Following the success achieved by the Alliance of Women Directors with its Black Directors Advancement Initiative, the organization has launched the Mentor Latina Director Fellowship. Their #MentorLatinaDirectors Initiative is a fellowship program for current directing members who are Latina/x/e-identifying.
The fellowship’s Class of 2024 includes Melissa Balint; Evelyn Belasco; Maria Gabriela Cardenas; Marissa Chibás; Sophia Costanzo; Fiorella Vescovi Garcia; Saray Guidetti; Bettina Hanna; Silvia Lara; Eunice Levis; Gabriela Revilla Lugo; Paulina Manseau; Luisa Novo; Marcella Ochoa; Gabriela Paciel; Jp Perez; Jessica Rae; Michelle Salcedo; Sacha Smith; Ann Valdés; Maria Valdez; Evette Vargas; and Donna Bonilla Wheeler.
“The program was created and developed in response to a pressing need for much higher levels of equality and inclusion, specifically for Latina/x/e-identifying female directors in our industry. We trust this Fellowship will help eliminate barriers to access and success that have systematically excluded such directors. With these goals in mind,...
The fellowship’s Class of 2024 includes Melissa Balint; Evelyn Belasco; Maria Gabriela Cardenas; Marissa Chibás; Sophia Costanzo; Fiorella Vescovi Garcia; Saray Guidetti; Bettina Hanna; Silvia Lara; Eunice Levis; Gabriela Revilla Lugo; Paulina Manseau; Luisa Novo; Marcella Ochoa; Gabriela Paciel; Jp Perez; Jessica Rae; Michelle Salcedo; Sacha Smith; Ann Valdés; Maria Valdez; Evette Vargas; and Donna Bonilla Wheeler.
“The program was created and developed in response to a pressing need for much higher levels of equality and inclusion, specifically for Latina/x/e-identifying female directors in our industry. We trust this Fellowship will help eliminate barriers to access and success that have systematically excluded such directors. With these goals in mind,...
- 3/29/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Kassandra Lee Diaz has nabbed the lead role in Byron Manuel’s thriller and feature directorial debut Swoon.
Diaz plays a woman tied to a bed while her captor manipulates her into believing they are engaged. The mysterious men in her life are played by Rich Morrow and DeRon Cash, while Efrangeliz Medina, Dean Wil, Herbert Morales and Del Harrison round out the ensemble.
Diaz also starred in Trifecta, which was co-created and directed by Manuel. Her other credits include playing Hope on the You Married Dat comedy, a three-episode arc on Cuddle Season and appearing in the Evette Vargas-directed short film Confessions.
“I was heavily inspired by the human desire of how we are obsessed with both love, and the feeling of being in suspense. Developing Swoon allowed me to explore both in their own warped way, as well as taking my love of Stephen King’s thrillers...
Diaz plays a woman tied to a bed while her captor manipulates her into believing they are engaged. The mysterious men in her life are played by Rich Morrow and DeRon Cash, while Efrangeliz Medina, Dean Wil, Herbert Morales and Del Harrison round out the ensemble.
Diaz also starred in Trifecta, which was co-created and directed by Manuel. Her other credits include playing Hope on the You Married Dat comedy, a three-episode arc on Cuddle Season and appearing in the Evette Vargas-directed short film Confessions.
“I was heavily inspired by the human desire of how we are obsessed with both love, and the feeling of being in suspense. Developing Swoon allowed me to explore both in their own warped way, as well as taking my love of Stephen King’s thrillers...
- 2/28/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Evette Vargas and producing partner Ricardo Reyes on Thursday announced the launch of Indigo Reign Films, a new full-service production company based out of Los Angeles.
Indigo Reign will focus on elevated projects with social impact and multicultural representation, producing stories in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. The company will be active across film, television, commercials, podcasts, interactive, gaming, and music videos. Vargas and Reyes will serve as co-CEOs, with Emmy-winning cinematographer Jimmy A. Velarde, composer-producer The Angel and line producer Noah A. Waters III also on the team.
“Having met at UCLA grad school, Ricardo and I are thrilled to realize our dream of founding Indigo Reign Films. We’re building a new pipeline to develop, produce, market, and distribute stories – both our own and client projects,” Vargas told Deadline.
