Sista Brunch

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the film industry, an aspiring filmmaker, or a media enthusiast, Sista Brunch offers a rare glimpse into the professional lives of those who shape contemporary entertainment. It's an essential resource for understanding the role of an inclusive lens in crafting stories that resonate across audiences. Tune into Sista Brunch to hear the powerful voices of those leading the way in Hollywood and beyond. Learn from their experiences, get inspired by their stories, and gain insights into making your mark in the entertainment world.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify

Episodes

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024

🎉✨ Bonus Episode Alert! ✨🎉 We're thrilled to bring you a special bonus episode of the Sista Brunch podcast recorded live at the Essence Film Festival! 🌟 Our amazing host sits down with the talented Indeya Dynice to discuss her groundbreaking project, 'Dating Positive,' which is being screened at this year's festival! 
🎥 Sista Brunch dives into the inspiring stories of Black women and gender expansive people 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: Brenda James: host, Fanshen Cox: host Special thanks to our amazing community for their support! 
#SistaBrunchPodcast #EssenceFilmFestival #BlackExcellence #Entertainment #Media #Podcast #BonusEpisode #ListenNow #WatchNow
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
00:43 Guest Introduction: Meet Indeya Denise
01:16 The Journey to Essence Festival
02:06 About the TV Series: Dating Positive
03:26 Funding the Project: Challenges and Triumphs
05:13 Core Values and Inspirations
07:01 Signature Question: Advice to Younger Self
08:17 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024

In this special episode of Sista Brunch, recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, hosts sit down with Elayne Fluker and Syretta Bell, the creators of 'Fiddy.' 
This dramedy series highlights the experiences of five successful Black and Brown women turning 50, aiming to change the narrative around aging and vibrant living. They discuss their journey in writing the pilot, the challenges and learnings in screenwriting, and their aspirations to sell their series to major platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and Max. The episode also delves into the technical aspects of writing and their personal motivations behind the project.
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:27 Meet the Creators of 'Fiddy'
00:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Fiddy'
01:39 Journey to Screenwriting
02:39 Empowering Women Over 50
03:16 Next Steps for 'Fiddy'
04:50 Technical Insights: Let's Talk Tech
06:36 Syretta Bell's Industry Experience
07:46 Celebrating Black Women and Their Stories
08:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024

In this episode of the Sista Brunch Podcast, Nathaniel 'Chuck' Brown, an actor and director, delves into his personal journey of creating the documentary 'Remember Me: Dementia in the African American Community.' Inspired by the struggles faced within his own family, Brown reveals the challenges of funding and the emotional hurdles throughout the production. He also shares insights from interviewing notable figures like Lou Gossett Jr. and reflects on the importance of authenticity and purpose in his work.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:05 Meet C. Nathaniel Brown
00:30 Discussing the Film: Remember Me
04:03 Challenges and Emotional Journey
05:31 Core Values and Principles
06:52 Closing Remarks and Gifts

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024

🎉✨ Bonus Episode Alert!
✨🎉 Dive into this special episode of the Sista Brunch podcast, recorded live at the Essence Film Festival, where we spotlight the Black Girls Film Camp. Host Fanshen Cox celebrates the camp's success with recent graduates Kyla, Alexandra, and Daria. Alumni coach Precious Foreman shares her experiences and the significance of teamwork and support.
The graduates discuss their impactful films addressing themes like self-acceptance, racial dynamics, and period poverty. Hear their inspiring journeys and technical insights, and stay tuned for our new 'Let's Talk Tech' segment.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple, and watch the video on YouTube. 
'Y'all are using words like intersectionality, and I'm like, yes!'
00:00 Introduction to Black Girls Film Camp at Essence Festival
00:48 Meet the Alumni Coach: Precious Foreman
02:45 Daria's Film: As You Are
04:18 Alexandra's Film: The Gift and the Curse
06:07 Kyla's Film: The Pad Hustle
07:25 Let's Talk Tech: Filmmaking Tips
09:53 Sista Brunch Signature Question
12:43 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Tuesday Aug 06, 2024

Join us on Sista Brunch live from the Essence Film Festival as we interview Aliza Pearl and Samantha Nelson, the creative minds behind the pilot 'My Intelligence.' Discover the inspiration behind the show, which features a Black woman navigating a tech field with an AI twist. Learn about their writing process, challenges, and future aspirations for the series. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:24 Meet the Writers: Aliza Pearl and Samantha Nelson
00:42 Creating the Pilot: Inspiration and Process
01:50 The Importance of Representation in Sci-Fi
03:08 Writing Techniques: Show, Don't Tell
04:36 Pitching and Collaboration
07:20 Future Plans and Aspirations
08:06 Closing Remarks and Best Wishes

