The 2017 Palm Springs International Film Festival is back with a culturally diverse program which features over 200 films from more than 60 countries! This year, 27 movies from Spain, Portugal and Latin America are to be screened as a result of the festival’s Ciné Latino program.
Image courtesy of Sprout
This week, Humanitas executive director Cathleen Young and president Ali LeRoi announced the finalists for the 42nd annual Humanitas Prize. From a large number of submissions, thirty-two writers were selected to compete for $100,000 in prize money. The winners will be announced at the annual luncheon on February 22, 2017, at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.
Longtime NALIP supporter, Maria Escobedo, who was part of the 2016 Media Summit Showrunners’ panel, was nominated on the Children’s Animation Category for “Nina’s Brother for a Day” an episode she wrote for “Nina’s world”. The show centers on Nina, a six-year-old Mexican American girl who lives in a vibrant multicultural neighborhood. It also has a multilingual component that incorporates English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
“Great stories can play an essential role in people’s lives by reminding us of our common humanity and motivating us to be our best selves. Many of the extraordinary works by this year’s finalists touch on issues of inclusion, equality and tolerance, ideas that are of particular importance in today’s conflict-ridden world,” said LeRoi in a statement.
NALIP is proud to support the work of such a talented and inspiring creator and look forward to many more successes to come for Maria Escobedo.
Check out the full list of nominees on deadline.com
2017 is in full swing and NALIP is being greatly represented at Sundance 2017 with Marvin Lemus’ ‘Gente-fied’ debuting and William Caballero’s short film screening as well! Amidst the 2016 awards season, the Golden Globes were most recently represented by Latinx powerhouse talent like nominees Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), Pablo Larrain (Neruda), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Moana) and Gael Garcia Bernal (Mozart in the Jungle), as well as Diego Luna (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) as a presenter during the show.
At NALIP, we hope 2017 boasts greater representation for our community. That said, if you find yourself at Sundance 2017 in Park City, Utah, make sure to show out and support NALIPster Marvin Lemus as his long awaited “Gente-fied” digital web series will premiere. Long time supporter and NALIPster, William D. Cabellero will also have his short film, “Victor & Isolina” screened as well.
Click here for more information on “Gente-fied”
Click here for more information on “Victor & Isolina”
We are extremely proud of these talented content creators. Will you be at Sundance 2017? What other Latinx content creators are you excited to see and support in Park City? Sound off in the comment section below!
2017 is here and NALIP has new transitions and exciting goals set for the new year!
For over 17 years, NALIP has been promoting and advocating for Latinos in the entertainment and media industries. In the last several years, under the leadership of Executive Director, Axel Caballero, NALIP has restructured and repositioned itself for the future and, as a result, there has been unprecedented growth in membership, partners and programs.
As of January 1, 2017, Mr. Caballero has stepped down as Executive Director. However, NALIP is pleased to announce that he will continue his relationship with NALIP as a member of the board of directors.
NALIP is also pleased to announce that NALIP’s Projects Director, Ben Lopez, will assume the leadership of the organization as Executive Director. Axel and Ben have been a dynamic team in developing and promoting NALIP’s program offerings, such as the NALIP Media Summit, the Latino Lens Incubators, the Latino Lens Festival and the Diverse Women in Media Initiative. Under Ben’s leadership, these programs will continue as NALIP's signature programs and Ben is looking forward to developing new ways to promote the membership and serve Latino content creators and industry needs.
“Ben and I have been a strong team in developing and promoting NALIP. It has been an incredible and transformative few years and Ben will undoubtedly continue NALIP's growth."
- Axel Caballero
We are excited about what the future holds knowing our organization is stronger than ever before and we are excited at this next step knowing our members and partners are ready to double down with us in our mission, and will continue to #CreateWithUs.
On #GivingTuesday consider $ for @NALIP_org #CreateWithUs to advance underrepresented voices in media
Click Here to Donate!
