Reel Moments: With BadAss Women in Film & Entertainment

In this dynamic episode of Reel Moments, Journalist & Emmy winning Producer A'Lelia Bundles discusses the Netflix Series "Self Made," the fictionalized four-part Netflix series starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer that premiered on March 20, 2020 which is actually based on the book she authored of her great, great grandmother, Madame C.J. Walker, America's First Self Made Woman Millionaire.During our candid conversation, Bundles describes the differences between her book, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, and the real life of her great, great grandmother and what was written and portrayed in the .. She clearly states her objections to how Hollywood changed the story not only of her great, great grandmother's story but that of other noteworthy leaders of the time."I got calls from other descendants as well who were upset as well," she said.After a 30-year career as an executive and Emmy award winning producer with ABC News and NBC News, she now is brand historian for MCJW, a line of hair care products inspired by Madam Walker and created by Sundial Brands. She is a trustee of Columbia University and chair emerita of the National Archives Foundation. Ms. Bundles also speaks at conferences, colleges, corporations and other venues about entrepreneurship, philanthropy, financial literacy and women's and African American history.If you haven't listened to any Reel Moment's episode, this is one you cannot miss.

In this edition of Reel Moments, photographer, artist, and filmmaker Francesca Andrea talks about her award-winning short film, Charcoal.We discuss her transition from still photographer to filmmaker and, 'colorism,' the subject of her film and how it relates to our national discussions about Black Lives Matter, and women's sense of beauty and ultimately our self esteem

Christina Kallas is a transnational New York-based feature writer and director. She is best known for the critically acclaimed ensemble dramas The Rainbow Experiment and 42 Seconds of Happiness, and for the John Hurt-starring, Golden Berlin Bear-nominated political thriller The Commissioner. Released worldwide by Gravitas Ventures, The Rainbow Experiment debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival and Moscow International Film Festival 2018. In 2016, Kallas scored on the film festival circuit with her award-winning feature 42 Seconds of Happiness. Both of the movies were screened at the Women's International Film & Arts Festival.Christina and I spoke about the distribution of her two above-noted films on Amazon Prime and Showtime and how the landscape for film distribution has changed and continues to change.We also discussed her current project Paris in Harlem inspired by her dear friend Sam Hargress Jr, owner of the legendary Paris Blues jazz dive in Harlem where Kallas currently lives.  Sam Hargress Jr. passed away due to COVID 19- on April 10, 2020 in NewYork City. 

Erica Linney is an award-winning Television Producer and writer. Her most well-known work is as Senior Producer of the Christian Broadcasting Network's most-watched program, Turning Point International (TPi). During our conversation, Erica spoke about following your path by “following the peace.” We discussed her journey from a college student intending to travel to Hollywood to be a television comedy writer to ending up traveling around the world as a producer for the Christian Broadcasting Network.She gave beautiful insights into how to be successful and how to follow your dreams even though the pathway there may be different than what you planned.A self-described optimist, Erica leads a global team of producers inciting hope around the world with real-life stories of faith and personal triumph. 

In this episode of Reel Moments, Model and Actress Michele Lawson talks about how she got her first role as a television actress on a major US television network.She's multi passionate, she's a writer, she's involved in the modeling industry, a thespian, and involved in the film and television industry as an actor.Listen and get her tips on how to get your first acting gig. 

In this episode of Reel Moments, documentary filmmaker Leslie Bornstein discusses the making of her new film, Terra Pesada. Shot in Mozambique in South East Africa, Terra Pesada shares the life and music of Heavy Metal musicians in the capital city of Maputo.During our conversation, Leslie discusses how she travelled to Africa afer a long sickness and happened to see a flyer for a Metal Concert.  "When I saw a flyer for Evil Angels nothing could keep me away.  The minute I walked into the club in Malhazine, a “zone” of Maputo, I knew I'd be happy to spend the rest of my life there," she says.

Spend some time with Runway Model Diva and actress Shay Davis.  Shay's beautiful face has covered the front of magazines, she's been the cohost of a nationally syndicated talk show and she's had featured roles on two network television series. This hard working model, entrepreneur, and actress, discusses the importance of being a giver, hard work, and  developing relationships to grow your brand and your career. 

Originally recorded as a FACEBOOK LIVE Reel Moments episode, Reel Moments with Filmmaker Debra "Debbie"" Markowitz is a conversation with a seasoned industry executive who's just about done it all.  She's a  Filmmaker, Casting Director, Film Festival Director and local Film Commission Executive Director.  Markowitz discusses her how she transitioned from film festival director to casting director to writer/director.She advises how she has been able to leverage her relationships to find seasoned actors to play vital roles in the films she casts and films she directs.Debbie has been in the industry for over thirty years and provides great information to those interested in writing, directing or finding that great actor for your next film. 

Originally recorded in 2018 as a FaceBook Live episode, filmmaker and Film Festival Director Cindy Mich talks about her current projects,  innovate ways to distribute your film, and how to enter her film Art Is Alive Film Festival which is held annually in New York.She speaks about being a mature woman in the industry, and how to keep your head up high despite naysayers who may come in your life.

In this episode, Yvonne McCormack Lyons digs deep into press releases, and how to use them like celebrities as you go about developing your own Celebrity Brand.  You will learn: Why press releases are still relevant to use When to Write A Press Release How to use a Press Release Listen to the podcast and […]Continue ReadingThe post 004-All About Press Releases: Top 5 Reasons To Write A Press Release appeared first on yvonnemccormack.com.

Episode #3 – Walk Away From Love With Noree Victoria Lovely Actress/Producer Noree Victoria spends some time with host Yvonne McCormack Lyons to talk about her transition from being a school teacher in a small town to a lead actress in Hollywood. Listen to the full broadcast to hear the special advice she gives to […]Continue ReadingThe post 003-A Conversation With Noree Victoria appeared first on yvonnemccormack.com.

This episode describes the intention of Reel Moments and what it's all about. I discuss how the idea came about and where I plan on taking it.  We focus on empowering women filmmakers, promoting our projects and giving back by sharing our journeys, our challenges and our success stories.I'll bring you a new episode every week with interesting and inspiring "Reel Moments" with BadAss women.