Upcoming WiCM EVENTS:
The Sound & The Furry, A Sound Design Workshop
Tuesday, August 31, 7:00pm- Little Airplane
207 Front Street, New York, NY
Member's Only Event
WiCM invites you to spend an evening with Jeffrey Lesser, Music Director at Little Airplane and three-time Emmy Award Winner for his work on "The Wonder Pets," to learn about Sound Design and Music.
We'll discuss a unique creative process where music plays a huge role in all of their productions. Find out about the various composers, actors, effects artists, engineers, and designers who work on each show. In the world of children's media, audio is vitally important because children have sound before sight. Consider how sound design informs the audience about how to feel, when to react, and decide for yourself!
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Jeffrey Lesser serves as Music Director for Little Airplane. He has received the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for "The Wonder Pets!" He continues to work on "The Wonder Pets!" as well as on the LAP / BBC / Disney series: "3rd & Bird!" and many new shows including: "Small Potatoes," "Olive Branch", "Tobi" and "Suzy Takes The Stage". Lesser has an extensive history as a record producer and recording engineer which has been enhanced by his many Gold and Platinum certifications and Grammy Awards. His credits include: Barbra Streisand, Lou Reed, The Chieftains, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Sinead O'Conner, Vince Gill, Sting, Diana Krall, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, The Lord of the Rings (Academy Award winner Best Score,) Parade (Tony Award winner Best Score) and many others. In addition to "The Wonder Pets!" his work for Little Airplane can also be heard on "Oobi!" "Piper O'Possum" and "Go, Baby!" on Playhouse Disney.
Due to overwhelming response, we are only accepting RSVPs for the waitlist. To be added to the waitlist please email events@womeninchildrensmedia.org. You will be notified if space becomes available.
Keep an eye on your inbox for a full fall schedule of events!
September's events will bring:
Talking Tech with the Founder of Fablevision, Gary Goldberger
Another exciting installment of our writers group with Dan Elish
A Panel about Diversity issues in Children's Media
And a Beauty and the Beast Sing-A-Long!
RECENT EVENTS:
Go to: 2007 • 2006 • 2004-2005
¡Vámonos! ¡Al rescate! Catch that Robot Butterfly!
August 20, 2010 at the Bronx Zoo
WiCM members and kids gathered for a special screening of the brand-new 4D adventure starring Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer and Diego! We learned how 3D and interactive technology has been adapted to appeal to the preschool audience and enjoyed a day at the zoo with our families. The story...Swiper has invented a Robot Butterfly, but when he loses control of his creation, the Robot Butterfly begins swiping the homes of the animals in the rain forest. It's up to Dora, Diego, Boots and YOU to catch that Robot Butterfly. We went on an 8 minute high-speed, eye-popping chase from the warm rain forest to the icy Arctic to catch that Robot Butterfly! (WiCM members can click here for a recap of a full behind the scenes Q&A of the event)
Waking Sleeping Beauty - Screening & A Conversation with the Director
August 3, 2010 at NYU
WiCM gathered for a special screening of the new documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty, followed by a Skype conversation with the director, Don Hahn, and moderator John Canemaker. Don Hahn is one of the most successful filmmakers working in Hollywood today. He produced the Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast," the first animated film to receive a Best Picture Oscar® nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, and to win a Golden Globe® for Best Picture. John Canemaker is an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning animation director. He is professor and executive director of the animation program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts Kanbar Film Department, and author of ten books on animation history. Waking Sleeping Beauty is no fairy tale. It's the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits-"The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Lion King" and more - over a 10-year period.
Culture of Kids: GAMES!
July 28, 2010 at Professor Thom's - The Loft
Remember zit stickers? The Molasses Swamp? The dreaded funny bone?
WiCM members and friends recalled their favorite childhood board games at Women in Children's Media Game Night!
We explored the culture of board games and group play, while enjoying a few drinks, retro treats and some summer networking!
Make 'Em Laugh! Writer's Group #11
July 20, 2010 at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU
Emmy Award winner Billy Aronson delighted us at this month's WiCM Writer's Workshop with an exploration of how to write FUNNY for kids television! Lucky participants learned how to use humor to entertain and educate kids in tv shows, musicals and non-fiction books.
Sunset Cruise on New York's Water Taxi
July 15, 2010 at Pier 17, South Street Seaport
WiCM members kicked off the summer on a sunset cruise along the Manhattan Skyline. We saw the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and learned some fun facts about how NYC has played a major role in children's media.
The Youngest Viewers: INFANTS AND TELEVISION
June 22, 2010 at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
How do you go about creating television for infants? What does the latest research tell us? How do content creators balance the research with the practicality of what parents want and need? We looked at these questions and much more with Stephen Gass (Eebee's Adventures), Deborah Linebarger (Annenberg School, University of Pennsylvania), Sarah Roseberry (Temple University's Infant Lab) and Chrissy Ferraro (Writer for Sesame Beginnings and Sesame Street) as we discussed the controversial world of infant television.