NALIP is proud to announce the opening session of the Diverse Women in Media Forum on December 6th. In Executive Decisions: A Conversation with Leading Women, these empowering, risk taking women will engage in a discussion to give an exclusive look into running a network or being head of a studio. They will speak on having the power to incorporate narratives of inclusion, diversity and paving the way for other women and urging for women presence across all media. Get to know the women behind the Executive Decisions below:
Bela Bajaria was named Vice President of Content at Netflix in November of 2016, overseeing the Unscripted Department, and Content Acquisition for the Major Studios and Co-licensing. Previously, Bela was President of Universal Television, having shepherded creative programming for the studio since August 2011, producing hit primetime series across numerous networks, including “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "The Mindy Project," "Bates Motel," "Grimm," "Chicago Fire.”
Earlier, Bajaria held two key posts simultaneously: Senior Vice President, Cable Programming for CBS TV Studios, and Senior Vice President of Movies and Miniseries for the CBS network. Bajaria simultaneously oversaw the CBS Sunday Night Movie -- the #1 TV movie franchise for over 10 years.
In September 2013, Bajaria was elected President of the industry organization Hollywood Radio & Television Society for a two-year term. She is involved in a variety of philanthropic endeavors, including SAHARA, a non-profit organization that serves victims of domestic violence. Bajaria has been honored by the I Have a Dream Foundation of LA, The March of Dimes Foundation, and was given the Industry Leadership Award from the Indian Film Festival of LA. Additionally, she is an executive board member of the Television Academy and serves on the board of Los Angeles’ Saban Community Clinic.
Bajaria resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.
Aisha N. Summers is Director of Drama Development and Programming for Fox Broadcasting Company. Summers is responsible for putting projects into development then steering those projects’ creative direction, as well as overseeing shows currently airing on FOX.
Samie Kim Falvey is the Chief Content Officer of the new premium short-form mobile content service created by Verizon and AwesomenessTV. Falvey oversees all content and creative, including programming, development, and production.
Prior to joining Verizon/AwesomenessTV, Falvey served as Executive Vice President, Comedy Development and International Scripted Development, at ABC. Falvey and her team launched the award-winning ABC Family Comedy brand, known for its quality and inclusivity. This includes breakout hits like five-time Emmy-winning Best Comedy Series Modern Family, Peabody-winning and 2016 Emmy-nominated Black-ish, critically acclaimed Fresh Off The Boat, The Goldbergs, and The Middle. This fall they successfully debuted Speechless and American Housewife. In addition, Falvey led the relaunch of the ABC app, including ABCd, a new vertical of original digital content.
Gina Reyes started her career in Hollywood at International Creative Management talent agency in Motion Picture Production. After a great experience at ICM, Gina Reyes had the opportunity to work with Salma Hayek at her newly formed production company, Ventanazul, where Ms. Hayek had a film development deal with MGM. At Ventanazul, Gina had the opportunity to seek out intellectual property for potential film development and also had exposure to the television space in working with Ms. Hayek’s TV production company, Ventanarosa, where she had an overall deal with ABC Studios. After four years at Ventanazul, Gina landed at 20th Century Fox Film as a Creative Executive in film development and later transitioned to Fox Broadcasting Company where she currently manages all creative efforts including the Fox Writers Intensive and the Fox Global Directors Initiative. Gina is a native of Chicago and attended Columbia College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and Television.
Christina Davis was promoted to Executive Vice President, Drama Series Development, CBS Entertainment in June 2009. She reports to Glenn Geller, President, CBS Entertainment.
Since joining CBS, Davis has been involved in the development of the "CSI" and "NCIS" franchises, "The Good Wife," "Blue Bloods," "Hawaii Five-0," "Elementary," "Madam Secretary" and "Scorpion," and the summer event series “Zoo.”
Davis is a graduate of UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. She sits on the Board of Directors for HRTS (Hollywood Radio and Television Society) and Girls Inc. Davis also serves on the Advisory Board of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers’ (NALIP) Diverse Women in Media Forum.