Reyes added that what sets the company part is the duo’s process.
Indigo Reign will focus on elevated projects with social impact and multicultural representation, producing stories in the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. The company will be active across film, television, commercials, podcasts, interactive, gaming, and music videos. Vargas and Reyes will serve as co-CEOs, with Emmy-winning cinematographer Jimmy A. Velarde, composer-producer The Angel and line producer Noah A. Waters III also on the team.
“Having met at UCLA grad school, Ricardo and I are thrilled to realize our dream of founding Indigo Reign Films. We’re building a new pipeline to develop, produce, market, and distribute stories – both our own and client projects,” Vargas told Deadline.
Reyes added that what sets the company part is the duo’s process.
- 2/1/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated with Goodman and Nagy reaction: David A. Goodman has been re-elected president of the WGA West, defeating opposition candidate Phyllis Nagy in a landslide. His re-election, in a record turnout, is a solid endorsement of the guild’s five-month-long agency campaign, which was the main issue in the race. It could also strengthens the guild’s hand going into next year’s negotiations with management’s AMPTP for a new film and TV contract.
Goodman received 4,395 votes (77.3%) to Nagy’s 1,292 (22.7%). All of Goodman’s running mates were also elected. Marjorie David, running unopposed – after Craig Mazin and Carl Gottlieb dropped out of the race – was elected vice president, and Michele Mulroney was elected secretary-treasurer. She defeated Nick Jones, Jr., who received 1,256 votes, and Evette Vargas, who got 203.
A total of 5,809 valid ballots were cast. Representing 58% of eligible voters, it represents the largest turnout in guild history and more than...
Goodman received 4,395 votes (77.3%) to Nagy’s 1,292 (22.7%). All of Goodman’s running mates were also elected. Marjorie David, running unopposed – after Craig Mazin and Carl Gottlieb dropped out of the race – was elected vice president, and Michele Mulroney was elected secretary-treasurer. She defeated Nick Jones, Jr., who received 1,256 votes, and Evette Vargas, who got 203.
A total of 5,809 valid ballots were cast. Representing 58% of eligible voters, it represents the largest turnout in guild history and more than...
- 9/17/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
David Goodman has been convincingly re-elected to a two-year term as president of the Writers Guild of America West, beating Phyllis Nagy in a bitter contest that became a referendum on the guild’s ongoing battle with talent agents.
Goodman received 4,395 votes to Nagy’s 1,282 in an election that yielded record turnout among the WGA West’s nearly 10,000 members — more than half of eligible voters cast ballots. Goodman’s allies also won all 10 other seats that were up for election.
Marjorie David ran unopposed for vice president and won with 4,706 votes.Michele Mulroney received 4,164 votes for secretary-treasurer to 1,256 for Nagy ally Nick Jones, Jr. and 203 for Evette Vargas. Incumbent Meredith Stiehm topped the board of director candidates followed by incumbent Luvh Rakhe, Liz Alper, incumbent Angelina Burnett, incumbent Nicole Yorkin, Zoe Marshall, Robb Chavis, and Dante W. Harper,
Marc Guggenheim took in the most votes of Nagy’s allies with 1,488, followed by Sarah Treem,...
Goodman received 4,395 votes to Nagy’s 1,282 in an election that yielded record turnout among the WGA West’s nearly 10,000 members — more than half of eligible voters cast ballots. Goodman’s allies also won all 10 other seats that were up for election.
Marjorie David ran unopposed for vice president and won with 4,706 votes.Michele Mulroney received 4,164 votes for secretary-treasurer to 1,256 for Nagy ally Nick Jones, Jr. and 203 for Evette Vargas. Incumbent Meredith Stiehm topped the board of director candidates followed by incumbent Luvh Rakhe, Liz Alper, incumbent Angelina Burnett, incumbent Nicole Yorkin, Zoe Marshall, Robb Chavis, and Dante W. Harper,
Marc Guggenheim took in the most votes of Nagy’s allies with 1,488, followed by Sarah Treem,...
- 9/17/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Opposition candidate Nick Jones Jr. has condemned the tactics of the Writers Guild of America in its battle against Hollywood agents.
