Sista Brunch

Black Latina Movement Founder Crystal Roman: Embracing Identity and Storytelling

In this episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox welcomes Crystal Roman, founder and CEO of Black Latina Movement, a theater and film production company based in New York City.
Crystal shares her journey, from growing up in New York and experiencing identity challenges, to founding her own company and creating impactful narratives.
They discuss the importance of diverse storytelling, financial planning in the arts, and the significance of community support. The conversation also touches on creative and technical decisions, like the shift from shooting in 1080p to 4K.
Throughout the episode, Crystal offers insights into the business side of production and the personal resilience required to succeed in the entertainment industry. Listeners gain valuable advice on budgeting, fundraising, and the power of authentic representation.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:29 Crystal Roman's Background and Identity
04:35 Challenges and Realizations in Acting
07:14 Creating Black Latina Movement1
5:45 Financial Insights for Productions
25:51 Technical Aspects and Final Thoughts

UPM/Line Producer Canella Williams Larrabee Shares Tips for Success in the Industry

AD/Director Shawn Pipkin-West takes over as full host in this episode with Canella Williams Larrabee, a seasoned unit production manager and line producer in television.
The episode dives into Larrabee's 20-year career, covering her start in the industry, her extensive credits including Netflix's 'Raising Dion' and 'The Night Agent,' and her leadership roles within the Directors Guild of America.
The conversation also highlights her efforts to promote diversity through the Diversity Coalition New York Film and Television for Diversity and Inclusion (NIFTY). Key topics include budgeting, hiring, and the importance of balancing professional dedication with personal well-being.
00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch
00:58 Introducing Our Special Guest: Canella Williams Larrabee
01:49 Canella's Journey in the Film and TV Industry
04:53 Working on Netflix's Night Agent05:40 Leadership and Involvement in the Directors Guild
08:42 Founding NIFTY and Promoting Diversity
10:35 Understanding the Role of a Unit Production Manager
15:11 The Art Department and Production Design
17:11 Props, Set Dressing, and Costumes
19:13 Financials and Vendor Management
19:44 Exploring Technocrane Rentals
24:35 Understanding Insert Car Work
27:34 The Role of Technology in Production Management
29:46 Signature Question: Advice to Younger Self
34:37 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Film & TV Acquisitions Executive and Company Founder Loretta Edwards Wilson: Crafting the Future of Black Narratives

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Sista Brunch! This time, we're joined by Loretta Edwards Wilson, a seasoned acquisitions executive and founder of A Bold Move Media.
With over 20 years of experience, Loretta has worked with industry giants like Disney, Sony Pictures, BET, MTV, and Comedy Central. In this episode, she shares her journey from pre-med to media, the intricacies of film acquisitions and programming, and the significance of relationships in the industry.
Co-hosted by the talented Jayden Dial from Black Girls Film Camp, this conversation sheds light on both the business and creative sides of the entertainment industry. Get ready to dive deep into the world of film acquisitions, production incentives, and the importance of storytelling for women of color.
Show notes:
00:00 Welcome to Season Six of Sista Brunch
00:22 Introducing Co-Host Jayden Dial
00:57 Jayden's Black Girls Film Camp Experience
02:34 Jayden's Podcast Journey with This Teenage Life
03:34 Jayden's College Life at Stanford
04:17 Introducing Guest Loretta Edwards Wilson
06:35 Loretta's Journey into Acquisitions
10:47 Loretta's Career Path and Achievements
16:57 The Role of Relationships in the Industry
19:57 Navigating the Corporate Ladder as a Black Woman
22:56 Financial Insights for Acquisitions Executives and Producers
29:17 Understanding the Role of a Programmer
33:29 Media Literacy and Its Impact
35:29 Advice to My Younger Self
37:04 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Netflix ’Act Your Age’ Creator and Director: Celebrating Black Women in Media