How to Break into Children's Television: Writer's Group #10
June 22, 2010 at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU
Daytime Emmy winner Carin Greenberg joined us to discuss how to break into the wonderful world of children's television from soup to nuts! Carin gave as an overview of the entire process including: writing a sample script, networking, pitching, selling an original series, and promoting yourself. She is currently developing animated television series with production companies in the U.S. and internationally, as well as working with Sesame Workshop on several projects.
Culture of Kids: HIDDEN PARKS
June 15, 2010 at Central Park
Ever wonder if Fairies live in Central Park? Are Trolls hiding underneath the Bow Bridge waiting to collect a toll? Are Tree Genies a protected species in the Central Park Zoo? "Hidden Parks" creator James Kane guided us on a walking tour using the iPhone App and shared details of the creative decisions and technical challenges that occur during iPhone App development. We talked about geocaching technology and using the iPhone’s GPS to turn the "Hidden Parks" storytelling into a reality and how "Hidden Parks" expanded to locations in over 10 countries. The game immerses kids in a magical world in their local park. The children are challenged by the Magical Wildlife Protection Agency to find dragons, rock monsters, fairies and trolls. To track them down they must solve riddles, beat characters in games and follow a magical map. The creatures appear in the photos, sometimes right next to the children, creating an amazing photo album of their experience.
Talk & Tea with Advisory Board Member Jodi Nussbaum
May 19, 2010 at T Salon
Jodi Nussbaum joined members at Chelsea Market's T Salon as she talked about her "View From the Trenches." As a leading media executive at Sesame Workshop, MTV Networks and in her current role as a Media Consultant, Jodi has led cross platform teams in the creation of kids television properties, movies, commercials, home videos, international co-productions and documentaries. Members talked with Jodi about how to navigate their careers in this new and exciting time.
Sandbox Summit
May 18 & 19, 2010 at MIT, Cambridge, MA
First there were blocks. Then there was LEGO. Now there are apps. Kids today move seamlessly through multiple dimensions in their pursuit of fun. WiCM members received a special discount to attend this event that explored what the innovators in children's media, books, toys, virtual worlds, and education predict are the new playrooms for 21st century literacy.
Know Your Audience: How Research Informs Writing, WRITER'S WORKSHOP #9
May 11, 2010 at NYU
Angela Santomero, Creator, Head Writer, Executive Producer, and self-proclaimed 'research geek' spoke to us about how to balance character, story, narrative, and creativity...with all of the research that's out there about the way preschoolers learn! Angela discussed how to use what you know about child development to get the best out of your audience (and have fun too!) Angela is a founding partner of Out of the Blue Enterprises LLC, and the creator, executive producer and head writer of the PBS literacy series - Super Why!
ImaginOcean Preformance and Talkback with John Tartaglia
April 21, 2010 at New World Stages
WiCM members and guests attended IMAGINOCEAN!, the latest brain child of John Tartaglia, creator, executive producer and star of Johnny and the Sprites (now airing worldwide). Earning a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Avenue Q, for which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod, Tartaglia was most recently seen on Broadway appearing as Pinocchio in the smash Broadway hit Shrek The Musical and previously starred as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. After watching the performance of this one-of-a-kind interactive show, we were treated to an exclusive after-show chat with John and learned about his career as a producer, creator and children's entertainer.
Pitch Bible Studies Class: How to Develop and Sell an Animated TV Series
Writer's Workshop #8
April 20, 2010 at Tisch School of The Arts
We explored the creative process and where ideas come from, we wrote concise treatments, and put a little humor into the scripts. We even thought about how our writing can transfer to the digital world. This month, Lisa Goldman, an innovative writer and show creator in family and children’s programming, explored with us how to develop a pitch bible for an animated series…and what to do once you're ready to pitch!
The Culture of Kids: Designing Video Games for Kids
April 8, 2010 at Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon's Senior Director of Preschool Games, Jordana Drell, joined WiCM to share her insights about designing video games for young children. Jordana and her colleagues at Nickelodeon released the first Nintendo Wii game specifically designed for preschoolers. We heard stories of the playtesting she and her colleagues performed to understand how toddlers interacted with the platform, she demonstrated the resulting games, and we got to play with the games ourselves!
The Baby-Sitters Club is BACK!
April 1, 2010 at Scholastic Greenhouse
David Levithan (author, editor and BSC fan in his own right) led an intimate conversation with Ann M. Martin exploring what happened to our favorite baby-sitters before they came together, and what's been happening with Ann since they did! We explored the original book series, the re-launch, and what it's like to write for tweens then...and now. We also had the opportunity to explore an onsite "living museum" of BSC memorabilia and received a signed copy of the brand new prequel by the author who was writing for tweens...before they were tweens!
