Questions by Tara Sanders Brooks, Cinematographer and Writer Patti Lee, ASC Born the youngest of five girls in a traditional Chinese-American family, Patti Lee did the unthinkable and went into show business. She debated between a medical career and one in the Arts, but after enduring a chemistry class, Patti quickly chose the latter. Following […]

Questions by Tara Sanders Brooks, Cinematographer and Writer KELLY MASON Kelly Mason, is an award-winning cinematographer, producer, and transformational guide with over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry. She has worked on major productions for Netflix, Warner Bros., Disney, Apple TV, and the CW, collaborating with A-list talent and visionary creators. As a

Questions by Tara Sanders Brooks, Cinematographer and Writer Natasha Braier ASC, ADF Natasha Braier ASC, ADF is an award-winning cinematographer known for her bold visual style and emotionally charged imagery. Originally from Argentina, she gained international recognition with XXY and THE MILK OF SORROW (Golden Bear winner and Oscar nominee), and went on to collaborate

Questions by Tara Sanders Brooks, Cinematographer and Writer Fernando Argüelles, ASC, AEC Fernando Argüelles, ASC, AEC is a renowned cinematographer whose journey began in Madrid, Spain, where he studied visual storytelling at Complutense University. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Cinematography from the American Film Institute (AFI) in Los Angeles. A respected

Questions by Tara Sanders Brooks, Cinematographer and Writer CAROLINA COSTA, AMC Originally from Brazil, Carolina Costa studied at the University of the Arts, London, where she was mentored by Sue Gibson, the first female president of the British Society of Cinematographers. Costa then moved to Los Angeles and earned her Masters in Cinematography from the

In 2024, Director of Photography Alicia Robbins became a major contributor to the Developing Filmmaker Fellowship, serving as a mentor to budding cinematographer Emma Forthofer, who is eager to follow in Alicia’s footsteps. Alicia holds the record for being the first female cinematographer to become a full time DP on a Shondaland series. She lensed

Questions by Idit Dvir, Developing Filmmaker / Fellowship Program Administrator ID: Do you have any thoughts on the importance of working writers mentoring females aspiring to succeed in their field? BC: My mom was a great writer, and an amazing storyteller with a wonderful way with words. When she was a kid, she was at

Deborah Pratt is a Director, Writer, Producer, Actress, and Women in Media Advisory Board MemberQuestions by Sayla U’ilani Whalen SW: You started as a performer. What inspired the expansion to work behind the camera? DP: Coming from a background of high school plays, summer stock, and college conservatory theater, I had my professional career break

Fellow Emma Forthofer is a native of Southwest Harbor Maine, whose love of nature led to her job at the National Park Service, documenting preservationists. She is working on translating her videography skills into a cinematography career in the narrative realm. Fellow Sayla U’ilani Whalen is from Livermore CA. She’s passionate about bringing portrayals of

Questions by: Emma Encinas, Women in Media volunteer and pre-entertainment law student. Emma has also written for Ms. Magazine and Water Inequity Network on Medium. Two time Emmy award-winning MARY LOU BELLI has been directing television for over 30 years. She was recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Comedy Directing as well as another