“I believe we’ve disrupted ourselves more than we’ve disrupted the Big 4,” he said.
Jones, who’s running for the secretary-treasurer post as part of Phyllis Nagy’s Writers Forward Together slate, is running on a platform that the WGA needs to get back to the bargaining table after two months of staying away — particularly with Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners.
The contest, which also includes races for president and eight board seats, is viewed as a referendum on the WGA’s hard-nosed approach versus more accommodating tactics. Election results will be announced on Sept. 16.
Jones, a Marine Corp. veteran whose credits include “The Casual,” said in a post Friday that the WGA leadership was wrong to demand on April 13 that members fire their agents if they...
“I believe we’ve disrupted ourselves more than we’ve disrupted the Big 4,” he said.
Jones, who’s running for the secretary-treasurer post as part of Phyllis Nagy’s Writers Forward Together slate, is running on a platform that the WGA needs to get back to the bargaining table after two months of staying away — particularly with Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM Partners.
The contest, which also includes races for president and eight board seats, is viewed as a referendum on the WGA’s hard-nosed approach versus more accommodating tactics. Election results will be announced on Sept. 16.
Jones, a Marine Corp. veteran whose credits include “The Casual,” said in a post Friday that the WGA leadership was wrong to demand on April 13 that members fire their agents if they...
- 8/23/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Nick Jones Jr., the opposition candidate for secretary-treasurer of the WGA West, is a Marine Corps veteran who said in a statement today that the guild has been outflanked in its ongoing battle with Hollywood’s talent agents.
“I was taught in the military to have an appreciation of the enemy,” he said. “Know their strengths. Know their weaknesses. Once we gain an advantage, we exploit it. We use it to create new opportunities. We then exploit those opportunities to create others, shaping the flow of action to our advantage.”
Jones, the running mate of presidential candidate Phyllis Nagy, said: “One strength of our industry is its ability to adapt. We all know how quick this industry can shift to operate under new mandates and policies. The purpose of any protest is disruption. The goal against any barrier is infiltration. And the start of any change comes from within. So...
“I was taught in the military to have an appreciation of the enemy,” he said. “Know their strengths. Know their weaknesses. Once we gain an advantage, we exploit it. We use it to create new opportunities. We then exploit those opportunities to create others, shaping the flow of action to our advantage.”
Jones, the running mate of presidential candidate Phyllis Nagy, said: “One strength of our industry is its ability to adapt. We all know how quick this industry can shift to operate under new mandates and policies. The purpose of any protest is disruption. The goal against any barrier is infiltration. And the start of any change comes from within. So...
- 8/23/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Michele Mulroney and Evette Vargas, in their candidate statements for WGA West secretary-treasurer, addressed the guild’s ongoing battle with the talent agencies to replace the old Artists’ Manager Basic Agreement. In its place, the guild has implemented its own Franchise Agreement, which would end packaging fees after one year and prohibit agency affiliations with related production entities.
As a board member and a member of the guild’s agency negotiating committee, Mulroney wrote: “I remain committed to negotiating a fair agreement with any of our agency partners; one that supports our right to proper fiduciary representation. I’m committed to constantly examining and refining our strategy as the campaign evolves and to supporting compromise where it makes sense. I am committed to keeping open lines of communication with all of you, hearing your ideas, needs, and concerns.”
Vargas, an Amba Captain in the ongoing battle with the agencies, which...
As a board member and a member of the guild’s agency negotiating committee, Mulroney wrote: “I remain committed to negotiating a fair agreement with any of our agency partners; one that supports our right to proper fiduciary representation. I’m committed to constantly examining and refining our strategy as the campaign evolves and to supporting compromise where it makes sense. I am committed to keeping open lines of communication with all of you, hearing your ideas, needs, and concerns.”
Vargas, an Amba Captain in the ongoing battle with the agencies, which...
- 7/26/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The final list of candidates in the WGA West’s upcoming election has been unveiled, giving members a clear choice between supporters and opponents of the guild’s current course in its 102-day standoff with Hollywood’s talent agencies. New board candidates include high-profile names like Power‘s Courtney Kemp, the Arrowverse’s Marc Guggenheim, The Affair‘s Sarah Treem and Wonder Woman’s Jason Fuchs. Ballots won’t be counted until September 16.
