Hello  ✨ 

Welcome to The Light Leaks Highlights: your biweekly dose of all things TLL. From industry news to upcoming events to skill-building opportunities, we've got you covered! And the best part? As a devoted subscriber, you get exclusive access to all these announcements

FIRST

. 

The wait is over! Get ready to meet the beautiful humans who’ve come on board to help grow TLL. First up we have Wandy and Justina, aka the lovely ladies behind the very words you’re reading right now (hehe) ✨

Wandy is an award-winning journalist focused on diversity, Latinx identity, mental health and social justice. Her work can be seen in Bust Magazine, Huffington Post, Latino Rebels and other outlets. Wandy on why she believes in media representation: “We have so much to learn from one another, and I think that the best ways we can learn that are by living, and letting media become a sounding board for others."

Justina is a recent graduate from NYU where she majored in Media, Culture, and Communication and minored in the Business of Entertainment, Media and Technology. When she's not working in the digital marketing space, Justina enjoys creating mood-based playlists, traveling, and event planning! Justina on how she sees change in Hollywood spreading change in society: “Empathy, I believe, is a powerful answer to the various forms of violence and ignorance that plague our world. Hollywood has the potential to harness that power-- and it all starts with diversity and inclusion."

Guess what! We’re teaming up with our friends at Seed & Spark, on a virtual (and realistic) goal setting event on January 6. This Seed & Spark x TLL workshop is aimed at creating goals for prioritizing YOUR creative success. PLUS you’ll have the option to download a workbook that’ll help you keep on track in 2021. RSVP today!

• Have you heard? Our “What We’re Watching” column is back and better than ever! Round out this tumultuous year with this month’s feel-good watchlist, designed to help bring a little hope into your 2021!

• Going stir crazy indoors? Same here! Indulge in your wanderlust with our interview with Iz Harris, travel filmmaker (and badass mom)!

• Looking to grow your brand in the new year? 👀Look no further than the internet! Find out how you can make online branding feel organic.

Are you a student filmmaker looking to get more eyes on your project?

Submit to be considered for one of our Project Spotlights

!

Aimed at up-and-coming filmmakers, this series introduces and amplifies new voices in film by getting your short posted on

our YouTube channel

, an IG takeover on our account, and a Q&A on our website. Share this opportunity with anyone you can think of!

• Sexism in the animation industry is rampant. Bitch dissects this issue head on in their latest, sharing the voices of notable female animators left behind.

• ICYMI: Disney announced, like, a million (ok, 52) additions to their roster of content from new Marvel to Star Wars, coming to Disney Plus!

• The amount of nonbinary characters on TV is increasing. But according to the nonbinary community, the complexity of their identity and experience still get watered down by cis-hetero writers who create characters digestible to cis-hetero folks.

• Everyone deserves to see themselves on screen, no matter how cheesy the content! Get in the holiday spirit with Hulu, Hallmark, Netflix and the other services that are bringing LGBTQ+ rep to their new roster of releases.

• Read up on NYT’s history of Hollywood’s stunt women! Packing a punch or jumping off buildings isn’t just for the boys.

• Marginalized storytellers have the opportunity to embark on a 10-month mentorship program filled with personalized workshops, professional development and networking opportunities, and more. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, actor, or creative executive, the Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab wants to hear from you! Apply by: January 10, 11:59 pm PST

• 🗣Calling all New England BIPOC artists🗣Assetsforartists.org’s grant program focuses on serving artists of color across Massachusetts. You could receive a $1,000 grant, training and even one-on-one coaching to reach your long-term creative goals. Deadline to apply is 11:59 PM EST, January 17, 2021.

• Looking to be a driving force behind diversifying the who’s who of television's top decision makers? SeriesFest’s Executive Elevation Mentorship program is looking to prep showrunners, directors, writers and executives of the future! You can apply for the program until January 21, 2021.

• Thinking about becoming a Production Assistant? Women Make Moves has helped 136 films reach completion, and can help you out too through their PA program!

• Did you know we have an ongoing list of opportunities for creators? From film festivals to labs, funding opportunities and more, it’s all in one place for you. You can share it with your creator friends!

• Here at TLL, we value our community's needs and creative ideas. That's why we created The Light Leaks Feedback Form. Is there something you want to see more or less of from us? Submit your thoughts and let us know!

• Like what you see? Be sure to follow us on social for more highlights, more empowerment, and more education. Here's to spreading light ✨

Like what you see? Be sure to follow us on social media for more highlights, more empowerment, and more education. Here's to spreading light ✨