrate that.


    What does success mean to you?

    To me success is a very personal thing. It’s knowing that I’m living out my purpose every day to empower, entertain and educate others, and to be a source of strength and bravery for the human spirit. If I’m doing any form of that, I consider that a successful day. I do that through my brand The Organized Actor® which began with a bestselling book I wrote in 1994. This year I released a digital app, Organized Actor® Online, that helps actors manage the business side of their careers, from tracking auditions, bookings, contacts, income and expenses, goals and more. And my podcast, Unstoppably Creative, helps fellow creatives build their confidence so the highs and lows of a creative life are balanced by a strong belief in themselves. When I empower someone else, I feel successful.

    What are you most proud of that most people don’t know about?

    I suffered from extreme audition anxiety in my early years, particularly singing. So it’s still amazing to me that I overcame that and made a living singing to thousands of people a night. The pinnacle moment was performing a solo concert of my original songs in Times Square back in 2019.

    What keeps you going when the industry makes it hard?

    I always think it’s best to face reality for what it is, not as you wish it would be or as it used to be. So when the industry blocks me, I find a way around it. I feel like I’m a master pivoter.

    For more on Leslie, check out her website: https://organizedactor.com

  • @sarahmeital

    @sarahmeital

    What pulled you into film & TV in the first place?

    I came to film through photography and casting, driven by a personal need to understand identity, memory, and where I come from. Growing up in Jerusalem between different cultures, I was drawn to people living between worlds and to stories that sit on the margins. Film became a way for me to turn lived experience into intimate, human narratives.

    What worries you most about the future of this industry right now?

    I think division and polarization of artists and perspectives is really scary. 

    What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d heard earlier?

    To trust your intuition. It’s your best teacher. 

  • @Omobolaakinde

    @Omobolaakinde

    What pulled you into film & TV in the first place?

    I had always enjoyed acting on stage right from when I was in school. Even though I never knew I would do it professionally until years later after school. I remembered I liked it then so I decided to give it a try. 

    What worries you most about the future of this industry right now?

    Film getting to our audience at an affordable rate and producers making back their money.

    What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d heard earlier?

    Get a normal job while pursuing this dream. Because bills are real.

  • @margauxamie

    @margauxamie

    What pulled you into film & TV in the first place?

    I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and human emotion. Film and television have a unique ability to make people feel seen, start conversations, and create empathy across very different experiences. As an actor, I loved stepping into characters and exploring emotional truth, but over time I realized I also wanted to help shape the stories being told behind the camera. That eventually led me to founding True Self Films, where the goal is to create meaningful, character-driven work that reflects voices and experiences that are often overlooked.

    What worries you most about the future of this industry right now?

    I think one of the biggest concerns is that meaningful storytelling can sometimes get overshadowed by algorithms, trends, and short attention spans. There’s so much pressure to create what’s instantly marketable that unique voices and emotionally honest stories can struggle to break through. I also think access remains a challenge — especially for independent filmmakers, women, and creators from underrepresented backgrounds. At the same time, I’m hopeful because audiences are still hungry for authentic stories that genuinely connect with them.

    What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d heard earlier?

    I wish someone had told me earlier that building a career in this industry is much more of a marathon than a sprint. It’s easy to compare your journey to other people’s highlight reels, especially in entertainment, but longevity, resilience, and relationships matter just as much as talent. I also wish I’d understood sooner that creating your own opportunities can be just as powerful as waiting for permission from the industry.

    What does success mean to you and have you ever experienced it?

    Success to me is creating work that resonates with people while also building a sustainable career doing what I love. Of course awards and recognition are wonderful, but I think real success is when a story moves someone, sparks conversation, or makes them feel less alone. I’ve experienced moments of success already through acting, producing, and seeing projects like our award-winning short film Let Go connect with audiences and film festivals. Those moments reminded me that even smaller projects can have real impact.

    What is next in your career?

    Right now I’m focused on growing True Self Films and advancing our psychological drama feature Therein Lies Darkness through financing and development. I’m also developing new film and television projects centered on emotionally impactful storytelling.

    Interested in being interviewed? Submit your name here!

  • Hallease

    Hallease

    Follow on instagram: @hallease.mp4

    Why did you decide to work in the film and TV industry?

    It’s debatable if I work “in the industry” or adjacent to it but I decided to tell stories (mostly online) because I wanted to be the change I wanted to see and I wanted to document my life, so that way if I ever became a hashtag for all of the wrong reasons, there was a primary source account of who I am. An unabridged primary source account of all the ways I existed here.

    What is your biggest concern with the future?

