MediaMaker Spotlight

Exploring Identity Through Film with Sierra Urich

In this episode, host Tara Jabbari interviews Sierra Urich, an interdisciplinary visual artist and filmmaker whose documentary, 'Joonam' explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience. Sierra shares insights from her festival circuit journey, the significance of her family's story, and the challenges of filmmaking in an authoritarian context. The conversation highlights the universal nature of longing for home and the importance of cultural narratives in connecting diverse audiences. Sierra emphasizes the power of persistence in the independent film distribution process and the value of networking at film festivals.Learn more at: www.joonamfilm.comSupport the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Host Special: A Lively Chat About Animated Films & TV

For the first time, our three hosts: Candice Bloch, Tara Jabbari, and Sandra Abrams share the same recording studio for an in-person chat about all things animation! The trio discuss their early memories of the animated category, some of their favorite films and animated TV shows over the years, different voice actors, and some history of this unique and enduring form of entertainment. Learn more about the hosts from this insightful debate as they share more about themselves, the wide range in animation styles, genres, and audiences, and some hot takes on the impact of different storylines. From early cartoons and shorts to modern CGI features for kids and adults alike, you’ll no doubt join in the feelings of nostalgia and enjoyment that animation has brought, and continues to bring to screens in your life.Happy Holidays from MediaMaker Spotlight!Support the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

Fashions of Clueless & More with Costume Designer Mona May

Iconic and prolific costume designer Mona May chats with host Candice Bloch to share about her journey becoming a prominent figure in the film industry. Considered the Queen of 90s Movie Fashion, Mona has created iconic looks for over 70 films and television shows. She is best known for her work on Clueless, as well as Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, Enchanted, The House Bunny, and countless other films and shows. She discusses the influence of her diverse multicultural background on her colorful design aesthetic, the collaborative process of costume design, and the challenges of working within budget constraints. Mona reflects on her work on fun and feel-good films like Clueless and the importance of positive representation in media. You’ll also learn about her upcoming projects, including a book celebrating the lasting legacy and costumes of Clueless, in honor of the film’s 30th anniversary. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of personal style and self-expression in fashion.The Fashion of Clueless, released in October 2025, is available wherever books are sold and would make a great holiday gift!To learn more about Mona May and her costume design work, visit https://www.monamay.com/ Follow her on Instagram @itsmonamaySupport the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

From Hollywood PR Executive to Bestselling Author

Host Sandra Abrams chats with former Hollywood PR executive, Libby Gill, about her book, MALIBU SUMMER, a rom-com story inspired by her life marketing high powered TV shows. Using her years of experience promoting shows produced by Universal, Sony, and Turner, including Dr. Phil, Libby knows how to create compelling characters with Hollywood as the backdrop. As Libby tells it, she had no intention of writing a fiction book. After leaving Los Angeles, she jumped into executive career coaching and wrote many non-fiction books on corporate leadership making this unexpected career switch. Libby also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from being in boardrooms with Hollywood suits, advice on making career changes, and how having a writing group makes a big difference for getting your project done! Malibu Summer is a fun read that would make a great holiday gift. Learn more about Libby Gill at: https://libbygill.com/ and https://www.libbygillbooks.com/Support the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!

The Beautiful Synergy of Concord Originals Music Docs

Host Candice Bloch interviews Sophia Dilley, the Executive Vice President of Concord Originals, about the art of creating music documentaries. They discuss the origins of Concord Originals, the film and TV division of legendary music company Concord, and get into various projects already out (“Stax: Soulsville USA,” “Let the Canary Sing - Cyndi Lauper,” etc.) and some upcoming projects still in work. The two chat about the emotional power of music, the importance of authentic storytelling, keeping a north star of a story’s “why,” and the collaborative nature of documentary filmmaking. Sophia shares insights on the joys and challenges of working with archival footage, engaging with artists and rights holders, and adapting to the streaming landscape and modern audiences. They also touch on upcoming projects, including a biopic about Robert Johnson, branching more into theater productions, and the future of storytelling in the music industry.Learn more about Concord Originals and their projects here: https://concord.com/originals/Support the show---Subscribe to learn more about filmmaking, production, media makers, creator resources, visual storytelling, and every aspect that brings film, television, and video projects from concepts to our screens. Check out the MediaMakerSpotlight.com show page to find even more conversations with industry professionals that inspire, educate, and entertain!We on the Women in Film & Video (WIFV) Podcast Team work hard to make this show a great resource for our listeners, and we thank you for listening!