TALKING TECH: Kids & Media Multi-tasking
March 24, 2010 at Sesame Workshop
Dr. Michael Levine and Dr. Lori Takeuchi of The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop joined WiCM members in a discussion about "media multitasking" and its impact on the way children think, learn, socialize, and understand the world. New Technology sometimes brings change that is so swift and so sweeping, that the impact and implications are hard to grasp. For today's children, communication technology has become more affordable, accessible, and available than ever before. Approximately one-third of children absorb some other medium while watching TV, listening to music, using the computer, or reading. (Roberts, Foehr, & Rideout, 2005) This was the first workshop in a new series designed to educate WiCM members and guests about current and emerging technologies, and to empower them to connect each platform with its creative and educational potential.
Writer's Workshop - Session #7
March 16, 2010 at NYU
J. Milligan took us into the uncharted territory of writing for the digital age! WiCM members got a chance to pick J's brain about the differences between linear and non-linear writing. J Milligan has been the Creative Director and Head Writer for the Digital Media group at Sesame Workshop for almost fifteen years. He has designed and developed games for every interactive platform kids can get their hands on - PC, web, console, handheld, mobile, ELA, and TV. Milligan has also written episodes of Bert and Ernie's Great Adventures and Abby's Flying Fairy School. He has published two books -The Wisdom of Big Bird, with Caroll Spinney, and a novel Jack Fish. Milligan is a member of the DGA and WGA, and recently won an Emmy for his work on sesamestreet.org.
The Culture of Kids: Meet the Publisher of 2010's Newbery Award Winner!
February 24, 2010 at Random House
WiCM members joined Wendy Lamb, Publisher of Wendy Lamb Books, a division of Random House, for a discussion group that explored the book When You Reach Me, the author behind it, and the publisher that believed in magic. THE CULTURE OF KIDS is a new series, providing members with a current snapshot of "The Culture of Kids." Consider it a book group for the 21st Century! What's the hottest show, game, book, or website that kids are talking about on the playground or at the mall? This series will bring a small group of members together to play, read, talk, learn and generally try out the latest "Big Thing" in the world of "little people's" media. From books to video games, from toys to websites, creativity in media is crossing traditional boundaries.
Writer's Workshop - Session #6
February 16, 2010 at NYU
Tish Rabe, author of more than 85 children’s books, led this month’s writer’s group. Tish’s work includes titles for Sesame Street, Disney, Blue's Clues, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Bear in the Big Blue House and Curious George. In 2009 she launched "The I Believe Bunny", a new series of children's books with Thomas Nelson, a leading provider of Bibles, products and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes. Tish has also written scripts for children's television series including Clifford, Clifford's Puppy Days, I Spy and The City Mouse and the Country Mouse Adventures. As both a songwriter and music producer she has created children's songs that have been broadcast on PBS Kids, Fox, Nickelodeon and HBO Family.
Writer's Workshop - Session #5
January 19, 2010 at NYU
Adam Peltzman, a seven-time Emmy-nominated writer, got everyone's creative juices flowing by discussing the creative process: coming up with fresh ideas, bringing a unique voice to your writing, and the approach to writing playful and lively scripts. Adam spent three seasons as head writer of Nickelodeon's Emmy-winning musical adventure series The Backyardigans, which he recently adapted as a stage show that toured nationally in 2008. He is one of the core live action writers for the recent revival of the musical comedy series The Electric Company and is also story-editing animation for the show's second season. Previously, he spent 3 seasons as the head writer of the groundbreaking educational series, Blue's Clues, and was also head writer on the first season of the Nick Jr. series, Bubble Guppies.
Kids 2.0 - A Sensory Workshop
January 13, 2010 at Chorion
Stacey Matthias, founder and co-CEO of Insight Kids and Insight Research Group, helped us get in touch with our inner kids. As a child development expert, she walked us through what's going on inside kids at age 4 vs. age 7 vs. age 11 and everything in between. What are children going through physically, cognitively, and emotionally? Stacey guided us through what it feels like to be a certain age, how children spend their time, and what makes them happy.
Panel: Ready To Learn? Turn On The TV!
January 11, 2010 at Teacher's College
Still questioning whether television can teach children? The producers and research staff of three Ready to Learn productions discussed the hardest-to-reach kids and the most important skill to learn: literacy. Moderated by David Kleeman, panelists discussed the continuing potential television has for teaching, and shared what is being done to bridge the ever-present literacy gap. They share their insights about the Ready to Learn initiative, the lessons learned along the way, and what can still be done to marry research and production to maximize learning. Panelists included: Linda Simensky, Shelley Pasnik, Beth Kirsch, Jennifer A. Kotler, Ph.D., Angela Santomero, and Dr. Alice Wilder.