    Surprisingly not Ai (potentially famous last words – but we’ll see). I’m more concerned with the shrinking avenues for creatives to exist at every level of filmmaking. The lack of space for innovation in storytelling, combined with an overemphasis on profits concerns me. So, I find myself leaning more into spaces online where the only gatekeeper is your internet connection and relying on the community at large for support rather than an executive who’s only goal is an ROI.

    What is a successful moment in your career so far?

    I am grateful to say I’ve had a few! Getting fired from my first production job back in 2012 was a success because it led me to an amazing producer who helped shape my producing, interviewing, and directing skills. I later used those skills to produce two grant-funded documentaries combating hate speech and xenophobia on my YouTube channel and producing a web series show for PBS. One of my biggest wins was becoming an Adobe Creative Resident in 2021-22 because that allowed me to invest in myself and create a comedy web series called This Coulda Been An Email.

    What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

    Collaborate across whenever possible. One of the first collabs that helped me grow online was with my friend and fellow creative Evelyn From The Internets. I had just bought the DJI Mavic (their first mini drone model) and told her about it. She had a sponsored video on her channel she wanted to produce and asked me to DP it. That video ended up going viral. I still get referenced from it, and I know she still gets opportunities and eye balls from it too. She had the skills of storytelling and needed a DP. I had the DP knowledge and skills but needed a story to film. To this day, years later, she’s still my writing partner, accountability, and a dear friend. Focus on cultivating genuine relationships with a spirit of giving and the creative magic will come.

    What is next for you in your career?

    Cultivating more community! My goal in life is to help others tell their own stories so I’m shifting my content to focus more on tangible tips and skills to do that. My motto is, “I went to film school so you don’t have to if you don’t want to!” I love being accountability for others, giving them a spark of inspiration, or just helping them logistically with filmmaking and answering their technical questions in a safe space. There are no dumb questions!

    I’m also working on a new travel docu-series with a friend of mine who’s a lawyer, we got some grant funding for it too which is really exciting because funding is 92.7% of the battle.

    Finally, I’m developing a graphic novel based on a short story written by my husband, Chris. I’ve been working on a proof of concept scene with the illustrator I want to work with and am talking to an independent comic editor. Hopefully, I’ll launch a crowdfunding campaign for that soon and have the book done by the fall (or sooner).

    So yeah, I’m outside y’all just making stuff!

    Where can people find out more about you?

    My YouTube channel and Instagram. My name is very Googl-able so go wild – Hallease! If you’re looking for a more buttoned up me, check out my company website — StumbleWell.com

  • Today’s edition: Road to the Oscars

    In today’s newsletter: A look at how the Oscar race is unfolding and a quick networking tip—keep it simple!

    Read the latest issue and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update!

    Check out the post and subscribe HERE!

  • Fran Drescher, SAG President – SAG Awards, February 24, 2024 – Full Speech

    Fran Drescher, SAG President

    SAG Awards, February 24, 2024

    Full Speech

    Thank you, Thank you so much. 

    I want to gratefully acknowledge the WGA, the DGA, IATSE, AFM, Teamsters and Basic Crafts for helping make this night a success. Thank you to the hardest working guy in show business, our SAG-AFTRA Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. And, especially a big thanks to Netflix for inviting the SAG Awards to their platform so this event can be viewed all over the world including my parents’ condo in South Florida.

    But most important, congratulations to all the members both here today and everywhere. I hold you all with the highest esteem and greatest respect for you are the champions. You survived the longest strike in our union’s history with courage and conviction. The journey was arduous. It came with great sacrifice and unrelenting stress. Your collective dignity and perseverance to stand up and say we deserve better because we are better resulted in an historic billion-dollar deal. Your solidarity ignited workers around the world triggering what forever will be remembered as the “Hot Labor Summer”. You took the hero’s journey and stood at the front lines. Strike captains led the picket lines. And we all showed up to the rallies because you understood what our massive contribution means to this marvelous industry.

    And now, here we stand tall and proud. This was a seminal moment in our union’s history that has set the trajectory for many generations to come. Not afraid but brave. Not weak but empowered. Not peons but partners.

    During the fight for a better TV theatrical contract global ideas emerged. AI will entrap us in a matrix where none of us know what’s real. If an inventor lacks empathy and spirituality perhaps that’s not the invention we need. Dystopia stories can also become self-fulfilling prophecy. We should tell stories that spark the human spirit, connect us to the natural world and awaken our capacity to love unconditionally. 

    What does female leadership look like to women and girls? We don’t have to emulate male energy but rather lead with intellect, compassion, wisdom and still rock a red lip. Sometimes it’s hard to see the frame when you’re in the picture but a renaissance can happen. We each can work to develop empathy within ourselves. Collectively, the paradigm will shift towards peace and harmony. All of us hold in our hearts the gentle whisper of true love. I am honored to be your president as we now enter our golden age. Thank you so much.