As previously reported, incumbent president David A. Goodman, one of the leaders of the guild’s attempts to realign the agency business, will face two challengers opposed to the guild’s hardline strategy: Phyllis Nagy and William Schmidt.
Nagy, who’s been one of the most outspoken members opposed to the direction the guild has taken, is teamed with Craig Mazin, who’s running for vice president, and Nick Jones, Jr., who’s running for secretary-treasurer.
The...
As previously reported, incumbent president David A. Goodman, one of the leaders of the guild’s attempts to realign the agency business, will face two challengers opposed to the guild’s hardline strategy: Phyllis Nagy and William Schmidt.
Nagy, who’s been one of the most outspoken members opposed to the direction the guild has taken, is teamed with Craig Mazin, who’s running for vice president, and Nick Jones, Jr., who’s running for secretary-treasurer.
The...
- 7/23/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
The WGA West has unveiled the slate of candidates for officer posts and board seats in the election that reflects the divisions among members over the guild’s handling of the campaign to reform its rules governing talent agents.
Scribes Phyllis Nagy (“Carol”) and William Schmidt (“Yellowstone”) are set to challenge David Goodman for the president’s post. Nagy and Schmidt have been vocal in her opposition to the guild’s reform campaign that led to more than 7,000 WGA members firing their agents in April.
The guild has been in a standoff with the largest talent agencies since then, although two boutique operations have signed on to the WGA’s new terms. Goodman, elected in 2017, has been a key face of the agency effort along with WGA West executive director David Young.
The higher volume of candidates for board seats this time around surely is a byproduct of the agency discord.
Scribes Phyllis Nagy (“Carol”) and William Schmidt (“Yellowstone”) are set to challenge David Goodman for the president’s post. Nagy and Schmidt have been vocal in her opposition to the guild’s reform campaign that led to more than 7,000 WGA members firing their agents in April.
The guild has been in a standoff with the largest talent agencies since then, although two boutique operations have signed on to the WGA’s new terms. Goodman, elected in 2017, has been a key face of the agency effort along with WGA West executive director David Young.
The higher volume of candidates for board seats this time around surely is a byproduct of the agency discord.
- 7/23/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
David A. Goodman is running unopposed for a second two-year term as president of the Writers Guild of America West.
Goodman, who has become the public voice of the guild during its bitter standoff with Hollywood agents, also ran unopposed in 2017 when he succeeded Howard Rodman in the post.
The WGA West announced Friday that its negotiating committee had sought a second unidentified candidate for the presidency but that person opted not to run. Goodman could still face opposition if another candidate opts to run by petition, which would require submission of 25 member signatures by July 23.
Goodman served as executive producer of Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” between 2005 and 2012. He broke into the business in 1986 as a story editor on “The Golden Girls” and has writing and producing credits on “Enterprise,” “American Dad,” “Allen Gregory,” “Futurama,” “Babes,” and “Stark Raving Mad.”
The WGA standoff with agents appears to have no end in sight.
Goodman, who has become the public voice of the guild during its bitter standoff with Hollywood agents, also ran unopposed in 2017 when he succeeded Howard Rodman in the post.
The WGA West announced Friday that its negotiating committee had sought a second unidentified candidate for the presidency but that person opted not to run. Goodman could still face opposition if another candidate opts to run by petition, which would require submission of 25 member signatures by July 23.
Goodman served as executive producer of Seth MacFarlane’s “Family Guy” between 2005 and 2012. He broke into the business in 1986 as a story editor on “The Golden Girls” and has writing and producing credits on “Enterprise,” “American Dad,” “Allen Gregory,” “Futurama,” “Babes,” and “Stark Raving Mad.”
The WGA standoff with agents appears to have no end in sight.
- 6/21/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
WGA West president David A. Goodman has been chosen by the guild’s nominating committee for reelection to a second term. Goodman, who has been a leader of the guild’s ongoing battle against Hollywood’s talent agencies was first elected unopposed in 2017.
A second nominee designated by the nominating committee for the office of president declined the nomination. The guild didn’t say who it was. Whether Goodman will run unopposed again this time won’t be known until July 23, which is the deadline for eligible members to file to run by petition.