Writer's Workshop - Session #4
December 15, 2009 at NYU
Little Einstein's Head Writer, Jeff Borkin (Blues Clues, Little Einsteins, Team UmiZoomi), lead Session #4 of WiCM's Writer's Workshop.
WiCM Holiday Party 2009
December 9, 2009 at vig 27
As a special gift, all those in attendance received a 20% discount on new memberships and renewals! Members and Non-Members came to celebrate 2009 with us and to meet other children's media professionals, catch up with old friends and coworkers, learn more about Women in Children's Media, and hear about all of the things we've learned this year.
Sesame Street Turns 40!
December 2, 2009 at Sesame Workshop
WiCM members celebrated Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary with an exclusive peek behind the pages of Sesame Street-A Celebration: 40 Years of Life on the Street. Writer Louise Gikow, editor Betsy Loredo, photo researcher Susie Tofte, and special guest and cast member Roscoe Orman (Gordon) joined together for an intimate talk about the process of making a 300+ page book, their experiences, and what they discovered along the way. Each attendee received their own copy of the book!
Field Trip to Puppet Kitchen
December 4, 2009 at Puppet Kitchen
Something fun was cooking up at Puppet Kitchen! Members met with Michael Schupbach, Eric Wright, and Emily DeCola, the multiple Award Winning Head Chefs at the Puppet Kitchen as they showed us around and demonstrated the secrets to making puppets come alive for children's television, movies and theater. The Puppet Kitchen provides a "one-stop shop" for those who need puppets and specialty props designed, built and operated for the stage and screen. www.puppetkitchen.com
WiCM Writer's Workshop - Session #3
November 17, 2009 at NYU
Emmy-nominated writer, producer Claire Curley discussed writing for Tweens and Teens. Claire Curley climbed the ranks on Nick Jr's preschool sensation, Blue's Clues, ultimately becoming series producer of its spin-off Blue's Room. In 2005, she joined Carmen Koger to form Prom Dress Productions, a company dedicated to creating unique, story-driven properties for kids and teens.
Gaming in the 21st Century
November 12, 2009 at NYU
Attendees explored Game Development with Game Design Expert Jesper Juul - from concept to production including game evolution from board games to today's multi-player, web based systems! They also took time in the Game Center's Open Library to test out the latest designs in game theory (and play a few old favorites for good measure!)
Show & Tell with Donna Friedman Meir
November 5, 2009 at Kemia Bar
Members joined Donna Friedman Meir for an evening of tidbits and tales from her expansive career molding the shape of children's entertainment. Former National Geographic Kids Entertainment (NHKE) President and founder, Friedman Meir is currently a freelance consultant and founder of Lemonade Creative Consulting, a company focused on building cross-media kids/family entertainment experiences and franchises.
WiCM Writer's Workshop - Session #2
October 20, 2009 at NYU
In this second of 6 sessions, Emmy award winning writer, story editor and playwrite, Jennifer Hamburg drew upon her experience to present her thoughts on writing humor for kids and creating memorable characters.
Paint-It-Yourself Pottery with Traci Paige Johnson
October 6, 2009 at Color Me Mine
From freelance animator to Co-Creator of Blue’s Clues to Co-Creator and Creative Director of PBS’s Super Why, Traci Paige Johnson has carved a distinctive niche in children's television and left an indelible mark. Traci helped bring out the artist in all of us with stories of how she began her career in this industry and entertained and educated pre-schoolers over the past 18 years.
An Evening with Linda Ellerbee
September 23, 2009 at Lucky Duck Productions
Critically-acclaimed Producer, Writer, and Host of "Nick News for Nickelodeon," Ellerbee, joined by her team at Lucky Duck, shared their insights and experiences with WiCM members.
Behind The (Children's) Music
September 17, 2009 at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center
Best-selling children’s music artist, Laurie Berkner, joined panelists Jeffrey Lesser, Musical Director for Little Airplane, and Liz Nealon, KidzBop General Manager, for “Behind the (Children’s) Music.” From theme songs to bouncy cues to full production numbers, music is an integral part of children's media. WiCM welcomed Members and Non-Members to this rare, inside discussion with the industry’s top talent. Moderated by Mindy Thomas, host of satellite radio’s Absolutely Mindy Show, panelists shared their insight and perspectives on their award-winning work.
WiCM Writer's Workshop
September 15, 2009 at NYU
WiCM kicked-off a new writers group With Melinda Richards of Little Airplane. This was the first of 6 sessions, featuring a different professional in children's media, offering guidance on a specific topic. Melinda covered the DOs and DON'Ts of writing preschool television, the use of music as integral to the script, and writing treatments. At the end of the session writers were given a "homework" assignment for the opportunity to practice their skills and have their work critiqued by the presenter.