Julie Ann Crommett - Moderator
Julie Ann Crommett joined Google in December 2013 and is currently the Entertainment Industry Educator in Chief, working to shift perceptions of computer science in mainstream media so as to encourage more diversity in the field (a position she created).
Previously, she was at NBCUniversal where she was responsible for behind-the-camera diversity initiatives including the NBCU Directing Fellowship Program and Writers on the Verge. Throughout her time in Hollywood, Julie Ann initiated a cross-company Hispanic episode of NBC's Grimm, was an Entertainment Associate at Universal Cable Productions, an associate producer on the Animal Planet series, I’m Alive and a production intern in DVD/Promotions at Pixar Animation Studios.
Julie Ann is originally from Atlanta, Ga., via San Juan, Puerto Rico (Cuban too!), and graduated with a B.A. degree in English and American literature from Harvard University. She currently serves on the board of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), Women in Animation (WIA), the Barbie Global Advisory Council and on several media advisory councils. In September 2015, Julie Ann was honored with ADCOLOR’s Innovator Award for her work in shifting on-screen perceptions, and Univision's Flama named her one of the "7 Latinos to Look Out for in 2016." She recently completed her TEDx talk at TEDxMidAtlantic in Washington, DC and was named to The Hollywood Reporter's prestigious "35 under 35" list.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear these women speak at the Diverse Women in Media Forum coming up December 6th. Take advantage of our extended Holiday rate and save your spot for the Diverse Women in Media Forum.
(Image courtesy of Film Independent)
The Spirit Award nominations were revealed recently and Pablo Larrain's 'Jackie' has received some major recognition. We wish him the best in this awards season!
At the 2016 Latino Lens Festival & Showcase, we recognized Pablo Larrain with the Filmmaker of the Year award and he accepted the Best Latin American Film award for his direction of 'NERUDA'. The film as also been submitted as Chile's entry into the Academy Awards.
In an unconventional year, Pablo Larrain is in the run with 'Jackie' and 'Neruda'. It is likely that both his films will be nominated in their respective categories as he has directed two films in different languages, English and Spanish. In the last three years, the Best Director and Best Cinematography categories have been swept by Alfonso Cuaron, Emmanuel Lubezki and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Will Pablo add to the list of Latino Directors recognized this awards season?
Let us know your comments in the section below!
To read more on this, please visit the Spirit Awards site.
COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
NALIP’s Communications department is looking for a dedicated and creative intern that will help in building and maintaining its robust communication platform through a variety of content and media platforms related to NALIP’s mission, programs and events. In addition to these communication assignments, the intern will be introduced to the major topics and issues related to arts advocacy, nonprofit management, community organizing, and communication best practices. This is an unpaid internship, college credit is available. Must be available at least 3 days a week and a minimum of 4 hours a day.
Duties and Activities:
Assist in maintaining NALIP social media and website
Assist in newsletter curation and articles
Write blog posts on NALIP news and events
Assist in NALIP events from their planning, production, and post
Assist with ongoing administrative tasks, database management, membership correspondence and participate in staff meetings
Serve as NALIP representative attending outside events with partner organizations and companies
Work with public relations team in press releases, talent invitations, and talent management
Knowledge or Other Requirements:
Ideal candidates will identify with our mission and have a deep interest in media arts, entertainment, and communication.
Excellent writing, communication, and research skills are required
Proficient with Google apps (docs, sheets, ect.), social media, and computer programs such as Microsoft and Excel
Bilingual and bi-literate applicants are encouraged
Applicants with graphic design or video production experience are encouraged
Student will learn as a result of this experience:
Apart with from learning basic administrative practices (phone/email etiquette, project organization skills, sponsor/media and membership relations, and basic office management), in supporting NALIP’s communications department, intern will learn how to create and execute a communications strategy that is program and events based, while adhering to our organization's mission and branding. As a NALIP staff team member, intern will close program understanding how to be a team player in a professional media arts environment.
