Today for #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate WIFVNE Member Heather Whitty, New England-based acting coach and casting director dedicated to discovering and nurturing emerging talent in film and television.

“I love that I get to see the most authentic form of on camera acting that takes place in the audition room. No fancy camera angles, no elaborate set design, no mood music - just an actor bringing all that magic to life."

She recently cast F*ckUps Anonymous, an official selection for the SXSW TV Pilot Competition. "I deeply enjoy casting for indie projects as they tend to offer a real opportunity for up and coming actors to truly shine.”

Heather’s Advice to all creatives: “ No one gets anywhere alone. Embrace your community. Contribute to it. Nurture it - and continue to find opportunities to keep building within it.”

https://whittystudios.com/

In our continuing celebration of our incredible WIFVNE Membership for Women's History Month, we are thrilled to highlight Cheryl Eagan-Donovan, an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriting mentor, and past president of WIFVNE.

Her new documentary, All the World's a Stage, focuses on "Shakespeare" and the Invention of Modern Theatre in Elizabethan England. Cheryl says that one of the one of things she enjoys most about filmmaking is the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and scholars around the world. She recently was awarded a third research grant to travel back to England where she has been busy filming for two years. All the World's a Stage features Sir Mark Rylance, Sir Derek Jacobi, director Richard Clifford, actress and author Annabel Leventon, and journalist Elizabeth Winkler. More information and the film's trailer can be found online.

"I also love working with aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters to help them realize their dreams," continues Cheryl. "I am headed to SXSW 2025 this week to serve as a Screenwriting Mentor so I'd like to invite any Women in Film members who will be at the festival to get in touch!"  for more information on SXSW, visit the Screenwriting Roundtable section of the festival's website!

When asked to share some advice to fellow female filmmakers, Cheryl stated, “Never take ‘no’ for an answer; be persistent but always respectful and professional." 

She goes on to say, "Be grateful for whatever friends and colleagues can bring to your project, and give back to the community. Filmmaking success is ultimately all about the relationships you build."

Congratulations on all your well deserved success!

In celebration of Women's History Month, Women in Film & Video New England is proud to spotlight Member Liane Brandon, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and Professor Emerita at UMass Amherst. As a co-founder of New Day Films and one of New England's first independent women filmmakers, Liane’s work has left an undeniable mark on the industry.

Her groundbreaking films—Sometimes I Wonder Who I Am (1970), Anything You Want To Be (1971), and Betty Tells Her Story (1972)—were among the most widely used consciousness-raising tools of the Women’s Movement and continue to inspire today. In 2022, Betty Tells Her Story was inducted into the National Film Registry, cementing its place in history.

Coming up this March, Liane’s powerful photo exhibit, Still Marching 1970 – 2017, will be on display at the Cambridge Public Library, supported by a grant from the Cambridge Arts Council. Her photography credits include stills for American Masters, Nova, Unsolved Mysteries, and major publications like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and The Boston Globe.

Actively involved with the rights of media artists, her lawsuit Brandon v. The Regents of the University of California won a landmark victory for filmmakers' protection of their titles.  

Before becoming a filmmaker and professor, Brandon worked as a ski instructor, lifeguard, waitress, high school teacher and professional stunt woman.  

When asked what she loves about her work, Liane states, “I love being constantly engaged and working for women’s rights – though the latter has been far more urgent and challenging in the current political climate.”

Explore more of Liane’s work on her website: www.lianebrandon.com

Join us in celebrating this trailblazer!

March 2025 is Women’s History Month, and we want to celebrate YOU!

Women in Film & Video New England is spotlighting our incredible members across film, television, and media on our social media platforms this coming March.

If you’d like to be featured—or if you’d like to nominate a fellow member—send us:

• A photo
• A few lines about the type of work you do
• Any training, awards, or credits you’d like to highlight
• A short answer to: What advice would you give fellow creatives about succeeding in this industry?

Send submissions to marilyn@wifvne.org by March 1st!

Let’s amplify the voices of the talented women shaping New England’s film industry!

Congratulations to WIFVNE Member Member Kristen Falso Capaldi on her short film “So You Want to Steal a Kidney” being featured in the February issue of The Rhode Island Wave! Read the article here>>

We’re thrilled to celebrate WIFVNE Member Rosi Amador and her husband, Brian Amador, on their feature interview on WBUR 90.9 FM's "Here & Now" show with host Lisa Mullins! The couple shared the beautiful story of how their marriage and music intertwine through their Latin ensemble Sol Y Canto—a true harmony of love and artistry.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to the interview online here: https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/01/23/sol-y-canto-music.

Congratulations to WIFVNE Members Karin Trachtenberg and Julia Trueblood on being featured guests on Creative Guts podcast to discuss their new short film Pumpkin Pie!

In the interview they discuss how Julia and Karin are telling stories from their perspectives as women and mothers and supporting women in film. Both took time off from their work to start their families, and for Karin, going back to the theater was her way of doing something for herself after prioritizing her kids. Today, they’re working with mostly all-female crews in a super collaborative way. They also talk about the inherent challenges of wearing many hats and why film festivals are an important way for filmmakers to share their work!

Listen to this episode wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Creative Guts website.

CASTING FOR FUTURE 2025 READINGS!
WIFVNE performers who wish to be considered for future reading dates below should send their headshot & resume and demo reels to tablereads@wifvne.org with the subject: Actor Submission for [Month(s) Available]

TABLE READING SERIES DATES:
Tuesday, February 25th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, March 25th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, April 29th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, May 27th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday, June 24th from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND READINGS!
While casting is limited to WIFVNE members only at this time, all are invited to attend the Zoom reading on January 28th! RSVP here to attend>>

WIFVNE is excited to launch a new Director Shadow Program for 2025 focused on Social Impact Storytelling™ in collaboration with EmVision Productions and Clark Ave Productions. 

This program is designed for WIFVNE Members who are emerging novice directors, as well as professionals from other industry career tracks looking to pivot into social impact storytelling.

Through this program, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into production techniques and storytelling approaches that can elevate your work and inspire your creative journey. WIFVNE supports the theory that mentorship plays a crucial role in career growth, and we are thrilled to present this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for storytelling.

This opportunity is available to WIFVNE members who have been with us for at least 12 months and are of 21 years of age by February 1, 2025. Review Program details and apply at the link below. Submission deadline is February 6, 2025.

Interested WIFVNE Members should log in and visit the program application page today!