OZ MAGAZINE
ROBYN WATSON-PRESIDENT OF WIFTA & CEO OF WATSON MEDIA VENTURES
Cover Story: "50 Years fo Women In Film and Television Atlanta," p.24
Robyn Watson is the principal owner and CEO of Watson Media Ventures (WMV), an entertainment consulting firm that advises on film, television, digital media productions, and entertainment events. She has spent over 25 years as an entertainment strategist and corporate communications executive, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Gannett/USA Today with previous time spent at WarnerMedia, Time Warner, and Verizon. Robyn provided strategic guidance and communications/PR on launches and distribution of major cable and entertainment services such as FiOS, WarnerMedia Podcast Network, and HBO Max.
Robyn Watson is also the President of Women In Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), one of 45+ Women In Film chapters dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, television, video, and other screenbased media. Robyn has been involved in the Women In Film organization for over 14 years having also served on the boards of New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT) and Women In Film & Television International (WIFTI).
BOB SHELLEY
Feature Story: " Celluloid Ignition," p.32
Bob was in the United States Army for 21 years and retired as a Captain. His field was Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). During his military career, he was appointed to serve in many unique positions. He had a security clearance of TOP SECRET, a special clearance of Critical Nuclear Weapons Design Information, and a White House Security Clearance, which included protection services for the presidents – from Kennedy to Reagan, and many foreign dignitaries. His first exposure to the movie industry came while he was still serving in the United States Army to blow up a car for a feature film. Being close to retirement, he learned that day what his next career would be and has not looked back. Since his retirement in 1977, he has been fortunate enough to provide special services to filmmakers for feature films, television, commercials, live shows, industrial safety training, Army training, law enforcement, and Homeland Security projects
MOJISOLA SONOIKI & MONIQUE MCGLOCKTON
Feature Story: "Still Going and Proving to Evoke Change In Cinema and In Life," p.38
Mojisola Sonoiki is the Founder of the African Film & Arts Foundation and has over 25 years’ experience curating, programming, and consulting on various film festivals and cultural events around the world. Amongst other things, she is the founder of the African Film Festival Atlanta, has a signature program, Cinema for the Culture: Film Screening and Masterclass Series, produced an award winning docu-interview series “Indigo Tongues” and produced/co-wrote a made for TV film “Mixed Feelings” for Ebony Life TV in Nigeria (2015). Ms Sonoiki also co-produced and co-hosted 13 episodes of a podcast called “Not just Nollywood” which shared perspectives on African Cinema, Music, Entertainment and Art. Monique McGlockton has over 25 years of experience in various areas of the entertainment industry. From producing, to scriptwriting and consulting. She directed an award winning feature documentary "Dundu Dole,' " which follows a former dancer who introduced her dynamic talents of West African ballet and its rich culture to a community of children and adults. Over their 30 year span, the dance company is nationally known and has traveled all over the country. McGlockton recently worked with Sonoiki on her latest installment of her signature program, Cinema for the Culture: Film Screening and Masterclass Series.
STEVE ROTHSCHILD
Feature Story: "The Georgia Film & Entertainment Tax Credit Program," p.42
Mr. Rothschild's expertise focuses on state and federal tax credits, tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, tax-deferred Opportunity Zone funds, and numerous federal and state-sponsored tax credit/deduction strategies. He founded the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Will's Club and The Foundation for Molecular Medicine. He is an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth, CCIM, and his alma mater Vanderbilt University. Mr. Rothschild is also on the Board of Governors of the Buckhead Club and sits on advisory boards of various companies.
EVELYN MIMS
Feature Story: " Emmy Story," p.44
Evelyn Mims combines the passion of a trailblazer with the experience of an industry insider in her role as President and CEO of Mims Media Group. Her experience covers both sides of the camera at WXIA NBC Atlanta. As Community Relations Specialist she connected philanthropists, entertainers, entrepreneurs and celebrities using a variety of traditional and digital media. This led her to the creation of her own media agency, Mims Media Group - one of the leading media relations firms in the country with services ranging from devising story angles, event planning, and product placement with promotions and media opportunities to strengthen and leverage client opportunities within their respective industries. This firm’s expertise has resulted in representing some of the most notable names in business and entertainment. With a consistent high bar to generate media opportunities and exposure for regional individuals as well as national organizations, Mim’s Media has won a reputation as a company creating real value.
OzCetera: A compilation of recent news and hot projects , pgs.8-23
My name is Winston Andrews. I am an Atlanta native, lifelong lover of film, and die-hard Falcons fan. Currently, I am a graduate student in the Accounting program at Georgia State.
WINSTON ANDREWS
WIFTA Board (L to R: GlenNeta Griffin, Cardellia Hunter, Randie Brooks, Robyn Watson, Teresa Edwards, Aeriel Coleman, Katy Womack, Shelbia Jackson)
WIFTA event at The Lola
Georgia Film Day 2024
In 1973, Tichi Wilkerson Kassel, then publisher of The Hollywood Reporter, suggested that an organization be started to help women in the entertainment industry. A small group of women met on the following Tuesday and sat on the floor of Tichi's office for what was to become a historic brainstorming session.
404 Day Panel (L to R: Robyn Watson, Karen Ceesay)
WIFTA event at The Lola
All agreed that women should help women and that it was time to mobilize. Hence the Women in Film organization was born. Shortly after that, the Atlanta Chapter of Women in Film & Television was founded upon those same principles in 1974 by Beverly Kievman Copen as the first President with Barbara Thomas the VP, making it the second oldest chapter in the Women In Film organization to promote gender parity in the film industry through research, education, and media campaigns.
