Sista Brunch

Guest: April Reign Titles: Creator of #OscarsSoWhite; media futurist; strategist; speaker; consultant; former attorney Episode Theme: What happens when sharp cultural critique becomes industry impact and why real equity requires more than optics. Why this matters right now: As awards season keeps asking who gets recognized, April Reign reminds us that representation is not a trend, it is infrastructure. This episode digs into the origin of #OscarsSoWhite, the work of changing systems from the inside, and why Black communities cannot afford to sit out conversations about AI, access, and the future of media. April Reign did not come into Hollywood through the traditional pipeline. She was a lawyer, an Oscars superfan, and a lifelong advocate before one tweet in January 2015 changed the industry conversation around race, recognition, and access. In this episode, April talks about the advocacy roots that began in college, the research behind #OscarsSoWhite, and how that moment helped open Academy membership to artists and craftspeople who had long been excluded. She also gets real about consulting, credibility, AI, self-care, and what it means to think like a media futurist while keeping artists and community at the center. How Academy membership changed and why that matters (00:10:29) Breaking the cycle of industry gatekeeping and union access (00:12:21) Media futurism and thinking about the next era of storytelling (00:14:08) Creative work, strategic communications, and what may come next (00:25:54) Self-care, travel, and staying grounded while doing advocacy work (00:27:49) The real origin of #OscarsSoWhite and the strategy behind it (00:03:26) Why diversity talk without action is just optics (00:15:27) How access works behind the scenes in Hollywood (00:10:29) AI in entertainment: real stakes and real opportunity (00:19:59) “What you do today is a day of your life exchanged.” (00:30:23) April Reign is a strategist, speaker, consultant, and the creator of the global movement #OscarsSoWhite, which sparked an industry-wide reckoning around race, representation, and access in Hollywood. A former attorney turned cultural critic and change agent, she works across media, communications, and equity strategy, helping organizations tell better stories and build more accountable systems. April describes herself as a media futurist, with a focus on where culture, technology, and justice intersect. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative who needs to hear it. Follow @SistaBrunchPodcast for clips, community, and resources. Support the show and help keep these conversations accessible at Patreon.com/SistaBrunch  or GiveButter.com/SistaBrunch.

Rraine Hanson is a Jamaican transdisciplinary artist and experimental filmmaker exploring queer identity, mixed media storytelling, and worldbuilding across film and art department craft. In this Season 7 conversation, we discuss growing up in Kingston, studying film at Emerson College, working in production design and art department, and creating Transcend — a short film about a Jamaican father raising a trans child with care and intention. We also talk about fundraising as an independent filmmaker, queer representation in Caribbean cinema, and what “experimental” filmmaking actually means. Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast centering Black women and Black gender-expansive creatives working in film, TV, and media.

Guest: Kelly Harris Titles: Supervising Location Manager; Locations & Production Logistics Leader Episode Theme: Locations aren’t just “where you shoot”—they’re how production actually happens. Kelly breaks down the creative + logistical power of the locations department, from scouting to permits to managing entire neighborhoods. Why this matters right now: With tighter budgets, shorter seasons, and new formats like verticals, productions need smarter location strategy more than ever—and Black women need visibility in the roles that quietly run the industry. Kelly Harris is the kind of industry pro who makes the impossible look effortless because she’s doing the work nobody sees. From getting her start in Cincinnati on Rage in Harlem to building a career in Los Angeles, Kelly shows how relationships, preparation, and leadership make locations the backbone of production. This is a masterclass in how the location department touches every department. Relationships as Currency: The Call That Changed Her Career (00:04:29) A day in the life of a location manager: scouting, strategy, and service (00:09:41) Let’s Talk Tech: “Area of Use” and why it’s everything (00:16:37) Let’s Talk Finance: FilmLA, permits, union wages, and location budgets (00:19:34) Verticals + the future: why this format could be a win for locations (00:33:58) A crystal-clear breakdown of what locations actually does (00:09:41) Real talk about FilmLA fees and what they do and don’t control (00:20:13) Practical career money: union wage ballparks + negotiation mindset (00:23:59) Future-proofing: how vertical storytelling changes production strategy (00:33:58) The leadership gem: protect your health, reputation, time, and finances (00:42:18) Kelly Harris is a Supervising Location Manager whose career spans film and television across major studios and networks. Known for her strategic scouting, production diplomacy, and deep logistical expertise, she’s helped productions secure and manage complex locations from neighborhoods and private properties to major institutions while supporting every department on set. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Watch the full episode on YouTube @TruJuLoMedia. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative who needs to hear it. Follow @SistaBrunchPodcast for clips, community, and resources. Support the show and help keep these conversations accessible at Patreon.com/SistaBrunch  or GiveButter.com/SistaBrunch. Keywords: Kelly Harris, Sista Brunch Podcast, location manager, supervising location manager, Teamsters Local 399, FilmLA permits, area of use, filming in Los Angeles, production logistics, locations department, vertical series, Black women in entertainment, Hollywood crew careers, production budgets, scouting locations