CLICK, CLACK, MOO! - Adapting Children's Books for Stage
August 13, 2009 at Lucille Lortel Theatre
WiCM members watched a hilariously "moo-ving" new musical based on the Caldecott Award-winning book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, "Click, Clack, Moo!" and presented by TheatreworksUSA. After the performance, members had access to an exclusive “Behind the Scenes” session with playwright Billy Aronson(credits include “The Wonder Pets,” “Postcards from Buster”), lyricist Kevin Del Aguila (credits include Altar Boyz, Theatreworks’ If You Give a Pig a Pancake), and composer Brad Alexander (credits include Rodgers Award-winning composer of TheatreworksUSA’s Lilly’s Big Day and Just So Stories.)
CASTING: "Choose But Choose Wisely!"
August 12, 2009 at Nickelodeon
Casting – It’s one of the first stages of production. The Talent Agents are the gatekeepers to the “goods” that everyone wants, and the Casting Directors are the eyes and ears of the project’s creators. Attendees learned the insider secrets on what happens when these two forces come together to turn a director’s vision into reality with Talent Agents Barbara Coleman and Halle Madia of Innovative Artists Talent and Literary Agency along with Casting Director Carrie Haugh from Sesame Street.
A NIGHT OF PAMPERING
August 4, 2009 at Dashing Diva
WiCM members gathered for a little relaxation with manicures, cosmos, and fabulous company...a great members-only networking event!
Policy Panel: "The Next Generation of Ready to Learn"
July 15, 2009 at Tisch School of The Arts
How do the policies that are created in Washington affect those of us in Children's Media? WiCM hosted a panel discussion with those in the know, including Joe Caliguro, project manager for the Ready to Learn Program, US Dept of Ed; Ira Sockowitz, Council to the US Dept of Ed; Aura Dunn, Consultant, Government Affairs & Public Policy; and Alice Cahn, VP for Social Responsibility at Cartoon Network.
WiCM Trivia Night
June 29, 2009 at Croton Reservoir Tavern
Can you name all the characters on Yo Gabba Gabba? Do you remember who Susan and Gordon are? Fun, prizes, networking, and more treated guests of WiCM's Trivia Night hosted by Sesame Streeet's Alan Muraoka. And, back by popular demand, WiCM offered a special 20% membership discount for all in attenance.
Putting All the Pieces Together
June 15, 2009 at Tisch School of The Arts
Whether you are selling your own project or working with partners, WiCM members learned about acquiring the skills to create the strongest package possible in this installment of Jim Arnoff's Career Coaching series workshops.
Pockets of Potential: Mobile Devices & Children's Media
June 2, 2009 at Sesame Workshop Creative Lounge
What is the role of mobile devices in children’s lives? Now that cell phones play clips of popular shows and the iPhone has a Curious George-themed Dictionary, what is coming next? How can mobile devices be used to reach children domestically and abroad? WiCM presented Carly Shuler, a Joan Ganz Cooney Center fellow and author of their most recent research project, Pockets of Potential. Unveiled at the Kids@Play Summit, Pockets of Potential illustrates how mobile devices might be more broadly used for learning. Pockets of Potential also outlines mobile market trends and innovations, as well as key opportunities such as mobile’s ability to reach underserved populations and provide personalized learning experiences.
Field Trip to the Blue School
May 27, 2009 at the Blue School
The Blue Man Group, famous for their eerie--and earless--blue faces, has been captivating audiences since the 1980s. The Group has become ubiquitous in media, popping up in Intel commercials and shows like Scrubs and Arrested Development. Now the original creators, stretching their creative tentacles, have opened a preschool on the Lower East Side where children are cultivating their curiosity and creativity! WiCM members spent an hour at the Blue School to see how this media sensation translates into education and learned about their mission and philosophy.
Thriving in a Challenging Economy: How to Evolve with the Times
May 18, 2009 at Tisch School of The Arts
Feeling the squeeze in this tough economy? Worried about job security? Ever considered changing careers even though it's out of your comfort zone? In this fifth workshop of the series, Career Coach Jim Arnoff helped WiCM members discover ways to create opportunities in today's economy without sacrificing (and in fact embracing) their dreams by creating an effective action plan and gaining the confidence to get there with passion and conviction.
The Business of Children's Media
May 7, 2009 at Chorion/ Silver Lining
Industry professionals turn to Hamp Hampton for advice, and during this evening's presentation, he shared some of his tricks of the trade with Women in Children's Media! Hamp has over 25 years of experience and an international reputation for success, specializing in creating, designing, and implementing unique sources of revenue through corporate strategic alliances. Hamp is the co-author of Licensing for Dummies and has published numerous articles in leading trade magazines. He has been tapped as a speaker at industry trade shows in over 10 countries. Among some of the questions he covered - How do co-production deals work? Are networks the only option for distribution? How can you get your content onto digital media platforms like wireless devices, Internet Portals, etc? How can you make a profit in Children's Media?
