WIFT-La / Women in Film & Television Louisiana

13/01/2025

With our Industry Panel just days away, we’re excited to introducing our Moderator, Michelle L. Silva! She’s got the questions to get our panelists talking and dropping knowledge on the current shape of our film industry here in Louisiana!

Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 Non-WiFT-LA Members
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre | 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaITW4P9GYe6-JBBX1avTtKYZXm4esole4NPKbsi7RvANtRapMlor87_3Y_aem_HLupwIDK3vBEKQzi5tb-wg

MICHELLE L. SILVA BIO:
Michelle L. Silva, a retired professional dancer whose former career includes theme parks, a national tour with Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, Siegfried & Roy, the Lido de Paris in Paris, France, and the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, brings her artistic vision and business acumen to each project.

Ms. Silva and her husband, an immigrant from Nicaragua, own an immigration law firm in New Orleans where she manages annual client disbursements of $1.5 - $2 Million annually. Ms. Silva is a strong leader with a proven business track record of managing finances, budgeting, human resources, and client relations.

Silva's production company, Entertainment GOES, a female-driven, New Orleans based production company, focuses on writing, producing, and providing public relations through unique and passion-driven stories. An avid writer, Michelle’s goal for 2025 is to close funding and film Secrets on Bonnabel, a YA, Hispanic-led, Thriller, a feature film she wrote that flips the narrative on a young Latino male, showing him in a positive light. “I want to bridge the gap, with empathy, in my community and worldwide.”

Michelle holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

12/01/2025

Meet Our Industry Panelists continues! Introducing award-winning director, Stacey Muhammad! Ava DuVernay said, “Stacey's voice as a filmmaker is clear, bold and ready to be heard." Come hear what Stacey has to share about the shape of our filmmaking industry!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 Non-WiFT-LA Members
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre | 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabwmb5DV3dLd4miA_dZSKTw8G1md6Nm1QpTmiO7U-uZEF6X_9YZ9fNqCnw_aem_f-Kw0z7X8wwohE-WBwR3DA

Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

STACEY MUHAMMAD BIO:
New Orleans native Stacey Muhammad is a visionary filmmaker and episodic director who has captivated audiences with her compelling storytelling and distinctive style. With a passion for exploring the human experience and shedding light on important social issues, Stacey's work stands at the forefront of contemporary cinema.

Known for her ability to infuse raw emotion and authenticity into her projects, Stacey's work resonates deeply with viewers, leaving a lasting impact. Her keen eye for detail, combined with her exceptional directing skills, bring forth narratives that provoke thought, challenge conventions, and inspire change. Throughout her career, Stacey has fearlessly tackled a wide range of topics, including race, identity, gender, and socio-political issues.

Stacey's dedication to her craft extends beyond her work on set, she is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entertainment industry, striving to provide opportunities for underrepresented voices and to create a more equitable landscape for filmmakers of all backgrounds.

Stacey's also an arts educator who teaches documentary filmmaking to under-served youth.

Stacey is in development with Malcolm D. Lee's Blackmaled Productions on her first feature film titled, THE RETURN.

11/01/2025

Meet Our Industry Panelists continues! Today, we’re introducing Dolph Federico, owner + operator of Pelican Events and Film Set Services. A mainstay and important member of our thriving film community here, Dolph is excited to share his industry insight and knowledge with you!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 General Admission
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre | 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel
Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

DOLPH FEDERICO BIO:
In 2001, Dolph founded Pelican Events, initially as a music and festival production company. Under his leadership, Pelican Events grew into the largest privately-owned festival producer in the South, producing over 200 events annually. With a keen eye for innovation, Dolph introduced new techniques in mobile staging and event branding that have become industry standards today.

A recognized leader in Louisiana's film industry, Dolph is an active board member of Film Louisiana and has played a pivotal role in advocating for the Louisiana Film Tax Credit program. His tireless efforts earned him the distinction of 2022 Louisiana Film Industry Person of the Year, an award that recognizes his relentless work to protect and enhance the state’s film industry.
A passionate family man, Dolph resides in the New Orleans metro area with his wife, Casie, and their three children, where he continues to advocate for the growth and prosperity of both his community and the industries he supports.

10/01/2025

Friday Mood has us feeling like a FLASH SALE! For 24 hours only, save 30% on your Industry Panel ticket. Just use code FILM2025 when you purchase your ticket.

Our panelists cannot wait to share all their industry knowledge with you and our moderator has the questions to get them talking! Open bar and mingling starts at 6pm and ends at 7pm. See you there!

Featuring industry leaders, Simonette Berry, Dolph Federico, Stacey Muhammad and Emy Rome and moderated by Michelle L. Silva.