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, 3 professional references and a writing sample to: [email protected]. The subject headline must include your name and Communications INTERN/VOLUNTEER.
DIGITAL PRODUCTION INTERN
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is seeking motivated, hard-working individuals to join the Digital Production Team. As the premiere non-profit organization working to promote and advocate for Latinos in media, we are constantly producing content to move careers forward. The Digital Production Team oversees all original content produced by NALIP in addition to the development and preparation for the NALIP Media Summit. This is an unpaid internship, college credit is available. Must be available at least 3 days a week and a minimum of 4 hours a day.
Responsibilities Include:
• Capture BTS footage and still photography of NALIP Productions
• Create highlight/sizzle reels from archived footage
• Brainstorm and develop various forms of promotional material
• Organize and maintain multiple hard drives
• Edit/retouch graphic design work
• Research upcoming trends and Latino content creators
• Research potential partnerships/collaborations for the NALIP Media Summit
Interested candidates must:
• Be proficient in DSLR workflows
• Be proficient in Adobe Suite or Creative Cloud – Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator (After Effects and Final Cut are a plus)
• Have working knowledge of codecs, frame rates and delivery formats
• Work well within a team
• Be able to both provide and respond well to constructive criticism
• Pay high attention to detail
• Have prior experience managing multiple, simultaneous projects
These positions are unpaid; however, NALIP offers exclusive benefits and opportunities to our interns/volunteers:
• Media Maker level membership
• Access to exclusive events available to members only
• Networking opportunities with industry executives and emerging content creators
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced filmmakers and producers
• Hands-On experience with the development and execution of national-scale event
To apply, please send your resume, cover letter and 3 professional references and any work sample or links to work sample to:[email protected]subject headline must include your name and DIGITAL INTERN/VOLUNTEER
(image courtesy of Remezcla)
Disney/Pixar has announced this week that it's upcoming film 'Coco,' will feature an all Latino cast!
The 2016 Diverse Women in Media Forum presented by Starz, PBS and CBS Diversity took place Tuesday, December 6 at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. It was NALIP’s honor to host the Forum, which undoubtedly made an impact and succeeded in bringing talented diverse women together to connect, network and empower each other. Let’s take a look at the highlights of a successful and inspiring evening!
The Diverse Women in Media Forum opened with the “Executive Decisions: A Conversation with Leading Women”. It truly was held by leading women starting with, Bela Bajaria, VP of Content for Netflix, Samie Falvey, CCO of Verizon/AwesomenessTV, Christina Davis, EVP of Drama Series Development at CBS Entertainment, Aisha Summers, Director of Drama Development & Programming at Fox Broadcasting Company, Gina Reyes, Creative Executive at Fox Entertainment Group and moderated by Julie Ann Crommett, Entertainment Industry Educator in Chief at Google. These influential women engaged in conversation and gave an exclusive look on being leaders and having the power to incorporate narratives of inclusion.
Following the first session was the energetic and truly inspiring “Producers’ Insights: Creating Hits as Women Producers”. It featured incredible producers including, Effie Brown (Duly Noted Inc.), Laura Walker (AG Capital), Michelle Knudsen (MXN Entertainment), Silvia Olivas (Elena of Avalor), Sandra Condito (Straight Up Films), Gloria Calderon (One Day at a Time) and moderated by CAA’s Talitha Watkins. These pioneering industry professionals discussed topics spanning from: what it means to be a “Producer” to the challenges and opportunities in today’s evolving and thriving television landscape.
In an effort to create more dynamic connections between attendees and high level executives who can help move careers forward the event closed with a “Meet and Greet” session and Industry mixer. The Industry mixer included a live musical performance from a jazz band. It was a night of empowerment, making connections, supporting one another and advancement!
NALIP wants to send a special thank you to the Diverse Women in Media Forum Committee and Sponsors for making the Forum possible.