Guest: Asha Chai-Chang Titles: Filmmaker; Director; Producer; Accessibility Advocate; Founder, Funding Your Foundation Episode Theme: What happens when a filmmaker learns to fund their own path using finance, community, and strategy as creative tools. Why this matters right now: As traditional pathways shrink and industry access tightens, creatives are being forced to understand money, infrastructure, and ownership. Asha breaks down how financial literacy, accessibility, and self-investment create real leverage, not just opportunity. Asha Chai-Chang didn’t enter the industry through one door, she built several. From political science at Yale to finance and supplier diversity work, to directing award-winning projects and advocating for disabled filmmakers, her journey reframes what a “creative career” actually requires. This conversation connects the dots between art, money, and access and why knowing how systems work can be as powerful as talent. Oscar Festival Win to LA Career Leap (00:16:14) Funding the Creative Life Strategy Blueprint (00:21:05) Access and Advocacy for Disabled Filmmakers Everywhere (00:24:10) 48-Hour Writer’s Room Reality Check Experience (00:09:28) Invest in Yourself First Always (00:32:13) A real blueprint for funding your creative work without waiting for permission (00:21:32) How community partnerships and local businesses can sustain productions (00:10:18) A reframing of “failure” as a leadership and directing tool (00:12:21) Accessibility as a creative and production standard not an afterthought (00:24:38) Practical editing and captioning insights filmmakers can use immediately (00:30:23) A reminder to prioritize yourself while building a career that serves others (00:34:49) Asha Chai-Chang is a filmmaker, director, and accessibility advocate whose work blends storytelling, financial strategy, and industry equity. With a background in political science and finance, she has produced and directed projects that have screened at major festivals, including Oscar-qualifying platforms. She is the founder of Funding Your Foundation, a framework helping creatives understand credit and financial pathways to fund their work, and a leading advocate for disabled filmmakers expanding accessibility across production and exhibition. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Watch the full episode on YouTube @TruJuLoMedia. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a creative who needs to hear it. Follow @SistaBrunchPodcast for clips, community, and resources. Support the show and help keep these conversations accessible at Patreon.com/SistaBrunch  or GiveButter.com/SistaBrunch.

What does it really take to survive — and shape — Hollywood as a Black woman executive? In this intimate, mentorship-driven conversation, Karen Horne reflects on motherhood, leadership, money, and the invisible labor Black women carry while building entire ecosystems inside the film and television industry. From running major studio diversity and talent pipelines to being laid off during industry “restructuring,” Karen speaks candidly about power, pay inequity, coalition-building, and why Hollywood’s progressive image has never guaranteed real equity. She also shares how nurturing writers, executives, and creatives shaped her leadership style — and why stepping away from corporate Hollywood forced a deep reckoning with worth, rest, and reinvention. This episode is a masterclass in longevity, impact, and believing you’ve earned your seat — especially for Black women and Black gender-expansive creatives navigating entertainment, media, and executive pathways right now. What We Talk About Motherhood and executive leadership in Hollywood Pay gaps, bonuses, and knowing your worth Why diversity programs don’t fail — studios do Coalition-building across marginalized communities Leaving corporate power and redefining success Mentorship, legacy, and making real impact Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast centering Black women and Black gender-expansive people working in film, TV, and media. Each episode blends honest conversation, career insight, and cultural context — like brunch with mentors who tell the truth. Listen, subscribe, review and share on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. On IG follow @sistabrunchpodcast for clips, updates, and community. Support the work via Patreon or Givebutter to help sustain independent Black media.