Monday Aug 05, 2024

Exploring 'The Perfect Hundred': Filmmakers Ali Matlock, Tra'Lynn Husbands & Athena Alexis Discuss Horror, Tech & Creativity
Welcome back to Sista Brunch at the Essence Film Festival celebrating its 30th anniversary! In this episode, host Ali interviews filmmakers behind the horror thriller 'The Perfect Hundred.' Director Ali Matlock, lead actress Tra'Lynn Husbands, and actress Athena Alexis share insights on the film's plot, casting process, and the challenges of filmmaking, including self-funding and technical aspects like editing and CSS for webpage design. Tune in for fascinating discussions about Black and gender expansive voices in cinema.
00:00 Welcome to Sista Brunch at Essence Film Festival
00:27 Introducing 'The Perfect Hundred'
01:26 Behind the Scenes: Casting and Auditions
02:46 Making Horror Films: Challenges and Insights
03:45 Financing Independent Films
06:14 Let's Talk Tech: Editing and Post-Production
10:11 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Monday Aug 05, 2024

Join host Fanshen Cox in a special episode of Sista Brunch recorded live from the Essence Film Festival. Fanshen interviews Adetoro Makinde, a writer, director, and producer, about her screenplay 'The American Can,' which tells the compelling story of a recon marine veteran's heroic actions during Hurricane Katrina. 
The discussion explores the challenges of filmmaking, securing financial backing, creative control, and important industry terms like Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. 
Adetoro shares her experiences navigating both Hollywood and independent film routes to bring this significant narrative to life.
00:00 Welcome to the Essence Film Festival
00:16 Meet Adetoro Makinde
00:43 The American Can: A Hurricane Katrina Biopic
02:48 Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking
03:14 Financing Independent Films
05:40 The Importance of E&O Insurance
07:16 Wrapping Up with Adetoro Makinde

Thursday Jul 04, 2024

In this empowering episode of Sista Brunch, host Fanshen Cox and guest co-host Precious Foreman shine a spotlight on diversity and innovation in the entertainment industry. Join us at USC, where Black Girls Film Camp alum Precious shares insights from her film "Call Me Cleo," exploring generational tensions and lessons in black womanhood. Our featured guest, Zoe Marshall, a Dallas native and USC alum, dives deep into her illustrious career, from her breakout short film "Passing" to major projects with HBO, Netflix, and more. Zoe, a champion of diversity and a board member of the Writers Guild of America West, discusses the importance of representation in leadership and offers invaluable advice to aspiring black screenwriters. Tune in to this episode for a candid discussion on overcoming industry barriers and the vital role of mentorship in fostering the next generation of black female storytellers.
See the full episode: YouTube.com/@trujulomedia
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple
Special thanks:
Interview Host: @fanshencox    Black Girls Film Camp Alumni Co-host: @its_preciousroseGuest: @zmar0129
Alumni Co-hosts from @blackgirlsfilmcamp Editor: @ekulnesta
DP & Colorist: @kholih
Audio recordists: @msgoodygudi @winstorm68

Thursday Jul 04, 2024

In this transformative episode of Sista Brunch, join us at USC for a heartening discussion with Black Girls Film Camp alumni Lanaa Dantzler and the inspiring Tamika Lamison, a vanguard in promoting diversity and social impact in film. 
Lanaa introduces her compelling short film, "Five Angry Black Girls," exploring themes of rebellion and freedom. 
Dive deep with Tamika Lamison, an award-winning director and executive director of the Commercial Directors Diversity Program, as she shares her strategic insights on elevating underrepresented directors and the essential roles diversity plays across the media landscape. 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of filmmaking and the powerful narratives shaped by and for black women.
See the full episode: YouTube.com/@trujulomedia
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple
Special thanks:
Interview Host: @fanshencox    Black Girls Film Camp Alumni Co-host: @lanaa2asGuest:@baobabt
Alumni Co-hosts from @blackgirlsfilmcamp Editor: @ekulnesta
DP & Colorist: @kholih
Audio recordists: @msgoodygudi @winstorm68

Thursday Jul 04, 2024

Dive into an insightful episode of Sista Brunch as we partner once again with Black Girls Film Camp to bring you a conversation with the dynamic Salena Rochester. A Peabody award-winning producer, Salena shares her extensive experience in television, producing everything from "The Real Housewives" to groundbreaking documentaries like "The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks." 
Joined by co-host Avery Kelley, an alum of Black Girls Film Camp, Salena discusses the intricacies of working in both scripted and unscripted TV, reveals the secrets behind successful casting, and offers invaluable advice for young Black women aspiring to make their mark in the industry. Tune in to hear how Salena is transitioning from executive to creator, aiming to shape the future of TV with her unique projects.
See the full episode: YouTube.com/@trujulomedia
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple
Special thanks:
Interview Host: @fanshencox    Black Girls Film Camp Alumni Co-host: @askaverykGuest:@salenaroc
Alumni Co-hosts from @blackgirlsfilmcamp Editor: @ekulnesta
DP & Colorist: @kholih
Audio recordists: @msgoodygudi @winstorm68

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