WIFVNE 2021 Annual Meeting of Members

Welcome Speaker:  Megan McGough Christian

Megan McGough Christian leads post-production for FRONTLINE and advises on production across the series. A second-generation public media broadcaster, she came to FRONTLINE after a varied career in commercial radio and television, working on everything from local news to national advertising and documentary production. 

Megan graduated with her undergraduate degree from Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD. She studied at the National University of Ireland in Maynooth and earned her M.A. in History from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She is a member of SMPTE, WIFVNE, and Blue Collar Post Collective. She was recognized in 2018 as one of the StudioDaily 50, a list of top media creatives and technologists.

A Conversation with Siân Heder

Siân Heder is a writer/director whose most recent work includes CODA (2021), which debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where it received the top four awards: the Grand Jury Prize, the Audience Award, Best Director and an Ensemble Acting Award. CODA was acquired by Apple TV+ in a festival record-breaking deal and released theatrically and for streaming in August. Siân is currently Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner on the series Little America for Apple TV+. She previously wrote and produced for three seasons on the Netflix series, Orange is the New Black. Her other television writing credits include Men of a Certain Age, which earned her a Peabody Award, and she has directed episodes of Netflix’s Glow, Orange is the New Black, Hulu’s The Path, and Little America. Her debut feature film, Tallulah (2016) starring Elliot Page and Alison Janney, premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was released as a Netflix original.

This conversation will be moderated by Alecia Orsini, WIFVNE President, and presented as a recording.

Keynote Speakers:  Marina Cappi & Mackenzie O'Connell

Founded by Marina Cappi, Marina Studios is one of the only studios in the country that is woman-owned and managed. Located in Quincy’s Marina Bay, Marina Studios is the newest soundstage near the City of Boston. With over 26,000 square feet, this state of the art studio is located just 12 minutes from Boston’s Logan Airport. The new studio recently signed a deal with Compelling Pictures, a Los Angeles-based film production company, to shoot several upcoming films, including the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Mackenzie O’Connell is the COO of Marina Studios, managing production relationships and studio operations.  Mackenzie has a strong background in management, previously overseeing commercial and residential properties, and mid-size business operations. Now, with Marina Studios, she is managing production relationships and studio operations. Mackenzie has a passion for leadership, fostering positive relationships, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting creativity and development. 

The winner for the 2021 New England Film Star Award, a grant to be given to a film project by a marginalized filmmaker residing in New England, will be announced at the WIFVNE 2021 Annual Meeting of Members. This grant represents NewEnglandFilm.com’s ongoing commitment to supporting filmmakers from all backgrounds. The finalists’ projects span genres from animation, experimental film, narrative, documentary, and web series, and they are at varying points in their production—from pre- to post-production.  The 2021 New England Film Star Award Finalists from top left to right: Lyria Garcia, Lyralen Kaye, Dusty Noval, Kristen Falso-Capaldi, Gabrielle Rosson.

Update your headshot with WIFVNE member Finding Bright for a suggested donation of $20. Sign up now!  Finding Bright is a design company building custom sets for music videos, commercials & short films. Founded by surrealist fine art photographer Jaina Cipriano, Finding Bright specializes in larger than life spaces inspired by cartoon surrealism and heightened camp aesthetics.

Please note the following measures before registering:

• Pre-registration is strongly advised as event attendance may be capped. Registration must include a valid email.

• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for entry. Accepted forms of the vaccination card are a physical card, photocopy, or a photo.

• Masks must be worn inside at all times, except when eating or drinking.