WiCM Goes to the Movies
April 19, 2009 at Symphony Space
Members gathered for a screening of the New York International Children's Film Festival's Shorts for Tots. The selections included the best short film and animation from around the world, for ages 3-6.
Maximizing Your Career Relationships: Overcoming Blocks to Collaborating With Powerful Results
April 13, 2009 at Tisch School of the Arts
Have you ever compromised your creative vision to keep the peace? Are there certain kinds of people that you have trouble working with, like the producer that reminds you of your mother? Would you like to develop more effective collaboration skills and get a lot more out of your team? In Part 4 of Jim Arnoff's Career Coaching Series members were guided through these questions and more.
WiCM field trip to PUPPET HEAP
April 7, 2009 at Puppet Heap
Paul Andrecjo and the Puppet Heap team showed us around their unique design studio over some wine and cheese. We also shared some of their experiences in creating iconic and memorable characters. Whether creating the next big character icon or simply looking to enjoy an original puppet show, Puppet Heap has been dedicated to the principles of innovation, craftsmanship, and play.
It Is Easy Being Green
March 26, 2009 at New York Institute of Technology
WiCM and the Center for Communications partnered to bring a panel of industry experts, from toys to books to online gaming, and explored the vast amount of programming available, both online and off, to help children understand the importance of ecology and how, by acquiring good habits, we can all help protect our endangered environment. The event, moderated by Donna Friedman Meir, Chief of Creative and Strategy, Kids Entertainment, National Geographic, included the following panelists:
Jean Margaret-Smith, Nickelodeon's Big Green Help
Amy Tucker, Founder, XEKO (Matter Group)
Liz Kronenberger, VP of Marketing and Cofounder, Elf Island
Sonali Fry, Editorial Director, Little Simon
Recession Special
March 23, 2009 at Croton Reservoir Tavern
Recently laid off? Facing the possiblity? Worried about it? Women in Children's Media members and friends gathered for a night of cheap drinks and food, discounted memberships, and plenty of support at this networking social.
Pitching Like A Pro: The Insider's View - Jim Arnoff Career Coaching Series Part 3
March 9, 2009 at Tisch School of the Arts
Everyone knows a great pitch starts with a great concept, so putting that aside, what do the executives like to see? What makes them wince and what piques their interest? What will bring your pitch home? That's what members found out at the 3rd installment of Arnoff's Career Coaching.
Cupcake Social
February 24, 2009 at Sweet Revenge
Members gathered for conversation, networking, and delicious cupcake and wine pairings at the new West Village bakery/ cafe Sweet Revenge.
Kidscreen Summit - WiCM Panel
February 11-13, 2009 at Hilton New York
WiCM co-produced a panel, "Breaking the Mold": Building New Gender Role Models, at Kidscreen Summit 2009 in NYC and members were offered a discount rate to attend the world's largest kids entertainment conference.
Jump Starting Your Entrepreneurial Spirit - Jim Arnoff Career Coaching Series Part 2
February 9, 2009 at Tisch School of the Arts
WiCM members and Television Packaging Agent/ Certified Career Coach Jim Arnoff joined in a highly interactive brainstorming workshop to unleash talents and skills in pursuit of passion projects, dream collaborations and maybe even the launch of a new enterprise.
How to Pitch a Children's Book - 2-part series
January 13 & 15, 2009 at Nickelodeon
Have a book manuscript but unclear on how to get it published? Wondering what editors want? Curious about what agents do for writers and editors? This 2-part workshop covered insider details from two industry experts - TED MALAWER, a children's book agent with Firebrand Literary, and ALVINA LING, a Senior Editor at Little, Brown books for Young Readers.
Networking with Conviction - Jim Arnoff Career Coaching Series Part 1
January 12, 2009 at Tisch School of the Arts
WiCM members and Television Packaging Agent/Certified Career Coach Jim Arnoff participated in a highly interactive Coaching for Members workshop on becoming a master of networking. Participants learned insider's secrets and coaching tools to break through networking barriers, gain the confidence to network with ease, create lasting connections and begin to network with powerful results.
Breaking into Kids' Media: How to Get to Sesame Street
November 18, 2008 at The Apollo
Cencom invited WiCM to this event which featured producers, performers, and education and research experts from Sesame Street.
Chat and Chocolate with Alice Cahn
October 22, 2008 at Kyotofu
Attendees got to have an intimate conversation with Alice Cahn, Cartoon Network's VP of Social Responsibility, about her incredible career spanning time with PBS, Sesame Workshop, the Markle Foundation, Cartoon Network, and more.
Tailored for Kids, Taylor for You
September 9, 2008 at The Ann Taylor Flagship Store
Attendees were treated to professional styling tips from Zoey Washington from Little Bird Style (personal styling and shopping for kids) and Robbie Amodeo from Nickelodeon Networks (professional television and fashion stylist) as well as a special shopping discount.