    Video via: Hollywood Reporter

  • What’s happening this week: November 29, 2023

    Check out what’s happening this week for women in film, TV and media! Anything in bold is a link so if you want more, make sure to click!

    For future posts to go straight to your inbox, scroll to the bottom and subscribe!

    🎥 Profile 🎥

    This week’s profile is @amandacawleymusic! Check out her profile here.

    🚨 News 🚨

    💻 Resources & Opportunities 💻

    We do not endorse, or are endorsed, for any of the following. We simply came across the resource and wanted to share. Please do your own research on any programs or initiatives, especially where you are required to pay.

    🎉 What we’re excited about this week 🎉

    Season 3 of “Pretty Hard Cases” created by Tassie Cameron and Sherry White, releasing November 29, 2023 on Amazon (Freevee).

    “The series follows two detectives in their early 40s: Sam, an uptight and by-the-book guns and gangs detective, and Kelly, a streetwise narcotics detective. Both are ambitious and accomplished in their own way, excelling at work while struggling with their personal lives. They drive one another crazy, but also appreciate each other’s strengths, and somehow manage to work together.”

    Why we’re excited: We will always take a police crime comedy-drama television series, especially if it’s created by women!

    _______________

    “Family Switch” written by Victoria Strouse, Victoria Strouse, Adam Sztykiel, coming out on Netflix November 30th.

    “When a chance encounter with an astrological reader causes the Walkers to wake up to a full body switch, can they unite to land a promotion, college interview, record deal, and soccer tryout?”

    Why we’re excited: Growing up on “switch” movies like “The Parent Trap,” (the OG and Lindsay Lohan remake), “Freaky Friday,” and “13 Going on 30,” we’re nostalgic for the next generation of switching.

    _______________

    “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé” by the Queen B herself, releasing in theaters December 1st.

    “Beyoncé in performance at her record-breaking RENAISSANCE World Tour and the creative mastermind behind it.”

    Why we’re excited: One words: Beyoncé.

    🎬 The Numbers 🎬

    🎞 Film 🎞

    This week’s top female-led movies at the box office (out of 10)

    • #3 (Opening weekend): “Wish” Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck; Written by Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore, Chris Buck

      Current box office: $49.6m

      “Wish will follow a young girl named Asha who wishes on a star and gets a more direct answer than she bargained for when a trouble-making star comes down from the sky to join her.”
    • #6 (-3): “The Marvels” Directed by Nia DaCosta; Written by Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik

      Current box office: $187m

      “Carol Danvers gets her powers entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, forcing them to work together to save the universe.”
    • #8 (-2): “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” by Taylor Swift

      Current box office: $248.9m

      “Experience the breathtaking Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift”
    • #9 (+5): “Saltburn” written and directed by Emerald Fennell

      Current box office: $6.6m

      “A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.”

    📺 TV 📺

    This week’s most popular female-led TV shows by Rotten Tomatoes (out of 10)

    • #4 (-2): “A Murder a the End of the World” by Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij

      “A Murder at the End of the World” is a mystery series with a new kind of detective at the helm — a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named Darby Hart. In the new limited series, Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire to participate in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must put to use all of her combined skills to prove it was in fact murder, all against a tide of competing interests and before the killer takes another life.”

      Where to find it: Hulu
    • #9 (-2): “Blue Eye Samurai” by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green

      “A master of the sword lives life in disguise while seeking revenge in Edo-period Japan.”

      Where to find it: Netflix

    🎙 Podcasts 🎙

    This week’s top female-led podcasts on the Apple Podcast charts (out of 10)

    • #2 (-1): “The Bakersfield Three” by Casefile Presents

      “When two friends go missing back-to-back, and in between their disappearances, a third friend is murdered, their mothers begin their own investigation. As the connections between the three cases are explored, the mothers navigate devastating twists and turns, including one revelation that shakes the community to its core.”

      Researched, Written and Narrated by Olivia LaVoice (on Instagram, on Facebook)
    • #6 (-2): “Crime Junkie” by Audiochuck:

      “Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to giving you a fix. Every Monday, Ashley Flowers will tell you about whatever crime she’s been obsessing over that week in a way that sounds like you’re sitting around talking crime with your best friends. The storytelling is straightforward and free of rabbit holes so the cases stay suspenseful and are easy to follow. If you can never get enough true crime… Congratulations, you’re a Crime Junkie!”

      By Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat

    🎥 Interested in being Profiled? 🎥

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    Go here to submit your profile!