Felicia D. Henderson has built a career most writers only dream of — and she’s still expanding. In this episode of Sista Brunch, the Emmy-nominated writer, director, and showrunner joins us for a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to build longevity in television without letting the industry box you in. From navigating power rooms as a Black woman to making the leap from showrunning into directing, Felicia shares what she’s learned — and what she wishes more creatives were told earlier. We talk about her directorial debut, The Rebel Girls, a short film that has screened and won at festivals across the country, and the significance of being honored with the Best Live Action Shor Award by the African American Film Critics Association. But this conversation goes deeper than accolades. It’s about creative agency, timing, and trusting yourself when the path forward isn’t linear. This episode is for Black women and Black gender expansive creatives building careers in film and television — especially those thinking about expansion, reinvention, or simply staying in the game long enough to tell the stories that matter. If you’ve ever asked how to grow without shrinking, how to pivot without starting over, or how to claim authority on your own terms, this one’s for you. Save this episode. Sit with it. And come back to it when you need clarity.

In this Season 7 pre-launch bonus episode, we sit with filmmaker Praise Odigie Paige, whose short film Birdie is playing at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, to talk about quiet storytelling, risk, faith, and what it takes to make the work you believe in — even when the odds feel stacked. This conversation is a reminder that there is power in patience, in subtlety, and in choosing yourself as an artist. Praise’s journey to filmmaking — from growing up between Nigeria and the U.S. to abandoning a pre-med path for film ([00:02:00–00:06:30]) The making of Birdie and why she was drawn to a quiet coming-of-age story rooted in faith, displacement, and girlhood ([00:08:00–00:13:30]) The Biafran War and why this under-discussed history matters to the film’s emotional core ([00:11:00–00:12:45]) Why Virginia (and Appalachia) became the setting for a Nigerian immigrant story — and what cultural exile looks like on screen ([00:14:00–00:15:30]) Writing against expectation: resisting pressure to make the story louder, faster, or more “palatable” ([00:16:00–00:19:30]) Financing the film — self-funding, shooting on 35mm, and what it really costs to make a period short ([00:20:00–00:21:30]) Shooting during election week in rural Appalachia and navigating safety, community, and grace on set ([00:22:00–00:23:15]) The Signature Sista Brunch Question — what Praise would tell her younger self about mistakes, timing, and growth ([00:25:00–00:26:45]) If you’re a Black woman or Black gender expansive creative navigating film or media, this episode offers: A grounded look at career sustainability in entertainment Permission to make work that’s quiet, specific, and true Honest insight into mentorship, risk, and self-trust A reminder that representation isn’t just about visibility — it’s about nuance Praise’s story speaks to anyone building in real time and learning to honor their own pace. Praise Odigie Paige is a Nigerian-born filmmaker based in Brooklyn. Her work centers girls and women on the edge of quiet transformation. Her short film Birdie is screening at the Sundance Film Festival, and she is currently developing her debut feature, Igboland, an intimate period drama exploring faith, girlhood, and desire at the edge of war. 🎧 Listen and subscribe to Sista Brunch on Apple Podcasts and Spotify 📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: @TruJuLoMedia ⭐ Leave a review — it helps more people find this community 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @SistaBrunchPodcast 🤍 Support the podcast via Patreon or GiveButter to help us continue archiving these stories

TV history in the making! Sheila Ducksworth, executive producer of Beyond the Gates—the first one-hour soap with a predominantly Black cast—joins us to share how she brought her lifelong vision to life. We talk about how the CBS/NAACP partnership came to be, Sheila's career journey from economics major to entertainment exec, and what it means to build with purpose and impact in TV. She also shares a brilliant tech tip, brunch stories, and advice for her younger self. 🎧 Listen + follow us on Spotify, Apple & everywhere you get podcasts. 📲 More on Instagram, YouTube + TikTok: @trujulomedia | @sistabrunchpodcast #BeyondTheGates #SheilaDucksworth #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInEntertainment #TruJuLoMedia