In the season 6 premiere of Sista Brunch, hosts Fanshen Cox and Shawn Pipkin-West celebrate the stories of Black women and gender expansive people in entertainment and media. They highlight community partners like the American Cinematheque and Post in Black podcast. The episode spotlights Alyson Fouse and Morenike Joela Evans, creator and director of the Netflix show 'Act Your Age,' and explores their inspiring journeys from early career challenges to notable successes. Topics include their industry experiences, the importance of representation, financial challenges in the industry, and practical advice for aspiring creatives.
00:00 Welcome to Season Six!
00:11 Shoutouts to Community Partners
01:56 Introducing Today's Guests
02:18 Behind the Scenes of 'Act Your Age'
04:40 Alyson Fouse's Journey
08:04 Morenike Joela Evans' Path to Directing
15:59 Multicam vs. Single Cam: A Director's Perspective
18:16 Financial Realities in the Industry
24:01 Navigating the Strike and Career Challenges
25:36 Directing and Producing During the Pandemic
26:48 The Evolution of Television and Technology
28:46 Tools and Techniques for Directors
32:27 Collaborative Work Environment
39:03 Advice to Younger Selves
43:56 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Protecting IP and Navigating the Entertainment Industry with Entertainment Attorney Jalene Mack

In this special episode of Sista Brunch recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, Fanshen speaks with entertainment attorney Jalene Mack (@jalenemack). 
The discussion explores Mack's role in entertainment law, the importance of protecting intellectual property, and vital business advice for filmmakers and creative professionals. Jalene also shares insights on fundraising, navigating the industry, and the critical role entertainment attorneys play from development to distribution. Highlighting the significance of having a knowledgeable lawyer, Mack advises against hiring general practice attorneys for industry-specific needs.
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:27 Introducing Entertainment Attorney Jaylene Mack
00:48 Jalene Mack's Role at Essence and Panel Details
01:28 Understanding Intellectual Property (IP)
02:24 Jalene Mack's Book and Business Advice
03:07 Lessons Learned and Persistence in the Industry
04:43 Finances and Fundraising in Film
05:49 The Role of Entertainment Attorneys
06:33 Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Needs
07:16 Closing Remarks and Festival Enjoyment

Essence Film Festival Special with Letitia Guillory & Crayton Robey | Sista Brunch Podcast

This is our final special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival in New Orleans! 🎬🌟 
Fanshen was thrilled to sit down with the inspiring Letitia Guillory and Crayton Robey to discuss their neo-noir crime drama screenplay, Hound Dog. Based on true events from the 1950s, Hound Dog delves into the life of Don Robey, founder of Peacock Records, and explores themes of gender, equity, and the price of success. 
Featuring insights into their fundraising journey, development process, and more, this episode is packed with education from the legend that is Letitia Guillory who says, 
"We've garnered some support, and we are actively looking for wonderful collaborators and partners to bring this project to fruition." ✨
👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 
📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia
Sista Brunch Team at Essence: Brenda James: host, Fanshen Cox: host, Tasha Rogers: audio, Beau Williams: producer & camera, Kamesha Rodriguez: branding and talent coordinator
Special thanks to these Black-owned companies who donated to our SWAG bags: @waitandseabeauty, @nairobijewelrystudio, @cprwrap, @coolassblackwoman, @shoplovecharisma, @inner_beaudee, and especially to @corpulence_consultingfirm for connecting us with the brands.
#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:12 Introducing Crayton and Letitia
00:40 The Story of Hound Dog
02:01 Don Robey's Legacy
03:35 Crayton and Letitia's Connection
05:05 Pitching and Fundraising for Hound Dog
09:14 Let's Talk Tech: Writing Tips
12:30 Conclusion and Best Wishes

Jacqueline Luckett on Adapting ’Passing Love’ for the Screen | Live from Essence Film Festival