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    Join the Facebook Group!

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  • What’s happening this week: November 22, 2023

    Check out what’s happening this week for women in film, TV and media! Anything in bold is a link so if you want more, make sure to click!

    🎥 Profile 🎥

    This week’s profile is @stellamay17! Check out her profile here.

    🚨 News 🚨

    💻 Resources & Opportunities 💻

    We do not endorse, or are endorsed, for any of the following. We simply came across the resource and wanted to share. Please do your own research on any programs or initiatives, especially where you are required to pay.

    🎉 What we’re excited about this week 🎉

    “Saltburn” written and directed by Emerald Fennell, wide release November 22, 2023.

    “A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.”

    Why we’re excited: Best known as an actress (Midge in “Barbie,” Camilla Parker Bowles in Seasons 3-4 of “The Crown,” and Nurse Patsy Mount in “Call the Midwife”), she’s also a writer (“Killing Eve”) and director (“Promising Young Woman” with 117 award wins out of 193 nominations). The stylized revenge thriller of “Promising Young Woman” is mired in the “Saltburn” trailer so we’re excited to see the story play out. Also, Carey Mulligan is set to make her reappearance in this new film.

    _______________

    Disney’s “Wish” directed by Chris Buck and Fawn Veerasunthorn. Screenplay by Jennifer Lee & Allison Moore, wide release November 22, 2023.

    “Wish will follow a young girl named Asha who wishes on a star and gets a more direct answer than she bargained for when a trouble-making star comes down from the sky to join her.”

    Why we’re excited: Growing up on the Disney princess movies, we have a fond place in our hearts for Disney animation. But we’re excited the stories have evolved from the girl getting the guy and, instead, the girl saving the world and “Wish” promises to be just this, with some fun twists and turns.

    _______________

    “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas” releasing on AppleTV November 22nd, 2023.

    “Join Hannah Waddingham for stunning performances including Phil Dunster, Luke Evans, Leslie Odom Jr., Sam Ryder, and more.”

    Why we’re excited: Two words: Hannah Waddingham.

    🎬 The Numbers 🎬

    🎞 Film 🎞

    This week’s top female-led movies at the box office (out of 10)

    • #3: “The Marvels” Directed by Nia DaCosta; Written by Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, Elissa Karasik

      Current box office: $162m

      “Carol Danvers gets her powers entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, forcing them to work together to save the universe.”
    • #6: “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” by Taylor Swift

      Current box office: $246m

      “Experience the breathtaking Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift”
    • #8 “Priscilla” Written & Directed by Sofia Coppola

      Current box office: $17m

      “When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.”

    📺 TV 📺

    This week’s most popular female-led TV shows by Rotten Tomatoes (out of 10)

    • #2: “A Murder a the End of the World” by Brit Marling & Zal Batmanglij

      “A Murder at the End of the World” is a mystery series with a new kind of detective at the helm — a Gen Z amateur sleuth and tech-savvy hacker named Darby Hart. In the new limited series, Darby and eight other guests are invited by a reclusive billionaire to participate in a retreat at a remote and dazzling location. When one of the other guests is found dead, Darby must put to use all of her combined skills to prove it was in fact murder, all against a tide of competing interests and before the killer takes another life.”

      Where to find it: Hulu
    • #7: “Blue Eye Samurai” by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green

      “A master of the sword lives life in disguise while seeking revenge in Edo-period Japan.”

      Where to find it: Netflix

    🎙 Podcasts 🎙

    This week’s top female-led podcasts on the Apple Podcast charts (out of 10)

    • #1: “The Bakersfield Three” by Casefile Presents

      “When two friends go missing back-to-back, and in between their disappearances, a third friend is murdered, their mothers begin their own investigation. As the connections between the three cases are explored, the mothers navigate devastating twists and turns, including one revelation that shakes the community to its core.”

      Researched, Written and Narrated by Olivia LaVoice (on Instagram, on Facebook)
    • #4: “Crime Junkie” by Audiochuck:

      “Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to giving you a fix. Every Monday, Ashley Flowers will tell you about whatever crime she’s been obsessing over that week in a way that sounds like you’re sitting around talking crime with your best friends. The storytelling is straightforward and free of rabbit holes so the cases stay suspenseful and are easy to follow. If you can never get enough true crime… Congratulations, you’re a Crime Junkie!”

      By Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat

    🎥 Interested in being Profiled? 🎥

    Are you a female filmmaker and storyteller, interested in being profiled?

    Go here to submit your profile!

    We’re excited to celebrate and support you!

    Join the Facebook Group!

    👍 Rate this Post 👎

    Subscribe to have future posts go straight to your inbox!