Thanks to everyone who joined us at BECiNE for this two day learning and networking event, designed to level up more women and gender nonconforming folks towards Local 600 camera union membership. We focused on Utility and Loader crew positions, being that they are an excellent entry point towards getting union days. Participants learned from union members with hands on technical skills classes as well in-depth information on how to best leverage those skills for success. Union leaders joined us for a special panel that definitely raised everyone’s understanding of how Unions work.

WiM Certification

In order to get WiM Certified, participants had to fulfill the following criteria: Be a Women In Media member, attend both days, and pass the exam. We shared, and continue to share the contact information for those who got WiM Certified with people in a position to hire, DEI and HR departments at a number of studios. You can find WiM Certified crew members by going to the CrewList and using the “WiM Certifications” pull down menu.

Saturday, February 11th

We hosted a focused hands-on training day with experienced Utility and Loader trainers. Participants learned media management, camera reports, time sheets, loss and damage reports amongst other critical skills.
Instructors
Rachel Dusa 1st AC: The L Word: Generation Q, Modern Family, Second AC: Room 104
Lauren Peele 1st AC: The L Word: Generation Q Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine, Utility – Celebrity Big Brother
Sierra Haworth Loader: Unprisoned, The Circus; Digital Utility: Star Trek: Picard
Lauren VanDerwerken Digital Utility: Grownish, American Auto, Former Keslow Camera prep tech

Sunday, February 12th

The second day featured a series of panels designed to get questions answered as well as give insight into union entry. There was a networking afterparty and prizes given to the weekend’s MVP’s.

Getting Your Foot In The Door Panel 

The panel answered frequently asked questions about membership into the International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600 and onto the Industry Experience Roster for Contract Services (CSATF).  Also discussed, were various career paths in the camera department.

Xiomara Comrie Assistant Western Director, ICG, IATSE Local 600
Tulima Tuanaki Chief Operating Officer, Contract Services
Rochelle Brown 2nd AC: Judas And The Black Messiah, Promising Young Woman Loader: Ed Astra Digital Utility: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Darby Newman Business Representative, ICG, IATSE Local 600, 1st AC: Shameless, Community, Teen Wolf, Waitress
Moderator Crystal Kelley 2nd AC: Mad About You, Abbott Elementary, Camera Operator: House Hunters Renovation

Settiquette Panel and Q and A

Once you are on set, how do you make yourself the most valuable team player? Participants learned about expectations, preferred behaviors and what people are looking for in crew members. We also explored the intrinsic differences of working harmoniously on independent vs. union shoots and what it is like to work on a sitcom vs. single cam vs. reality show vs. features. 

Lauren Peele 1st AC: The L Word: Generation Q Sarah Cooper: Everything’s Fine, Utility – Celebrity Big Brother
Aymae Sulick Camera Operator: Insecure, Grownish, The L Word: Generation Q, Big Brother
Crystal Kelley 2nd AC: Mad About You, Abbott Elementary, Camera Operator: House Hunters Renovation
Rachel Dusa 1st AC: The L Word: Generation Q, Modern Family, Second AC: Room 104
Beth Kockendorfer Director: JoJo Goes, Cinematographer: Botched, Camera Operator: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Erica McKee DIT: King Richard, Jay Z: Moonlight, Sketchbook
Moderator Bianca Halpern: BECiNE owner

Networking and Nibbles

We hosted a HireThese Women Networking. A good time was had by all, and a contact sheet was emailed to all who opted in.

About Level Up

Level Up is Women In Media’s member lead initiative, focused on forwarding the careers of our members in the camera department.

Photo gallery by Ashly Covington

Many thanks to our event partners

Event Host

Breakfast brought to you by Core Batteries

Saturday Networking Lunch brought to you by Inovativ Work Stations.

Networking Lunch Presented by Band Pro and Angenieux

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