The nominating committee said Friday it selected two candidates to compete for vice president: incumbent Marjorie David and former longtime secretary-treasurer Carl Gottlieb.
Aaron Mendelsohn, the guild’s secretary-treasurer, won’t be seeking reelection. The guild’s nom com has nominated board member Michele Mulroney and writer Evette Vargas to succeed him.
There are 17 candidates running...
A second nominee designated by the nominating committee for the office of president declined the nomination. The guild didn’t say who it was. Whether Goodman will run unopposed again this time won’t be known until July 23, which is the deadline for eligible members to file to run by petition.
The nominating committee said Friday it selected two candidates to compete for vice president: incumbent Marjorie David and former longtime secretary-treasurer Carl Gottlieb.
Aaron Mendelsohn, the guild’s secretary-treasurer, won’t be seeking reelection. The guild’s nom com has nominated board member Michele Mulroney and writer Evette Vargas to succeed him.
There are 17 candidates running...
- 6/21/2019
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Leading global conference producer will also present Brett Ratner as Keynote Speaker for the 8th Annual International Film Finance Forum on May 19th
In its 8th year at Cannes, Winston Baker is proud to announce a new partnership and conference as part of the Croisette lineup. In partnership with Marché du Film, Winston Baker will present its first ever technology conference, the “Immersive Summit” to be hosted on May 19, 2017 to bring together leading minds in technology and film for discussions on monetizing innovation and breaking into the Vr/Ar world.
Winston Baker will also host its yearly high-level film finance program, geared towards global strategies for financing films, aligning interests with global partners, and identifying new distribution avenues. During the forum, topics will focus on preserving cinema culture, China’s pivot to Europe, and the next wave of film finance royalty.
“When we first launched our Cannes Forum in 2010, we...
In its 8th year at Cannes, Winston Baker is proud to announce a new partnership and conference as part of the Croisette lineup. In partnership with Marché du Film, Winston Baker will present its first ever technology conference, the “Immersive Summit” to be hosted on May 19, 2017 to bring together leading minds in technology and film for discussions on monetizing innovation and breaking into the Vr/Ar world.
Winston Baker will also host its yearly high-level film finance program, geared towards global strategies for financing films, aligning interests with global partners, and identifying new distribution avenues. During the forum, topics will focus on preserving cinema culture, China’s pivot to Europe, and the next wave of film finance royalty.
“When we first launched our Cannes Forum in 2010, we...
- 5/8/2017
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Dark Prophet, an action-packed new original web and TV series from Evette Vargas, is set to debut this fall, and we have the first details on the project along with a look at its artwork.
From the Press Release:
Dark Prophet follows Dai Shepherd, an extraordinarily gifted, yet rebellious music student with time-traveling abilities, who discovers that government intelligence agency Black Box has a catastrophic secret embedded in song patterns--Dai is the key to saving the world as we know it.
The show stars the multi-talented Henry Rollins ("Sons of Anarchy"), Josh Meyers ("That ‘70s Show"), Rick Gonzalez ("Reaper"), Bill A. Jones ("Glee"), and rising star Chase Fein in the role of Dai Shepherd. An industry panel of NBC/Universal TV development executives selected Dark Prophet as the first place winner at the annual Nyu Tisch West Alumni Web Series Competition.
In addition to being the executive producer, writer, and director of Dark Prophet,...
From the Press Release:
Dark Prophet follows Dai Shepherd, an extraordinarily gifted, yet rebellious music student with time-traveling abilities, who discovers that government intelligence agency Black Box has a catastrophic secret embedded in song patterns--Dai is the key to saving the world as we know it.
The show stars the multi-talented Henry Rollins ("Sons of Anarchy"), Josh Meyers ("That ‘70s Show"), Rick Gonzalez ("Reaper"), Bill A. Jones ("Glee"), and rising star Chase Fein in the role of Dai Shepherd. An industry panel of NBC/Universal TV development executives selected Dark Prophet as the first place winner at the annual Nyu Tisch West Alumni Web Series Competition.
In addition to being the executive producer, writer, and director of Dark Prophet,...
- 7/23/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
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