In this special bonus episode of Sista Brunch, recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, host Fanshen Cox sits down with acclaimed novelist Jacqueline Luckett. Jacqueline discusses her inspirational journey from writing novels to adapting her book 'Passing Love' into a screenplay. She shares personal stories, her motivations behind 'Passing Love', and the challenges of transforming a novel into a screenplay. Jacqueline also talks about her hopes for the film's future and pays a heartfelt tribute to her late mother. Don't miss this captivating conversation!
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:30 Introducing Jacqueline Luckett and Her Screenplay
00:57 The Journey from Novel to Screenplay
01:20 Exploring Themes of Identity and Family
04:08 Challenges of Adapting a Novel to a Screenplay
05:35 Let's Talk Tech: Screenwriting Terms
06:37 Hopes and Dreams for Passing Love
07:26 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Sista Brunch Special: Celebrating Animation and HBCUs with Angela Davis & LaToya Turner

It’s another special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival! 🎬🌟 
Fanshen shares time with the inspirational creative duo Angela Davis and LaToya Turner to discuss their innovative animated project 'Brown Hands, Black Schools, HBCUs!' 📚✨ 
"With your brown hands you can pick up books. With your brown hands you can do so many different things." 
Sista Brunch dives into the inspiring stories of Black women thriving in entertainment and media. Trust us, you don't want to miss this one! 
👉🏾 Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 
📺 Or watch the video here: YouTube.com/trujulomedia 
Sista Brunch Team at Essence: Tasha Rogers: audio, Beau Williams: producer & camera, Kamesha Rodriguez: branding and talent coordinator, Brenda James: host, Fanshen Cox: host 
Special thanks to these Black owned companies who donated to our SWAG bags: @waitandseabeauty @nairobijewelrystudio @cprwrap @coolassblackwoman @shoplovecharisma @inner_beaudee and especially to @corpulence_consultingfirm for connecting us with the brands. 
#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:21 Introducing Brown Hands: The Animated Project
00:50 The Inspiration Behind Brown Hands
01:27 From Teaching to Filmmaking
01:44 The Power of HBCUs
02:00 Angela's Journey into Filmmaking
03:17 Animation and Live Action: A Unique Blend
05:05 Challenges and Triumphs of Working with Young Actors
06:08 Financing the Animation Project
08:03 Technical Insights: Tools and Techniques
08:53 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Sista Brunch at Essence: Tamika Lamison & The Power of ’Superman Doesn’t Steal’

Join us for another special Sista Brunch episode live from the Essence Film Festival! Our host connects with the talented Tamika Lamison to discuss her poignant film 'Superman Doesn't Steal,' a deeply personal story set during the Atlanta child murders. 
Get insights into her creative journey, the Commercial Directors Diversity Program, the heartfelt Make a Film Foundation, and her inspiring new venture, Makta Entertainment. 
'You definitely need to raise between 25 and 50,' Lamison shares about film budgeting, emphasizing Black excellence and quality production values. 
Listen to the full episode on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the entire episode now on YouTube! 
#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:08 Black Girls Film Camp Reunion
00:45 Superman Doesn't Steal: A Personal Story
01:35 Tamika Lamison's Career Highlights
03:24 Financing Independent Films
06:13 Filmmaking Terminology: The Push In
07:48 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Behind the Scenes of ’The Devil Ain’t Pius’ at Essence Festival | Sista Brunch Podcast

In this special episode of the Sista Brunch Podcast, host Bree is joined by Keena Ferguson Fraser, Delece James, Karen Southall, and Miatta Vincent Ronca—key members of the production team for 'The Devil Ain't Pius.'
They discuss the inspiration behind the film, the challenges they faced with financing, and their excitement about premiering at the Essence Film Festival.
Each guest also shares valuable insights on their core values and what advice they would give to their younger selves. The episode offers an inspiring look at the collaborative and resilient spirit of Black women in filmmaking.
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch Podcast
00:10 Meet the Team Behind 'The Devil Ain't Pius'
00:47 The Story Behind 'The Devil Ain't Pius'
02:02 Essence Film Festival Experience
03:30 Financing the Film
06:07 Core Values and Words of Wisdom
10:26 Brunch with Your Younger Self
14:33 Closing Remarks and Future Plans