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 Non-WiFT-LA Members
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre | 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel

Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

09/01/2025

This time next week, we’ll be gearing up for our Industry Panel!

Featuring industry leaders, Simonette Berry, Dolph Federico, Stacey Muhammad and Emy Rome and moderated by Michelle L. Silva, this is a January event you won’t want to miss!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 Non-WiFT-LA Members
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre () | 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets: zeffy.com/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel

Secure your spot now! 🎟️✨

08/01/2025

Have you heard👂about our Film Industry Panel happening next Thursday? Our line-up is packed with industry insiders who want to help you in your filmmaking journey here in Louisiana!

Emy Rome, Quixote Studios VP of Sales and Simonette Berry, IATSE LOCAL 478 join us to share their first-hand industry knowledge. Come prepared with your questions!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 16th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6pm-9pm
🍾 Open Bar + Mingles: 6-7pm
💲 Cost: $35 WiFT-LA Members | $50 Non-WiFT-LA Members
📍 Location: Broadside Theatre| 600 N. Broad Street | New Orleans | 70119
🎟️ Tickets:
https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/women-in-film-and-television-industry-panel

Secure your spot now—this is an event you don’t want to miss! 🎟️✨

EMY ROME BIO: Emy Deiparine Rome is the Vice President, Sales Southeast for Quixote Studios. She is in charge both the Louisiana and Georgia markets, where she leads the sales and operations for sound stages, grip & lighting, production services, and trucks & trailers. She has hosted dozens of television series and features in our Louisiana sound stages, such as Roller Jam, Twisted Metal, Killing It, Clock & Dagger Season 2, Reminiscence and numerous seasons of the Baking Championships. Emy is an Executive Board member of Film Louisiana, that supports our film infrastructure as well as champions our tax credits for our industry in the state. She actively supports all parts of the film industry as a sponsor and judge of many film festivals and film programs.

As a New Orleans native, Emy graduated from Ursuline Academy and continued her graduate education in Chicago. Along with her decade of experience in the film industry, she has a legal and business development background. Emy has also worked as a professional makeup artist for over 20 years.
Aside from her passion and dedication to the film industry, her time is well spent with her three fun boys in Mid-City.

SIMONETTE BERRY BIO: Simonette Berry is the Business Agent for IATSE Local 478, representing film workers across Louisiana, Southern Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, while advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and creative opportunities. A classically trained artist and writer from New Orleans, Simonette began her film career in 2012 as a scenic artist, sculptor, and mold maker, contributing to major productions like Underwater, Terminator: Genisys, and Maze Runner. Later in her career, she co-produced and designed the award-winning documentary City of a Million Dreams, which explores the history of jazz funerals in New Orleans. She and her husband also run Scenic Art and Casting Studio, creating specialty props and teaching industry professionals. Her union leadership has spearheaded impactful programs such as IATSE 478’s Parental Leave program and their Disaster Response Team, supporting both union members and the broader community. As a board member of Film Louisiana, Simonette actively champions the state’s vibrant film industry while showcasing the talent and creativity of its skilled workforce.

17/12/2024

Two More Days until the WiFT-LA FREE Membership Appreciation Party. Your board is excited to share all the upcoming 2025 events to kickstart the new year: All to help you in your filmmaking journey!

Have you RSVP’d yet?? The official Eventbrite RSVP link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-wift-membership-appreciation-party-tickets-1093861060879?aff=oddtdtcreator

Members, remember to bring a film friend!

Not a WiFT-LA Member? Join today: https://www.wiftlouisiana.org/renewmembership

We’ve also made this soiree a Donation Drive! 🎊🥳 And we’ve adopted Covenant House New Orleans

Members, we encourage you to bring an unwrapped gift to the party. Self-care, feminine needs and cozy items to stay warm are always needed. 💝 🧦🧣🪥

11/12/2024

With our Membership Appreciation Party just EIGHT DAYS away, we are so excited to announce that it’s also a Donation Drive! 🎊🥳

And we’ve adopted Covenant House New Orleans

Members, we encourage you to bring an unwrapped gift to the party. Self-care, feminine needs and cozy items to stay warm are always needed. 💝 🧦🧣🪥

10/12/2024

We're counting down the days until the FREE WiFT-LA Membership Appreciation Party happening in NINE DAYS! Have you RSVP'd yet: https://buff.ly/41rhCLv

Remember, WiFT members, bring a film friend! Not a WiFT Member? Join today! https://buff.ly/3VU6IdV

03/12/2024

GivingTuesday is in full swing and what better way to Kickstart December than by making a donation to WiFT-LA TODAY?