Summer BBQ
July 22, 2008 at The Delancey
Members and friends gathered to celebrate summer under the stars.
How to Pitch a TV Show
June 17 & 24, 2008 at Nickelodeon
This two part series featured Bob Mittenthal and Paula Rosenthal and offered insiders an intimate opportunity to learn what makes a successful pitch.
May Delight BINGO Night!
May 19, 2008 at The Professor's Loft, Professor Thom's
We came, we networked, we played BINGO! Hosted by Donovan Patton, a.k.a. Joe from Blues Clues, members and friends had a chance to relax, get to know each other, and have fun.
Creating Successful Teen Media Panel
April 22, 2008 at Scholastic
This panel was moderated by Amy Friedman (SVP, Development/Creative Director, The N) and featured Leslie Morgenstein (President, Alloy Entertainment),
Cindy Eagan (Editorial Director, Poppy Books),
Joanna Saltz (Executive Editor, Seventeen Magazine),
Herb Scannell (CEO, Next New Networks),
Radha Subramanyam (VP, Research and Planning, Nickelodeon Digital Television).
These industry powerhouses shared their expertise on securing and maintaining the attention of today's teens.
Annual Jim Arnoff Career Workshops
Part 1: March 26, 2008 at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The first part of this series, "Envisioning Your Dream Career," focused on helping women define their career, create an effective action plan and act with confidence.
Part 2: April 2, 2008 at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
The second part of the series, ""Transitioning in the Entertainment Industry" addressed the questions and concerns of mid-career women looking to alter their path.
Cookie Decorating Party
February 26, 2008 at Milk & Cookies Bakery, New York
WiCM hosted a "design your own dozen" members-only party that brought together various women in children's media.
Winter Mixer at The Soda Shop
January 29, 2008 at
The Soda Shop, New York
Women in Children's Media celebrated the new year by raising a chocolate shake and toasting the fun opportunities and exciting changes that are ahead of them in 2008.
Technology & Children's Media Panel
December 10, 2007 at the
Scholastic Building, New York
WiCM sponsored an informative panel discussion on how new technology is changing children's media. Scott Traylor, CEO and "Chief Kid" of 360 Kid led our panel of experts who included Christine Bielinski, Associate Creative Director for Cartoon Network New Media, Maggie McGuire, Director of Scholastic Media Interactive, Robin Raskin, Writer and Creator of The Sandbox Summit, and Wendy Smolen, Creative Consultant and Creator of The Sandbox Summit.
Download notes from the panel here.
Holiday Yoga Break for Members & Friends
December 8, 2007 at OM Yoga Union Square
WiCM members and friends enjoyed a FREE yoga class and a chance to network.
Chat and Cheese with...Marsha Williams
October 22, 2007 at Luca Lounge
A continuation in the exclusive Women in Children's Media 'Chat' event series featured Marsha Williams, former SVP Consumer Insights for Nickelodeon.
WiCM & Women in Animation Summer Happy Hour
August 21, 2007 at
Marion's Marquee Lounge
WiCM and WIA kicked back and chated with all of the brilliant women working in the children's media biz.
Membership Event at Dashing Divas Spa
July 18, 2007
We beat the heat by chilling and chatting with WiCM gals.
Children's Book Publishing
A Panel and Networking Event
May 31, 2007
Books of Wonder, 18 West 18th Street, NYC
Panel Participants:
Alvina Ling, Editor, Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Rebecca Sherman, Agent, Writer's House
Nancy Mercado, Senior Editor, Dial Books for Young Readers
Michele Beno, Agent, Curtis Brown
Moderator: Jennifer Hunt, Senior Editor, Little Brown Books for Young Readers
This panel gave attendees an opportunity to meet children's book editors and agents in an intimate setting as they discussed the do's and don'ts of getting a book published. The discussion covered how to get an agent, working with an editor, industry trends, and how to stay "in the know" about children's publishing. The panel was followed by a networking session.
Women in Animation Panel Discussion
Story Editors & Head Writers
May 23, 2007
Little Airplane Productions, 207 Front Street, NYC
Women in Animation invited Women in Children's Media to a Panel Discussion of Story Editors & Head Writers.
The illustrious panel consisted of:
Jeff Borkin from "Little Einsteins"
Kristin Martin from "Nate the Great"
Adam Peltzman from "Backyardigans"
Melinda Richards from "Wonder Pets"
Each panelist shared personal stories about their experiences in the industry including how they got started, what the role of a Story Editor is, and how the script process works for them. The panel was followed by a Q&A with the audience.
2-Part Career Development Series: SUPERSIZING YOUR CAREER! with Jim Arnoff at Sesame Workshop, March 6 & 20, 2007
Part One: Tuesday March 6, 2007
Jim Arnoff helped identify where participants' passion and skills intersect to identify possible career paths.
