The Cinemagical Halloween party with a special presentation by our friends from the California Film Commission! This spirited was an evening of networking and community will include vital information about filming in California. We brought together the entertainment community of all genders—both above and below the line. Participants made new friends and colleagues. Like all WiM events it was a good vibes only, troll-free zones.

We provided an overview of the Women In Media’s CAMERAderie Features Initiative

✨ Mix and mingle with fellow crew and CFC leadership
🎃 Gain the tools to benefit from CA tax incentives and benefits
✨ Celebrate the season in costume (optional, but encouraged!)
🎃 Delicious food and drinks provided

6:00 pm Registration, networking, food and drinks
7:00 pm Presentation and audience Q & A
8:00 pm More networking & fun!
9:00 pm Event concludes

Special Warrior One Book Signing by Deborah Pratt

About the graphic novel Warrior One A century after worldwide earthquakes have reshaped the Earth’s continents, Jetta A, a young fighter leads a resistance against the Black Guard, an army of biologically based robots that aim to destroy her home. She must remember her powers and join the resistance to save her family and free her homeland from the threat of destruction.

About Deborah Pratt – DEBORAH M. PRATT is an African American writer, director, producer, songwriter, and novelist. Ms. Pratt was the first African American drama and sci-fi TV executive producer (EP) when she co-created and wrote twenty-five episodes of the iconic TV series Quantum Leap for NBC. She executive produced on the new QuantumLeap Reboot series, also for NBC/Universal and Peacock streaming. She was the EP and head writer for Tequila and Bonetti for CBS, and co-creator, EP, and showrunner for The Net for USA network.

Ms. Pratt is a Women in Media Advisory Board member and a four-time Emmy nominee. She is a recipient of The Lillian Gish Award from Women in Film, the Golden Block Award, and a list of festival awards for her film work. Ms. Pratt also is the published author of The Vision Quest, a sci-fi/fantasy novel series built upon the vision of a unified future Earth and the AI that want to change it, and Warrior One, the graphic novel, and the soon-to-be-developed interactive video game of the same name.

Presentation by the California Film Commission

California Film Commission’s Deputy Director Leah Medrano, and DEIA Manager Fanshen Cox dispelled myths about getting CA tax credits. They broke down the application process with the goal of increasing representation for the projects that apply. It was an interactive and informative session providing the knowledge and confidence you need to apply.

About Leah Medrano – CFC Deputy Director Tax Credit Program

Leah Medrano was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as the Deputy Director at the California Film Commission. In this role, Leah combines her extensive production office experience with 20+ years of expertise in government relations. She is responsible for overseeing the state’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program and Soundstage Filming Program. She ensures that these initiatives support the state’s thriving film and television industry. Her strategic vision and leadership have significantly contributed to retaining film and television productions in California. The programs have resulted in the creation of thousands of creative jobs in the Golden State. 

Before her tenure at the California Film Commission, Leah had a distinguished blended career in government and entertainment; Leah worked at Fox Television Station, MTV Networks, Fox Sports, and the Los Angeles news group CBS2 and KCAL9. She also held positions with the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of State Hospitals.

About Fanshen Cox – CFC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiative Manager

Fanshen Cox is a multi-talented artist, producer, and educator, known for her award-winning work in impactful storytelling. She is the founder of TruJuLo Productions, a media company dedicated to promoting stories that speak truth in pursuit of justice in service of love. She currently serves as the DEIA Manager for the California Film Commission’s Tax Credit Program. She is also a co-author of the Inclusion Rider, a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The Inclusion Rider was famously announced at the 2018 Oscars by Frances McDormand.

Fanshen served as the Senior Vice President of Development and Impact at Pearl Street Films, founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the development of socially conscious projects with a focus on those by underrepresented writers and directors.

Fanshen is also the co-creator, producer, and host of the Webby-nominated podcast Sista Brunch. The show highlights the achievements of Black women and gender expansive people in entertainment and media.

Guests connected with like-minded professionals in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Costumes welcomed, good vibes guaranteed! Cinemagical joy and fierceness is a must! All sales final.

Please be advised that all events hosted by Women in Media may be recorded and distributed for promotional purposes. Your voluntary participation in such events authorizes and acknowledges Women in Media and their event partner’s exclusive rights of ownership and use of all recordings.

Photos by Claudia Hoag @claudia.hoag.photography

Parking:
* Street parking nearby – watch the signs
* Ample, free parking at the end of S. Central Ave at:
Glendale Metro Station Parking Location:
400 West Cerritos Avenue Glendale, CA 91204
* Rideshare recommended

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Header photo by Ashly Covington