In this special Juneteenth bonus episode of Sista Brunch, co-hosted by The HiveMind Unified, we sit down with award-winning writer/director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor, Saint X, Three Women) to talk about the deeply personal story behind her debut feature film, navigating the industry as a Black woman filmmaker, and the long journey to recognition—from Sundance to Criterion Collection. Join host Fanshen Cox and co-host Shirlyn A. Cesar (Emmy-winning producer and HiveMind Unified Director of Programs) as they explore the power of storytelling, the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to make timeless work—especially in the face of systemic exclusion. Plus, Ekwa shares what she’d tell her younger self at a real-deal Sista Brunch. 🖤 This episode is dedicated to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of Black filmmakers everywhere. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome by Fanshen Cox & Shirlyn A. Cesar 03:00 - Introducing Ekwa Msangi & Farewell Amor 06:00 - What inspired the story 08:30 - Navigating Sundance, investors & indie financing 13:00 - Budgeting the film and sacrifices made 16:00 - Distribution journey & pandemic impact 17:30 - Advice to her younger self 19:00 - Five years later: why this film still resonates 20:00 - Immigrant narratives in the age of Trump 21:00 - Favorite creative resources & staying inspired 📍 Recorded at Vidiots and in partnership with The HiveMind Unified, an organization supporting underrepresented early-career creatives in entertainment. 🔗 Follow, Subscribe, and Watch More: Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast YouTube: @trujulomedia TikTok: @trujulomedia Website: www.sistabrunch.com #Juneteenth #BlackFilmmakers #FarewellAmor #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #BlackWomenInFilm #CriterionCollection #IndependentFilm #TheHiveMindUnified #TruJuLoMedia #FilmTalk #SundanceFilmFestival

In this intimate post-screening conversation, The HiveMind Unified founder and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kareema Bee sits down with acclaimed director Ekwa Msangi (Farewell Amor) to unpack the powerful themes in both of their films: The Self Love Act and Farewell Amor. This special Q&A was part of the Sista Brunch x HiveMind Unified celebration held at Vidiots, featuring a community-centered screening and artist talk. From self-love to immigration, cultural identity to creative risk, Kareema and Ekwa speak candidly about what it means to make deeply personal work that also reaches audiences across the globe. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a fan of indie cinema, or on your own healing journey—this conversation is for you. 📍 Farewell Amor is now part of the Criterion Collection. 🎬 The Self Love Act is fundraising to produce more episodes—visit HiveMindUnified.com to support. ⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Welcome & Kareema Bee intro by Shirlyn Cesar 01:00 - Ekwa Msangi intro & career highlights 03:00 - Love, identity & creative parallels between the two films 06:00 - Navigating assimilation & cultural duality 10:00 - Ekwa’s personal inspiration for Farewell Amor 13:00 - Kareema’s journey to on-camera vulnerability in The Self Love Act 16:00 - The metaphor of Kizomba, Kuduro & music as storytelling 19:00 - Final reflections on voice, risk & artistry ✨ Hosted by Sista Brunch and The HiveMind Unified 🎧 Subscribe to hear more stories of Black women and gender expansive creatives in entertainment: 📺 YouTube: @trujulomedia 📲 TikTok: @trujulomedia 📸 Instagram: @sistabrunchpodcast 🌐 Website: www.sistabrunch.com #KareemaBee #EkwaMsangi #SistaBrunch #FarewellAmor #TheSelfLoveAct #HiveMindUnified #Juneteenth #IndependentFilm #BlackWomenDirectors #ImmigrantVoices #CriterionCollection #DocumentarySeries #TruJuLoMedia #StorytellingAsLiberation 🎥🌍🧡

How do Black creatives in entertainment actually get the job done? In this end-of-season bonus episode of Sista Brunch, our guests and Black Girls Film Camp co-hosts break down the tech, tools, and behind-the-scenes knowledge they rely on—from LED screens to Avid, Scriptation, and color theory. Whether you're an aspiring director, editor, actor, or producer, you’ll get the real tea on what it takes to thrive behind the scenes in TV and film. Timecodes & Guests: [00:00:00] Jayden introduces Let's Talk Tech [00:00:30] Khalilah Joi – Lighting, backdrops, Line Learner, iMovie & auditions [00:01:50] Shirlyn A. Cesar – Paper edit process (High on the Hog, Netflix) [00:02:45] Noelle Green – LED screens vs. green screens + VFX team dynamics [00:04:25] Canella Williams Larrabee – Art & Props Dept explained [00:05:45] Morenike Joela Evans – Scriptation, Keynote & multicam directing [00:07:00] Erika Green Swafford – Writer-to-showrunner career ladder [00:07:35] Jaida Cox (BGFC alum) – Symbolism & color in post-production [00:08:45] Daysha Broadway, ACE – Editing reality TV, frame rates, camera grouping [00:10:30] Loretta Edwards Wilson – Programming strategy & pitch tips [00:12:00] Marley Jones (BGFC alum) – Sony A7 camera love & film camp support Sista Brunch is a Webby-nominated podcast sharing stories of Black women & gender-expansive folks in media. Hosted by Fanshen Cox & Shawn Pipkin-West. Watch, listen, follow, subscribe, like & share on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube: @youtube.com/trujulomedia TikTok: @trujulomedia #FilmTech #BlackWomenInMedia #SistaBrunch #DirectingTips #TVProduction #WomenInFilm #BlackGirlsFilmCamp #MediaCareers #SetLife #PostProduction #Scriptation #ColorTheory

