The bi-monthly ‘Women In Film’ event returned once again to bring some serious heat to a cold November night. This time Sticker Studios partnered up with the wonderfully talented team over at Magic Edit and the global juggernaut Wave Studios. It was another night to shine a light on some of the best female talent working within the commercial industry. The speakers at this event included power-house editor Vanessa Wood, the stellar filmmaker Amy-Becker Burnett, the spellbindingly brilliant cinematographer Kia Fern Little and the charmingly brilliant best friend and creative duo - Chelsea Thorley & Hannah Fortune.
What makes the ‘Women In Film’ event feel so special is how personal and honest it feels with each speaker bringing something unique to the table, providing refreshing insight into the industry and a more intimate look at their creative body of work and how it was achieved. We get a snapshot into the lives of the people behind the work creating a better understanding of the artist behind the art. Naturally, the night is to provide a platform for female artists to come together and celebrate their achievements.
Vanessa Wood was the first speaker of the night, originally from Sheffield she moved to London enticed by the bright lights of the Big Smoke, with a determination to cut it in the creative industry, she spoke of her decision to hop on a long coach journey for a job she saw advertised.
Over the years Vanessa has worked on a variety of projects ranging from short films, commercials and even voice-acting, but no matter the project she brings the same level of professionalism and passion to everything she touches. An example of her top-tier work would be the ‘Bloom and Wild’ film, which encapsulates a sense of emotion with the simplest of images yet comes together to paint a very complex and beautiful story about flowers and their relationship with us.
Here’s what Vanessa had to say about attending the event - “ I found it inspiring to be on the panel with such a talented group of women who were all so open and honest about their work and experiences. It was so refreshing to be able to talk openly and listen to their experiences, which really struck a chord with me.
Being there with Lucy Spong, representing a female-led, brand-new edit company, was such a great opportunity for us to meet other people in the industry and talk about Magic Edit. We’re a sister company to Wave Studios and set up in the summer, offering editing services with suites in Soho and Amsterdam, but also fully mobile and able to edit on location, at agency and production company offices, depending on the needs and budgets of our clients.”
Amy-Becker Burnett was the next speaker at the event, a director whose filmography is a rich tapestry brimming with cinematic flair and grounded storytelling. Her work often champions female talent and can offer unique female perspectives like her breathtaking work on Asics ' "She Breathes" which captures the everyday trials and tribulations that women go through on a daily basis, while sharing the important message of learning to breathe.
Amy also showcased her fantastic Jo Malone ‘Story of a Womxn’ which is another prime example of Amy’s work on portraying women more honestly and uniquely, depicting diversity on all fronts while creating a beautifully crafted film that wouldn’t look out of place at Louvre Museum.
Here’s what Amy had to say about her journey - “I didn't ever envisage myself as a director as it wasn't a role I ever saw other women in. When I was on set, the director was always an older male and someone that seemed quite detached from the rest of the crew, with a real sense of hierarchy. It wasn't a job I ever connected to as it seemed like something totally out of reach. It feels a lot different now which is amazing and the more we celebrate women in this role and more opportunities that are created the more doors that are opened for future female directors.
Never be afraid to ask questions. For so long I felt too embarrassed to ask questions or had a real imposter syndrome on set being surrounded by older and more experienced men. I think I thought it showed a sign of weakness. But that vulnerability I actually believe is a strength. The more you ask the more you know, and the more informed your decisions are. Now I don't care what people think if I ask a question I 'should' know. I think as long as you are clear with your ideas and stay strong to your vision, that's the most important thing.”
London based DOP Kia Fern Little spoke to the audience about working on one her most recent projects with singer-songwriter Hope Tala for the devilishly good music video ‘Cherries’ which yet again is another piece of filmmaking that wouldn’t look out of place hanging in an art gallery.
The last speakers of the night were the incredibly charming creative duo Chelsea Thorley & Hannah Fortune, who met at university and found they shared the same weird sense of humour as each other and well the rest as they say is history. The pair have put out some amusing bangers over recent years including the recent Heinz ‘Too Good to Leave Behind’ which is currently doing the rounds. It’s a simple concept: a man packs his suitcase full of Heinz baked beans to enjoy his holiday, but tragedy strikes when his suitcase doesn’t arrive at the airport. The man spends the rest of his holiday in tears…I’m getting emotional just thinking about it.
The girls are brilliant at thinking of quick simple ideas that make for great laughs, like the absurd and surreal AFK arena starring everyone's favourite Hobbit Elijah Wood and a big green orc… on paper, it’s a simple office romance about commitment, but the relationship is between a man and a big CGI orc which makes for some amazing visual humour in an otherwise mundane setting.
The last ‘Women In Film’ event of 2023 closes on a huge high note with another outstanding selection of talent and work but stay tuned because the event will return in the New Year, with Sticker Studios providing more entertainment.