MediaMaker Spotlight

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with Eden Raskin Jenkins about her documentary, NOTES OF A CITIZEN: THE MARCUS RASKIN STORY. It is the story about her father’s career before she was born. Through family and notable figures, she learns about his work in the Kennedy White House, his role with the Pentagon Papers, the FBI raided his office, and why he was on Nixon’s Enemies List. The episode also highlights the role of music...

Award-winning underwater cinematographer Roger Horrocks joins host Candice Bloch to discuss what it takes to capture the amazing underwater scenes we see in epic nature documentaries. Roger has worked on some of the most ambitious and acclaimed documentaries ever created, including My Octopus Teacher, Our Planet, Blue Planet 2, and Our Oceans. These projects have taken him all over the world, and earned numerous awards, including a...

In this episode, host Tara Jabbari interviews Sierra Urich, an interdisciplinary visual artist and filmmaker whose documentary, 'Joonam' explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience. Sierra shares insights from her festival circuit journey, the significance of her family's story, and the challenges of filmmaking in an authoritarian context. The conversation highlights the universal nature o...

For the first time, our three hosts: Candice Bloch, Tara Jabbari, and Sandra Abrams share the same recording studio for an in-person chat about all things animation! The trio discuss their early memories of the animated category, some of their favorite films and animated TV shows over the years, different voice actors, and some history of this unique and enduring form of entertainment. Learn more about the hosts from this insightfu...

Iconic and prolific costume designer Mona May chats with host Candice Bloch to share about her journey becoming a prominent figure in the film industry. Considered the Queen of 90s Movie Fashion, Mona has created iconic looks for over 70 films and television shows. She is best known for her work on Clueless, as well as Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, Enchanted, The House Bunny, a...

Host Sandra Abrams chats with former Hollywood PR executive, Libby Gill, about her book, MALIBU SUMMER, a rom-com story inspired by her life marketing high powered TV shows. Using her years of experience promoting shows produced by Universal, Sony, and Turner, including Dr. Phil, Libby knows how to create compelling characters with Hollywood as the backdrop. As Libby tells it, she had no intention of writing a fiction book. After l...

Host Candice Bloch interviews Sophia Dilley, the Executive Vice President of Concord Originals, about the art of creating music documentaries. They discuss the origins of Concord Originals, the film and TV division of legendary music company Concord, and get into various projects already out (“Stax: Soulsville USA,” “Let the Canary Sing - Cyndi Lauper,” etc.) and some upcoming projects still in work. The two chat about the emotiona...

Host Tara Jabbari talks with Michael Kennedy, one of the screenwriters and executive producers of the rom-com slasher horror film, Heart Eyes. Released a week before Valentine’s Day in February 2025, Heart Eyes - directed by Josh Ruben and starring Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding - was met with positive reviews and grossed nearly $30 million in its first month. In their conversation, Tara and Michael discuss his experience writing so...

Host Sandra Abrams has a lively conversation with James Beard Award winning chef, author, and TV show host, Pati Jinich. Pati shares insights on how she blends food, culture, and history into the making of her PBS docuseries, “Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana” - now streaming on the PBS app. In the series, Pati loosely tracks the “Pan-American Highway” where she travels from Alaska to Canada visiting the food scene in remote towns...

Host Candice Bloch interviews Steve Cohen, the Emmy Award-winning executive producer of HBO Max's documentary 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes.' Steve is Billy Joel’s longtime lighting designer, creative director, trusted collaborator, and close friend. He was handpicked by Billy to build a team that would tell his story in this documentary. 

In the episode, Candice and Steve discuss the evolution of lighting des...

Host Tara Jabbari has an animated conversation with actor Vincent Martella, best known as the voice of Phineas Flynn in the Disney Channel animated series, Phineas and Ferb. After a long hiatus, the show returned earlier this summer with Disney premiering season five on June 5. Vincent discusses with Tara the cultural significance of the show, the trials of being a child actor then navigating the industry as an adult, and the impac...

In this episode, MediaMaker Spotlight producer Brandon Ferry hosts behind-the-scenes interviews with two more illuminating artists – direct from the 2025 Ebertfest film festival. First, Brandon speaks with writer-director Angus MacLachlan of 2005’s indie breakout film, JUNEBUG and the soon-to-be released A LITTLE PRAYER (starring David Strathairn, Jane Levy & Anna Camp). Prior to screening at this year’s Ebertfest, MacLachlan’s...

In this episode, MediaMaker Spotlight producer Brandon Ferry sits down with two visionary directors whose films were screened at this year’s Ebertfest film festival held at the Virginia Theater in Champaign, Illinois. Brandon first speaks with trailblazing director of the 80s and 90s, Susan Seidelman, best known for directing the cult classic, DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN (rapturously received at Ebertfest), as well as the pilot and m...

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams sits down with Chaz Ebert, for a lively discussion about her book, It's Time To Give A FECK. FECK stands for forgiveness, empathy, compassion and kindness. She also shares insights into the many projects she is working on including a documentary, Wellness Warrior, about the life of 103-year old Deborah Szekley, founder of the Rancho La Puerta spa. In addition to directing and writing, Ms. Eb...

In this conversation, filmmaker Chance McClain sits down with host Candice Bloch and shares his journey from a diverse creative background to founding Heritage Films, a company dedicated to creating personal legacy documentaries. He discusses the importance of storytelling, connecting generations, the emotional impact of capturing family histories, and the production process involved in making these films. Heritage Films has create...

In this episode, host Sandra Abrams chats with three WIFV members about their independent feature film, THE OTHER YOU, and how the movie went from an idea during the pandemic to its premiere during the DC Independent Film Festival in March 2025. The surreal comedy sheds light on how a wife and mother tries to find time to work on her writing when a portal in her closet shows her another version of her life. Will she stay or will sh...

Host Tara Jabbari interviews editor Dustin Elkin who has worked in Los Angeles and Chicago for clients such as CBS, Mattel, Hallmark, and Bally’s. During their conversation, Dustin shares the importance of networking, his work ethic, and why he is a fan of utilizing AI for his work - including for his own podcast, The Video Editing Guru Podcast.

Connect with Dustin:
https://www.dustinelkin.com/

The Video Edit...

In this celebratory 100th episode of MediaMaker Spotlight, our three hosts - Candice, Sandra, and Tara - reflect on their journey, the evolution of the podcast, and the impact of Women in Film & Video. They discuss the transition to video content, the diverse range of topics covered, and the importance of networking within the industry. The conversation highlights notable guests, achievements, and the learning experiences gaine...

In this episode, host Candice Bloch interviews William Fay, a seasoned producer and motion picture executive, discussing his extensive career in the film industry. Bill, known for producing and executive producing many notable projects through the years such as Independence Day, The Patriot, 300, The Hangover, The Town, and more, elaborates on the multifaceted role of a producer, his journey into filmmaking, key milestones, and the...