Part Two: Tuesday March 20, 2007
Life Coach Jim Arnoff helped participants design a personalized roadmap to the career of their futures.
NYWIFT Children's TV Panel Series
Tuesdays in January 2007, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 East 71st Street, NYC
Women in Children's Media was thrilled to promote a fantastic panel series from New York Women in Film and Television. These panels were dedicated to hot topics in children's television.
1/9: Cross-over Publishing, Animation and New Media
Featuring Ruth Pomerance, Karen Fowler, Dorothea Gillim, Susan Miller, Dolores Morris, and Teri Weiss
1/16: The Future of Children’s Television
Featuring Maggie Bruen, Alice Cahn, Stephen Gass, Ronnie Krauss, Twila C. Liggett, and Istar Schwager
1/23: Kids in the Biz
Featuring Maggie Bruen, Dayci Brookshire, Nancy Carson, Patricia Bruder Debrovner, Brandon Hannan, and Helen Proimos
Holiday Happy Hour
December 11, 2006 at Kanvas Bar
Cheers!
Chat and Chocolate with...Amy Friedman
"10 Things I Learned Along the Way"
November 8, 2006
Cacao Bar & Tea Salon at Mariebelle Chocolate, 484 Broome Street, NYC
Ushering in the first of a new exclusive Women in Children's Media event series featuring small group conversation with leading women in the children’s media industry, Amy Friedman, Senior Vice President, Development/Creative Director at Nickelodeon Digital Television: Noggin/The N, talked about the 10 most important things she learned as she established herself as one of the top creatives in our field.
Membership Event at Dashing Divas Spa
October 9, 2006
Members met up to chat and share manicures and cosmos.
"From the Inside: Development"
The first in an exciting new professional development event series
August 15, 2006
Stout NYC bar, 133 W. 33rd St. NYC
Professionals from development at Sesame Workshop, BabyFirst TV, and Nick Jr. talked about how the role of development differs from company to company, what the daily routine is like, what's great (and what's not), and more.
Movies With a View: Pee Wee's Big Adventure
July 27, 2006 at Empire Fulton State Park in DUMBO
Careers in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive
Presented by Women in Children's Media and Co-Sponsored by ASIFA-East
June 29, 2006
NYU Tisch, 721 Broadway, Lower Concourse, Room 006
A wonderful host, spectacular panelists, and a big turnout made this
Women in Children's Media event a huge success!
David B. Levy, author of the newly-released book Your Career in Animation: How to Survive and Thrive, hosted a conversation about getting into the animation industry, staying there, and getting ahead. This discussion featured esteemed panelists:
Linda Simensky, Senior Director of Children's Programming for PBS Kids
Tom Warburton, Creator-Cartoon Network's Codename: Kids Next Door
Elanna Allen, Animation Designer and Creator
Bill Plympton, Animator, Creator of the Oscar nominated short Guide Dog
Jackson Publick, Creator of Adult Swim's Venture Bros.
3-Part Career Development Series: Taking Your Career to the Next Level, with Jim Arnoff at Sesame Workshop—February, March, and April 2006
Part 1, Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Creating Your Own Personal Brand: It’s Yours for the Taking
Part 2, Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Creativity in Your Career: Taking the Risks to Make it Happen
Part 3, Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Juggling Career and Personal Life: Balancing All the Ball
New Year, Say Cheers! Mixer at Kevin St. James bar
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Women in Children's Media launched into 2006 by meeting other women in children’s television, publishing, and education, and toasting our esteemed new Board of Advisors.
What TV Networks Want—Kids, presented by NYWIFT and Co-sponsored by WiCM, featuring Alice Cahn, Marjorie Cohn, Joanne Ferrone, Amy Friedman, Chris Gifford, Marjorie Kaplan, Dolores Morris, and Maria Perez-Brown, November 17, 2005
Women in Children's Media 1-Year Birthday Bash at Mannahatta, Thursday, October 20, 2005
Monthly Writing Group Meetings—beginning in September 2005; and recently including a special "Inspiration" meeting at Books of Wonder bookstore in August 2006.
Financial Planning Issues for Women featuring guest speaker and financial advisor, Daniel D’Ordine at McGraw-Hill Companies, September 2005
Children's Book Publishing Workshop featuring Amy Hest, Aimee Friedman, Leslie Kimmelman, Betsy Loredo at NYU, August 2005
Media Mixer at Lucy, May 2005
Setting and Achieving Career Goals featuring Jim Arnoff at Sesame Workshop, April 2005
Spring Mixer at Kevin St. James, March 2005
Holiday Party at People, December 2004
Happy Hour at Café Iguana / Screening of The Incredibles,
November 2004
Inaugural Meeting/Mixer at Mars 2112, October 2004