MediaMaker Spotlight | Podcast Guru

Details

The biweekly podcast "MediaMaker Spotlight" features conversations with industry professionals speaking on a wide range of topics of interest to screen-based media makers. The series is a great resource for creators and collaborators who want to learn more about filmmaking, production, and all that goes into bringing projects to life. Our show is a great place to learn, find inspiration, discover communities of support, and celebrate our shared passion for film, television, video and visual storytelling in all formats and mediums. "MediaMaker Spotlight" is produced by the Women in Film & Video Podcast Committee. Learn more at MediaMakerSpotlight.com.

Recent Episodes

Ed Sullivan's Legacy of Equality in Netflix's 'Sunday Best' Doc

In this episode, Margo Precht Speciale, granddaughter of Ed Sullivan and producer of the documentary 'Sunday Best,' joins host Candice Bloch to share insights into her film that explores Ed Sullivan's role as a quiet disruptor during the civil rights era. Margo shares her journey of discovering Sullivan’s impact on social justice and about the power of media to shape culture. With a background in archival research and her personal connection to his legacy, Margo brings a unique perspective to...

37 MIN

Telling Authentic Stories Through Collaborative Filmmaking

In this episode, discover how award-winning director and producer Mary Darling navigates storytelling that fosters cultural understanding and unity. She speaks with Tara Jabbari about her work, especially her latest film, “Cast Aside The Clouds,” a love story set in Iran. They discuss the importance of cultural authenticity and representation in filmmaking, collaborative directing and diversity in film crews, the universal appeal of small, specific stories, and more. Watch the trailer a...

34 MIN

'Cookie Queens' Doc: 4 Girls Scouts & the Power of Selling

Did you know that Girl Scout cookies are an $800 million business? In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Alysa Nahmias, the writer and director of "COOKIE QUEENS," a new documentary releasing on August 7 all about the pressure of selling the iconic cookies. The doc, which is winner of the SXSW 2026 Audience Award, spotlights four young Girl Scouts, ages five to 12. It follows Ara, Nikki, Shannon Elizabeth, and Olive, through their highs and lows during the Girl Scout cookie selling s...

22 MIN

The Penguin's Production Designer Shares the Power of Sets

Host Candice Bloch is joined by Kalina Ivanov, an Emmy-winning production designer and storyboard artist with a rich background in both film and television, spanning various genres and styles. She’s known for her work on projects like Little Miss Sunshine, Grey Gardens, Peacemaker, Lovecraft Country, and The Penguin. As the first artists brought on board a project, Production Designers are responsible for the overall look and feel of a story. Through collaboration on selecting locations...

28 MIN

Inside the Wild World of a Film Critic

Film critic and entertainment journalist, Mara Reinstein joins host Sandra Abrams to talk about the state of the film industry from someone who covers it for a living. The life of an entertainment journalist may look glamorous, but it is not. Between the impossible deadlines when the Emmys run late, followed by an early morning screening for a major studio film, it can be a marathon for various publications. Reinstein also explains why large studios focus on remakes or franchises, fewer movie...

41 MIN