What would you tell your younger self if you could sit down together for a real Sista Brunch? 🥂 In our Season 6 finale, our brilliant guests — from award-winning writers to groundbreaking producers and directors — share heartfelt advice they wish they had heard when they were just starting out. 💛 From trusting your journey, to embracing your light, to building your dreams without fear — this compilation is packed with the wisdom, love, and encouragement we ALL need to hear. ✨ Guest Timecodes: 00:06 — Erika Green Swafford 00:20 — Noelle Green 01:00 — Tayanna Todd 02:00 — Nandi Bowe 02:53 — Meagan (MeaganzWorld) 03:42 — Shirlyn A. Cesar 05:00 — Daysha Broadway, A.C.E. 06:00 — Khalilah Joi 07:00 — Crystal Shaniece Roman 08:00 — Loretta Edwards Wilson 08:40 — Morenike Joela Evans 09:40 — Alyson Fouse 💥 Don’t miss our most listened-to episode every season! Hit that play button, listen to these gems, and share this love letter to the next generation of Black women and gender expansive storytellers. 👉🏾 Watch, like, comment, subscribe and share! 🖤 YouTube: @trujuolomedia 🖤 TikTok: @trujuolomedia 🖤 Listen on Spotify + Apple Podcasts too! #SistaBrunch #EntertainmentIndustry #BlackWomenInMedia #PodcastCompilation #WisdomToMyYoungerSelf #Storytellers #Filmmakers #TVWriters

At Sista Brunch, we keep it real — and this bonus episode is no different! 🎤💸 Season 6 guests open up about salaries, budgets, residuals, and multiple income streams across film, television, theater, digital content, and production. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an industry pro, this is the financial wisdom you NEED to hear! 🙌🏾 👀 Watch, Listen, Follow, Subscribe, Like & Share! 🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts 📺 YouTube: @trujuolomedia 🎵 TikTok: @trujuolomedia 👉🏾 Full Timecodes: [00:00:00] Alyson Fouse: Executive Producer salaries, saving tips, and residuals reality [00:03:00] Morenike Joela Evans: Directing gigs post-strike, juggling gigs, and building multiple careers [00:07:00] Loretta Edwards Wilson: Producer budgeting tips and maximizing backend income [00:09:00] Crystal Shaniece Roman: Theater production budgets and financial survival strategies [00:12:00] Khalilah Joi: How actors negotiate pay for Guest Star, Recurring, and Series Regular roles [00:15:00] Daysha Broadway: Climbing the editor pay ladder and why having an agent matters [00:18:00] Shirlyn A. Cesar: The real cost of docuseries production and the constant push for fair pay [00:21:00] Meagan aka MeaganzWorld: Content creation as a business: brand deals, media kits, memberships [00:24:00] Nandi Bowe: Early days pay as a PA and AD, and the hustle for long-term success [00:26:00] Tayanna Todd: Salary growth in corporate media and negotiating beyond base pay [00:30:00] Noelle Green: Breaking down studio production budgets and high-level exec salaries [00:32:00] Erika Green Swafford: Residuals, script fees, and winning with reruns [00:33:00] Fanshen & Shawn: How to support the Sista Brunch community! 🔥 Key Topics: Salaries for TV writers, showrunners, directors, editors, actors, producers, and execs Budgeting for film, theater, TV, and digital content How residuals, grants, brand deals, and memberships build financial sustainability Why negotiating and self-advocacy are critical at every career stage The financial realities behind "making it" in Hollywood 🖤 Hosted by Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West 🎙️ Produced by TruJuLo Productions ✨ A Webby Award-Nominated Podcast 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss the wisdom, love, and truth that Sista Brunch delivers! #SistaBrunch #EntertainmentIndustry #FilmTVCareers #BlackWomenInFilm #MoneyTalks #TVProduction #Filmmaking #BlackCreatives #PodcastClips #MediaCareers