“Why is being remembered as part of the WIFTA history important to me? Beginnings are important, as they are the beginning of what could be. The idea of planting seeds and watching them grow is part of my passion in life.” ~ Beverly Kievman Copen
Since its inception in 1974, Women in Film & Television Atlanta (WIFTA) has been a beacon of creativity and empowerment for women in the film and television industry. This year marks a significant milestone as WIFTA celebrates its 50th anniversary, highlighting the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women in the world of entertainment.
As of 2022, WIFTA's demographic breakdown reflects a diverse and inclusive community, with 85% of members identifying as female; there are also approximately 50 male members who support the organization and members. Through its programs, events, and initiatives, WIFTA has empowered countless women to pursue their dreams and break barriers in a male-dominated industry. The organization's impact extends beyond just networking, offering educational workshops, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy for gender equality.
"I love WIFTA because it not only champions the creative brilliance of Women in Film and Television but also fosters an environment where professional growth and meaningful connections flourish. Through WIFTA, we are not just advancing our careers, but also shaping a more inclusive and
dynamic industry." ~ Ty Johnston-Chavis
WIFTA has empowered countless women to pursue their dreams and break barriers in a male-dominated industry through its various programs, events, and initiatives. From providing educational workshops and mentorship opportunities to hosting networking events and film festivals, WIFTA has been instrumental in highlighting and advancing the careers of women in film and television. Each month WIFTA provides events and educational programming to promote networking and professional development among its members and the general film/television industry at large. Program topics cover a broad range of subject matter about all aspects of the industry and respective of the diverse composition of its membership.
WIFTA also has signature events and programming each year; including:
•Short Film Showcase – an annual showcase highlighting talented filmmakers’ work throughout the Southeast and beyond with a focus, of course, on uplifting the works of strong Women filmmakers, crews, and leads., political, documentary and experimental.
•WIFTA Gala – an annual fundraising event and awards ceremony spotlighting women in the Georgia entertainment community. It’s also where WIFTA awards scholarships to the up-andcoming creatives studying film & television in Georgia
•Women In Production Summit (WIPS) – an annual event hosted by a collaborative partnership of the Producers Guild of America (PGA), WIN (Women’s Impact Network), WIFTA (Women in Film & Television/ Atlanta), Black Women Film Network, Film Fatales, and the Alliance of Women Directors whose mission is to make Georgia the most inclusive and women-friendly media market in the country.
As WIFTA enters its 50th year, the organization remains committed to service and scholarship, supporting the entertainment community in Georgia and beyond. By ramping up its
community presence and partnerships, WIFTA continues to expand its internship program, and nurture the next generation of industry professionals. With these new partnerships, WIFTA will strengthen its internship program by the Spring of 2025. To date, WIFTA offers two types of internships:
• In-House Internships - internships with WIFTA that are based on the organization’s needs. WIFTA currently has interns from The Creative Media Industries Institute at Georgia State and the Fulton County Schools Internship Program
•WIFTA Partners Internshipsopportunities for WIFTA members in a variety of disciplines from top firms across metro Atlanta. WIFTA has had internships with WarnerMedia and Turner Sports.
WIFTA is always looking to provide opportunities for their members so if you’re interested in becoming a partner for the WIFTA Internship Program, reach out to: president@wifta.org and include in the subject “I Want To Be a WIFTA Internship Partner.” And if you want to learn more about WIFTA, go to wifta.org > GET INVOLVED and join the organization.
"Empowering women in film isn't just about breaking barriers, it's about building bridges to a future where every voice is heard and every story is
celebrated. Together, we are not just shaping the present, but also sculpting a brighter tomorrow for the next generation of creative women." ~ Robyn Watson WIFTA’s success can be attributed to its strong leadership and board representation. This year, four of its executive board members and board counsel – Robyn Watson, Cardellia Hunter, Randie Brooks, Shelbia Jackson and Nancy Prager -- were featured as
one of Georgia Entertainment’s 200 Most Influential of Georgia’s Creative Industries.
“As the newest board member and VP of Programming for Women in Film and Television Atlanta ( WIFTA), I am incredibly honored to be part of an organization that champions the voices and talents of women in our industry. I am committed to creating inclusive and
empowering opportunities that will inspire and support our members in their creative journeys.” ~ GlenNeta Griffin, Women in Film and Television Atlanta.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Women in Film & Television Atlanta, we salute the
WIFTA event at The Lola
WIFTA IGLive
trailblazing women who have paved the way for future generations of storytellers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. Through their creativity, resilience, and determination, women in the entertainment business continue to inspire us all and shape the future of film and television. WIFTA is a consistent driving force and advocate for positive
change in the world of film and television.
Robyn Watson ,Cardellia Hunter, Shelbia Jackson, Katy Womack, Randie Brooks, Aeriel Coleman, Teresa Edwards, GlenNeta Griffin, Shellie Schmals, Angi Bones, BJ Arnett.
WIFTA'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA IS ON OCTOBER 26 AT THE GEORGIA AQUARIUM. TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION AND GET READY TO CELEBRATE WIFTA’S COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AND SCHOLARSHIP!
Happy 50th Anniversary WIFTA!
CMII Student Intern Merissa Ware
WIFTA volunteers
