GM FYI Blog

By Ryndee Carney
Manager, Advertising and Marketing Communications

Back in August, we posted about the second annual Women in Film (WIF)/GM “Acceleration Grant for Emerging Filmmakers,” which is designed to support talented filmmakers from under-represented communities. GM’s participation in this alliance is an extension of the company’s commitment to women’s initiatives and to arts and cultural institutions. Applicants for the grants entered film submissions, which were judged by film industry representatives to determine the ultimate recipients.

GM is happy to announce that seven women filmmakers were selected as winners. They were hosted by the WIF/GM Alliance from Nov. 1-6, in Santa Monica, Calif. Awardees attended individual and group meetings with film industry to discuss national and international aspects of finance, marketing, distribution and legal issues. Additionally, they met as a group with a panel of studio executives and distributors in film and television to discuss the trends and criteria shaping the industry.

The 2006 winners are Narumol Sriyanond Bartone, Los Angeles, Calif.; Margaret Brown, Austin, Texas; Shelley Niro, Brantford, Ontario, Canada; Pamela K. Johnson, Long Beach, Calif.; Sandra Pfeifer, Simpson, Ill.; Marie Francoise Theodore, North Hollywood, Calif.; and Sue Vicory, Stilwell, Kan.

Over the next few weeks, some of the winners will be talking about their experiences as filmmakers, and what the
Acceleration Grant means to them, here on FYI. They will also be sharing some clips of the videos they entered into the contest, such as this entry from Sue Vicory below.

Take a look at these links to read more about Women in Film and about the WIF/GM alliance.

Sue Vicory, Heartland Films, Inc.

I am a filmmaker residing in Kansas City and a member of the Kansas City chapter of Women in Film. As executive producer of the film “Homelessness and the Power of One,” (which is attached), I have worked tirelessly to bring the mission of this film to the masses with the intent of educating and raising awareness about our nation’s homeless. Upon hearing that I had won the 2006 WIF/GM emerging filmmaker award, I knew that the contacts and resources were about to change the direction of my path. Spending time in Los Angeles immersed in the business of the film industry was clearly a dream come true.

Judith James was our mentor. Her depth of film industry experience and her regard for mentoring women was a gift beyond belief. We were flown in, housed in a fabulous gated apartment complex in Marino del Ray, and chauffeured to all meetings by Judith’s assistant Erin Condron.

The first weekend we attended the WIF entertainment Forum at LeMeridien Hotel in Beverly Hills. We attended panels during the day and an awards ceremony in the evening. We were introduced as a group of emerging filmmakers at the awards ceremony by Judith. She also arranged lunches with some of her peers so that we could have private meetings and visit one-on-one. Her generosity was extraordinary.

The second half of our visit was connected to the American Film Market. Between getting acquainted with the film market we had coffee, lunch and dinner with a Who’s Who of Hollywood, and we had complete access to their knowledge and expertise. We screened films, toured the suites at the AFM, networked and bonded with Hollywood and the film industry. It was a very surreal experience.

Earning this award has given clout to my work. The recognition has elevated the profile of the ‘Power of One’ project. The knowledge that I accumulated will take me to a higher level of professionalism. It will forever be a highlight in my career as a filmmaker. I am grateful for this honor and hope that I can pay it forward within my community of filmmakers.

Watch Homelessness and the Power of One