Women in Media's CAMERAderie Initiative Brings Together Film Industry Insiders, Vendors, Mentors, and Diverse Female Filmmakers to Create Three Short Films

    LOS ANGELES, CA, June 20, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Women In Media launched their CAMERAderie Initiative this month. Through the CAMERAderie Initiative, Women in Media's members have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, networking, mentorship, and professional development via production of three short films this summer in Los Angeles, culminating in a black carpet reception and screening of the three finalist's films in October. Mentors include Colin Trevorrow (Writer / Director of Jurassic World 3), Alan Caso (Cinematographer, Six Feet Under), Germaine Franco (Composer, Dora the Explorer), Kathryn Bostic (Composer, Clemency), Bobbi Banks (Supervising ADR Editor, Men In Black: International) and many more.

CAMERAderie Mentor, Colin Trevorrow, Writer and Director of Jurassic World 3 states, "We don't have a farm system or draft in Hollywood. We rely on established filmmakers to identify new talent and push them to the fore. We also count on them to give opportunity to those who might not otherwise get it. I'm grateful for the mentorship and support I was given, and I feel a responsibility to do the same for others."

Tema Staig, Executive Director of Women in Media explains, "We are excited to give a select group of women above and below-the-line the means to improve their processes as artists and technicians. This holistic approach to professional development and networking is sure to raise the game of our members so that they can confidently move toward making their high production value independent film over a period of 18 days." Emmy award winning Director, Mary Lou Belli, added, "This program forwards an agenda of diverse hiring in a constructivist setting where it's not just theory, it is boosting projects!"

Cinematographer Sandra Valde Hansen, whose credits include the T.V. show Now Apocalypse has been instrumental in the organization of the CAMERAderie Initiative. "CAMERAderie gives the opportunity to women filmmakers to be able to tell their stories with the support and mentorship of industry professionals, vendors, and educators in the Hollywood film industry. I don't think there is any program out there that not only gives a voice to women filmmakers but also educates them in every aspect of production. Every vendor and industry professional will be offering in-depth workshops of their crafts and their products. The filmmakers will be able to network among all these influential members of the industry making contacts for their film and their future projects."

Blackmagic Design is providing the cameras that the finalists will be using to shoot their projects with. The Cinematographer that wins the Best Cinematography award will receive a Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro G2 and the two runners up will be receiving Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras 4K. Blackmagic Design's John FK Parenteau states, "Blackmagic Design is honored to be part of the CAMERAderie event for Women in Media. Our company has a passion for providing great tools for storytellers, and we couldn't be more pleased that this initiative allows us to help focus a much-needed spotlight on female filmmakers. We hope this is just the start to an annual event designed to empower and inspire women of all experience levels."

Sigma is providing spherical lenses for the three film shoots and will be providing one grand prize filmmaker an 18-day loan of their spherical lenses. Sigma's Aubrey Duclos says, "Since opening our showroom last fall, Sigma has maintained the goal to support and contribute positively to the filmmaking community. We are very proud to be a part of the inaugural CAMERAderie Initiative and have enjoyed being supporters of Women in Media this past year. We are excited to provide the participants of this program with mentorship and gear support and hope that this contribution not only leads to successfully completed films, but gives the participants the opportunity to elevate their careers."

For more information on the CAMERAderie Initiative, the mentors, educators, and vendors supporting this initiative, please go to https://womennmedia.com/cameraderie-initiative/.

Women In Media is a 501(c)(3) that encourages gender balance in film and entertainment industries by providing networking, professional development, and advocacy for above and below the line women and all genders that love making movies with them. Women In Media is an intersectional group of women and woman identifying crew members in the film, television, and new media industries. They are known for their female crew list and #HireTheseWomen lunches. For more information on Women In Media, please go to www.womennmedia.com.

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