WIFVNE's Table Read over Zoom on May 9, 2023, had those who attended laughing and crying -- a wide range of emotions were on display as two scripts from WIFVNE members were read aloud.  

WIFVNE Member Marie Ginga's short script THE LAST YARD SALE (top photo) and WIFVNE Member Paul Kandarian's IT'S ALL BULLSHIT (bottom photo) were brought to life during the event.

A special thank you to all of the actors who participated in this engaging event (photo below).

What is a Table Read? Here's an excerpt from Masterclass:

A table read (also known as a read-through) is an organized reading of a script in which the speaking parts, stage directions, and scene headings are read out loud. For episodic television, it also provides an opportunity for many members of the production team to read scripts for the first time.

Table reads are an essential part of the script development and writing process, as writers use them as an opportunity to fine tune their stories, sharpen their dialogue, and make other necessary adjustments. These table readings usually occur towards the end of preproduction, before shooting begins.

For the WIFVNE Table Read, we are interested in connecting our community, letting writers hear their characters come to life, and showcasing our many members who are actors (both on-screen and voice-over). Interested in helping WIFVNE organize a Table read (on Zoom or in-person)?  Send us an email! 

WIFVNE stands in solidarity with our members and friends in the Writers Guild of America as they as they seek a sustainable livelihood and just compensation for their work.

Visit www.wgacontract2023.org for the latest information and on how to lend your support. 

WIFVNE Board Advisor Juri Love attended The Konnect - Diversity in Film event on April 22 on behalf of WIFVNE. Juri's recap of her experience (and her photos from the event) is below: 

Extremely humbled and grateful to represent Women in Film and Video--New England as a Board of Advisor at the Konnect event organized by The Secret Society of Black Creatives. 

It was so wonderful to see many people that I have worked with on the set and meet new people. Thank you, Sharon Contillo, the President of WIFVNE for having faith in me that I do justice to represent our amazing non-profit organization. Thank you for many kind words for people who stopped by our table and friends who gave me the warmest smiles and hugs.

As a minority (Asian Female) creator, I often even forget I am a minority but I do feel and know that I need to work a lot harder to fight for my credentials and rights but the event like this can not only highlight and support the minority collaborative efforts but the majority and inclusivity that I believe can create so much bridges over any race.

We as creators know our voice is powerful as long as we win over our fear and any biases.

Thank you for all the amazing and inspiring speeches. I was extremely touched by many who truly care about our talents regardless of how we look.

We as human beings need love and support to move forward and create a better world especially via media and what we put out there intentionally.

Diversity and inclusion seem a long road to pave yet we as creators need to trust our instinct and use our intelligence to not only combat for equality but equity to form an easier platform for especially our next generations to come.

As creators, let's intentionally empower, educate, be a leader, not be afraid to speak out the truth via our media outlet.

Thank you again for inspiring me and widen my horizon and possibility at the event.

WIFVNE in Rhode Island, where it was Reel Virtual!

A great evening on April 20, 2023, thanks to our hosts at (add)ventures in East Providence, RI. They are brand storytellers, culture creators, video, design and digital experience makers. The talented team at (add)ventures took guests on a tour of their amazing facility, hosted us with delicious appetizers and refreshing drinks. The highlight was learning about their “Volume” for amazing virtual effects! Thank you to all the talented folks (add)ventures!

  

 

 

The first virtual production studio to open in New England welcomed WIFVNE members and the creative community to a networking social event. (add)ventures, based in Rhode Island, launched virtual production last year and is leveraging the new technology in innovative ways, as well as inventing new processes to maximize the storytelling possibilities. 

Photos by (add)ventures.

Burlington, Vermont, area college students and filmmakers gathered at the Media Factory on April 14, 2023 for "First Day on Set," a workshop presented by WIFVNE President Emerita Alecia Orsini.

From cable management in the TV studio to discussing safety on the set and fair pay, this was an eye-opening and engaging workshop! 

 

WIFVNE looks forward to future collaborations with Media Factory.  (Photos courtesy of Media Factory) 

Media Factory is a community media center in Burlington, Vermont, providing the surrounding community with media tools, education, and distribution to support civic engagement, free speech, and independent mediamaking.

To request a PA workshop, guest speaker, or other trainings in your area, please email WIFVNE. 

WIFVNE is excited to host a Table Read on Zoom -- and we have a call for submissions!

Two screenplays from WIFVNE Members will be chosen for a table read with actors over Zoom, currently scheduled for May 9, from 6:30-8:00pm (register here to attend!). The writers must be available to attend the table read on May 9th.

To submit, please send up to 15 pages of a screenplay with the information listed below to tablereads@wifvne.org by April 14. Send a short script or a 15-page excerpt of a longer work. Writers must be WIFVNE members to submit. (And if your screenplay is not chosen for this round, there will be more opportunities at future table reads. We look forward to reading your work!)

Information to be included with your submission (in email or separate document): Name; Title of script; Logline; Genre; Characters with brief description of each; Characters who could be read by the same actor(s) if needed; contact email and phone number.

Stay tuned for a Casting Call!

WIFVNE President Emerita Alecia Orsini spoke at Wheaton College on March 22, 2023 with students in Wheaton College Film Collective. Alecia spoke about women in the film industry, her experience and journey, and then encouraged students to participate in a hands-on exercise. 

The students let us know "It was an incredible and educational experience for all, but especially for those of us who find our voices repeatedly shut out of the film industry. [Alecia] brought enthusiasm and an expertise that was inspiring, and we are excited to share the many things we learned from her with our peers." 

Pictured above:  Alecia with students at Wheaton College; Pictured below: student members of the Wheaton College Film Collective.

WIFVNE members held their first of what will hopefully be a series of monthly gatherings on March 2nd.

Hosted by director/producer/writer Jennifer Potts at her beautifully decorated Victorian home, WIFVNE members from the Central Mass area and beyond shared stories, resources, laughs and challenges. We got to know each other over conversation, games and yummy food. There were even some prizes given out!

Come join us for our next meetup on Thursday, April 6th.

Photos by WIFVNE Member Paul Gringas.

Thanks everyone who came out for the PA workshop at StudioLab in Derry, NH on February 26! The StudioLab team were terrific hosts and we can’t wait to have another WIFVNE event with them!

Our special thanks to Alecia Orsini, Jaci Kjernander, Rachel Thomas-Medwid and the team at StudioLab for their participation in this event -- and to all who spent part of their day with us.

  

To request a PA workshop, guest speaker, or other trainings in your area, please email WIFVNE. 

The Writers Lab has opened submissions for their 2023 US Lab. In their 9th year of championing women and non-binary screenwriters over 40, TWL is excited to welcome a new group of writers. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply!

The Writers Lab is the only program in the world devoted exclusively to script and career development for women and nonbinary writers 40+. We honor the fact that gender is personal and specific and seek to create an inclusive and supportive community.

The Lab is produced by co-founders Elizabeth Kaiden and Nitza Wilon with New York Women in Film & Television.

Early Deadline: March 1

Final Deadline: March 31

Submissions of both Features and Pilots (both 1-hour and ½-hour) in English will be considered. We will select approximately 12 promising diverse writers for our in-person retreat in New York for November 7-10, 2023. (Dates subject to change.)

During the Lab intensive, Mentors and Writers engage in rigorous script development through one-on-one mentor meetings, small group and panel discussions, peer workshops, story rooms, and more. In the following months of ongoing development, we guide writers through the revision process and offer strategic advice and advocacy with the help of partners, industry leaders, our development team, and talented peers.

Learn more and apply now!