In this episode of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West, along with Black Girls Film Camp alumni co-host Jaida Cox, delve into the journey of seasoned screenwriter/producer Erika Green Swafford. They discuss her career path from hotel management to writing for hit TV shows like 'How to Get Away with Murder' and 'The Mentalist,' her experiences with the Warner Brothers Writers Workshop, and her current deal to develop TV shows with Disney’s Onyx Collective. The episode also covers technical aspects of filmmaking, financial insights into the industry, and the importance of community and representation in media. Swafford shares personal anecdotes, professional advice, and her vision for the future, making this an inspiring and informative conversation for anyone interested in the entertainment industry. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 00:53 Meet Jaida Cox: Black Girls Film Camp Alum 01:20 Jaida's Film Camp Experience 03:28 Welcoming Erika Green Swafford 04:22 Erika's Early Life and Career Beginnings 10:08 Transition to Entertainment Industry 20:51 Warner Brothers Writers Workshop and The Mentalist 26:06 Understanding the Hierarchy in TV Production 26:36 Challenges of Moving Up the Ranks 27:19 Promotions and Career Milestones 27:35 Supporting Our Podcast 28:05 Discussing Financial Aspects of TV Writing 29:12 Residuals and Script Fees 33:27 Overall Deals and Industry Insights 36:32 Technical Aspects of Production 38:41 Personal Touches in Storytelling 42:39 Signature Sista Brunch Question 45:02 Closing Remarks and Credits

In this episode of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West interview Noelle Green, a Senior Physical Production Executive at Netflix. Noelle discusses her journey from Reston, Virginia, to becoming a leading figure in physical production. She shares insights on her career, including working on films with budgets ranging from $20 million to $200 million and spearheading the Netflix Shondaland Producers Inclusion Initiative. The conversation covers various aspects of film production, including the importance of planning, budgeting, and the use of LED screens, and highlights Noelle's commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:31 Introducing Today's Guest: Noelle Green 01:53 Noelle Green's Journey to the Industry 03:14 From Freelance to In-House: Noelle's Career Path 05:43 The Impact of Cinema and Early Influences 08:35 The Role of a Production Coordinator 14:43 Insights into Production Supervision 17:39 The Importance of Inclusion in the Industry 18:58 Budgeting in Film and Series Production 21:27 Executive Salaries at Major Studios 23:12 Shondaland Producers Inclusion Initiative 25:34 Training Programs for Aspiring Producers 28:51 The Rise of LED Screens in Filmmaking 35:40 Signature Sista Brunch Question 40:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox interviews Tayanna Todd, Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate. Tayanna shares her inspiring career journey, from her early love of storytelling to her current role in promoting inclusive film content. She discusses the importance of representation in media, the challenges of breaking into the industry, and the value of mentorship and personal growth. The conversation touches on key experiences, including her time at Showtime, navigating imposter syndrome, and the role of DEI in shaping equitable storytelling. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:31 Introducing Our Fabulous Guest: Tayanna Todd 01:50 Tayanna's Journey: From Childhood to Filmmaking 05:07 Creating Beats of the Soul: A Family Affair 14:21 Discovering Development: A New Passion 17:44 Navigating the Industry: From Intern to Assistant 25:08 Temping at Showtime: Building Relationships 26:08 Navigating New Opportunities 26:30 Embracing Unexpected Blessings 28:09 Finding Passion and Purpose 30:00 Pandemic-Induced Reflections 31:50 The Lionsgate Opportunity 34:51 Financial Sacrifices and Rewards 41:50 Inclusive Content and Business Strategy 46:03 Words of Wisdom and Reflection 49:18 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