Your gift helps provide member programming and educational opportunities all year long, and we've got a jam-packed, exciting 2025 planned, including the return of our Alice Evenings.

Donate here: https://buff.ly/4ifter1

08/07/2024

Please join us tomorrow night for our July Alice Evening with Betsy Borrego!

WHERE: Second Line Stages
WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
TIME: 7-9 PM
COST: Free for WiFT-Louisiana members
*non WiFT-Louisiana members can attend two Alice Evenings for free

Preparing for headshots can be daunting! Betsy is partnering with WiFT Louisiana to help actors prep for headshots with confidence and intentionality. Come learn how to prep for headshots that get you seen!

ABOUT BETSY:
Betsy Borrego is an Afro Latina actress and headshot photographer who has lived in New Orleans for over 15 years. She loves making her sessions fun by vibing out to music, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.

19/06/2024

This , celebrate Black storytellers and their voices.

We suggest watching MISS JUNETEENTH, a poignant film about a former beauty queen as she prepares her rebellious daughter for a Juneteenth pageant.

Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples and starring Nicole Beharie as Turquoise.

11/06/2024

Did you miss our amazing Alice Evening with WiFT member and dialect coach Audrey LeCrone from American Accent Coaching? Check out her interview with Anthony Ramos where they break down dialects!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqyI5pd7Syw

Anthony Ramos is known for his roles in Hamilton, In the Heights, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Dumb Money, and the upcoming Twisters and Ironheart, he h...

26/04/2024

Join us at The Actor's Apothecary on Sunday, April 28, 2024 for their monthly Cold Reading Series!

WiFT member, Sandy Parker, will have her feature film HELEN IS HOT performed by local talent.

If you are an actor and wish to participate, please arrive to The Actor’s Apothecary by 6pm to sign up!
Casting is first come, first serve. There are 26 roles to be filled.
Show starts at 7pm.

About HELEN IS HOT:
When a New Orleans morning show host realizes she’s been “living the dream” on autopilot, she drags her intern to Italy on a quest to make the second half of her life worth living.

About the Cold Reading Series:
This monthly event hosted by The Actor’s Apothecary offers a chance for directors and writers to have their work heard, and for actors a chance to be seen.

Event is free and industry professionals are always invited.

Sandy Parker Bio:
Sandy Parker is an award-winning Italian-American writer/director based in New Orleans. After studying theatre and still photography, she entered the film industry, where she has worked with world-class talent as a script supervisor for over twenty-five years. As a writer, she infuses her quirky sense of humor into coming-of-age stories about people of all ages as they face challenges in unexpected ways.

19/02/2024

Join us for our film industry networking event Wednesday, February 21 from 6pm-8pm at !

Come buy a glass of wine or your favorite drink and nibble on some complimentary appetizers while you enjoy conversations with your industry peers.

This networking event is free and open to the public.

26/01/2024

Our Friday Mood has us excited for our upcoming member meet up!!

Join us and our Baton Rouge satellite this Wednesday, January 31! We’ll be at Louisiana Technology Park from 6pm-9pm. Our co-president will be speaking.

This is perfect time to join or renew your membership! Links in our bio.

07/01/2024

23/12/2023

Start 2024 off with Mastering Film Finance and Distribution with Micah Haley!

Join us and Indie Darling Films on Tuesday, Jan 2 from 6-8pm (doors open at 5 for networking) at The Actor’s Apothecary. Tickets are $20. $18 in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-film-finance-and-distribution-with-micah-haley-tickets-781024323777

- Learn what kind of scripts attract financing - What investors are looking for - How movies make their money back - What are distributors looking for? - What to watch out for when seeking distribution

MICAH HALEY (Producer) () BIO:
Micah Haley is a film producer and screenwriter. A native of Louisiana, he entered the film industry in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, as producers rushed to take advantage of the state’s first-of-its-kind domestic tax incentives. After working on independent and studio productions, he was appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans to the city’s film commission. There, he worked directly with producers and studio executives to bring millions of dollars in economic impact to the city as it recovered, including securing a one-off incentive for Warner Bros’ Green Lantern to relocate production from Australia to New Orleans.

While working as a production and tax credit consultant, Haley sold his first screenplay in 2015. The same year, he published The Angel, his first novella. In 2019, Haley co-founded Intercut Capital, a film finance and production company based in New Orleans and Santa Monica. Intercut added $125m in funding from Tin Res Entertainment the same year, financing a slate of films that includes director Kevin Smith’s Jay & Silent Bob Reboot and The Old Way with Nicolas Cage. As a producer and director of development, he leads Intercut’s search for new projects.