In this episode of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West interview the award-winning writer and director, Nandi Bowe. Nandi shares her unique journey in the television and film industry, highlighting her experiences from attending Howard University to working on significant projects such as 'Do The Right Thing' and 'Daughters of the Dust.' Amidst the challenges of living with MS and her advocacy for disability representation, Bowe discusses the triumphs and tribulations of her career, especially once she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, including her time working in Africa and India. The episode is a compelling exploration of resilience, relationships, and the importance of authentic connections in the industry. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:29 Introducing Our Phenomenal Guest: Nandi Bowe 02:01 Nandi Bowe's Journey from Howard University to Hollywood 09:21 Adventures in Africa: From Malawi to Zimbabwe 11:55 The Challenges and Triumphs of Working in Film 13:58 The Evolution of Technology in Filmmaking 15:09 The Role of Black Women as Storytellers and Midwives 15:55 Support Sista Brunch: How You Can Help 16:35 Nandi Bowe's Experience on 'Do the Right Thing' 18:52 From Assistant Director to Director: Nandi's Career Path 22:29 Living with MS: Nandi's Personal Journey 25:05 Writing a Book and Screenplay in India 25:41 Returning to LA and Facing MS 25:57 Creating Directing Opportunities 27:03 Collaborations and Networking 28:38 Current Projects and Disability Advocacy 31:07 Challenges in Hollywood 31:26 Advice from Sidney Poitier 32:01 Reflecting on a Diverse Career 34:09 Discussing Industry Salaries 38:17 Technology in Filmmaking 41:09 Sista Brunch Signature Question 47:53 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox connects with Marley Jones, winner of the Black Girls Film Camp most original story award, and Meagan, a seasoned film critic and content creator. They discuss their journeys in media and entertainment. Marley talks about her award-winning horror short film 'Stank Face' and her experiences at Howard University, while Meagan shares insights on her path to becoming a film critic, her podcast 'Tea and Popcorn', and her approach to content creation. The conversation covers topics from the technical aspects of filmmaking to overcoming societal challenges in the industry. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:49 Meet Marley Jones: Black Girls Film Camp Director and Award Winner 01:48 The Inspiration Behind 'Stank Face' 05:23 Introducing Meagan: Content Creator and Film Critic 08:10 Meagan's Journey into Content Creation 18:57 Tech Talk: Tools of the Trade 22:26 Perfect Camera and Mic Setup 23:15 Exploring Different Mics and Audio Equipment 23:59 Appreciation for the Audience 24:32 Diving into Content Creation and Funding 25:58 Tips for Aspiring Content Creators 31:25 Favorite Films Discussion 35:13 Underrated Black Movies 38:51 Signature Sista Brunch Questions 41:52 Closing Remarks and Credits

In this Sista Brunch episode, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West interview Emmy-winning producer Shrlyn A. Cesar. Highlighting her journey from a theater enthusiast in New Jersey to working on critically acclaimed shows like 'Mad Men' and award-winning documentaries, Shirlyn shares invaluable insights for emerging and seasoned filmmakers alike. She talks about her experiences navigating the industry, the importance of networking, and advocating for oneself. Shirlyn also introduces her initiative, The Hivemind Unified, aimed at supporting emerging talent in the film, TV and media industries. Join the conversation to get an in-depth look at Shirlyn's career, the challenges she overcame, and the advice she offers to aspiring creatives. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch 00:19 Introducing Our Special Guest 01:43 Showcasing the Awards 03:11 The Gracie and Telly Awards 05:17 The Emmy Award and Paul R. Williams Documentary 07:53 A Journey from Theater to Film School 11:42 From College to Career Challenges 12:48 Breaking into the Industry 14:53 Creating Limelight and Winning Student Emmys 18:07 Interning on Mad Men 22:08 Working on Being Mary Jane 26:03 Transitioning to Documentary Filmmaking 26:20 Journey Through Various Assistant Roles 26:56 The PBS Documentary Opportunity 28:23 From Intern to Associate Producer 29:01 The Impact of 2020 on Projects 30:42 Discussing Documentary Budgets 38:54 The Paper Edit Process 42:23 Advice to My Younger Self 46:00 The Hivemind Unified Initiative 49:50 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox interviews Daysha Broadway, an acclaimed film and television editor. Daysha shares her experiences and achievements, including her Peabody Award-winning work on 'Surviving R. Kelly' and her Emmy Award-winning editing on 'A Black Lady Sketch Show.' The discussion covers her journey from growing up in Compton to thriving in the entertainment industry, her career transitions, financial aspects of being an editor, and the importance of mentorship and self-trust in her success. 00:00 Welcome to Season Six! 01:36 Introducing Daysha Broadway 02:05 Growing Up in Compton 03:57 Discovering a Passion for Editing 06:12 The Journey to Becoming an Editor 12:11 First Steps in the Industry 21:36 Navigating Frame Rates in Editing Software 22:29 First Editing Project and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 25:27 Encouragement and Representation in the Workplace 28:12 Financials and Negotiating Pay as an Editor 33:57 Reflecting on Career Choices and Personal Growth 36:08 Advice to Younger Self and Final Thoughts 39:50 Conclusion and Credits