{"id":49201,"global_id":"womennmedia.com?id=49201","global_id_lineage":["womennmedia.com?id=49201"],"author":"31","status":"publish","date":"2025-10-07 17:32:48","date_utc":"2025-10-08 00:32:48","modified":"2025-11-07 10:49:10","modified_utc":"2025-11-07 18:49:10","url":"https:\/\/womennmedia.com\/event\/cinemagical\/","rest_url":"https:\/\/womennmedia.com\/wp-json\/tribe\/events\/v1\/events\/49201","title":"Cinemagical Halloween with the CFC","description":"
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The Cinemagical Halloween party included a special presentation by our friends from the California Film Commission<\/a><\/strong>. It was an evening of networking and community that included vital information about filming in California. We brought together the entertainment community of all genders\u2014both above and below the line. Many dressed for the occasion, and a good time was had by all<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Executive Director, Tema Staig provided an overview of the Women In Media’s CAMERAderie Features Initiative as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Warrior One Book Signing by Deborah Pratt<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

About the graphic novel Warrior One <\/strong>A century after worldwide earthquakes have reshaped the Earth\u2019s continents, Jetta A, a young fighter leads a resistance against the Black Guard, an army of biologically based robots that aim to destroy her home. She must remember her powers and join the resistance to save her family and free her homeland from the threat of destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About Deborah Pratt<\/a><\/strong> – DEBORAH M. PRATT is an African American writer, director, producer, songwriter, and novelist. Ms. Pratt was the first African American drama and sci-fi TV executive producer (EP) when she co-created and wrote twenty-five episodes of the iconic TV series Quantum Leap for NBC. She executive produced on the new QuantumLeap Reboot series, also for NBC\/Universal and Peacock streaming. She was the EP and head writer for Tequila and Bonetti for CBS, and co-creator, EP, and showrunner for The Net for USA network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms. Pratt is a Women in Media Advisory Board <\/a>member and a four-time Emmy nominee. She is a recipient of The Lillian Gish Award from Women in Film, the Golden Block Award, and a list of festival awards for her film work. Ms. Pratt also is the published author of The Vision Quest, a sci-fi\/fantasy novel series built upon the vision of a unified future Earth and the AI that want to change it, and Warrior One, the graphic novel, and the soon-to-be-developed interactive video game of the same name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presentation by the California Film Commission<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

California Film Commission\u2019s Deputy Director Leah Medrano, and DEIA Manager Fanshen Cox dispelled myths about getting CA tax credits. They broke down the application process with the goal of increasing representation for the projects that apply. It was an interactive and informative session providing the knowledge and confidence you need to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About Leah Medrano<\/strong> – CFC Deputy Director Tax Credit Program<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Leah Medrano was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as the Deputy Director at the California Film Commission. In this role, Leah combines her extensive production office experience with 20+ years of expertise in government relations. She is responsible for overseeing the state\u2019s Film and TV Tax Credit Program and Soundstage Filming Program. She ensures that these initiatives support the state’s thriving film and television industry. Her strategic vision and leadership have significantly contributed to retaining film and television productions in California. The programs have resulted in the creation of thousands of creative jobs in the Golden State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before her tenure at the California Film Commission, Leah had a distinguished blended career in government and entertainment; Leah worked at Fox Television Station, MTV Networks, Fox Sports, and the Los Angeles news group CBS2 and KCAL9. She also held positions with the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of State Hospitals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Fanshen Cox<\/strong> – CFC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Initiative Manager<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fanshen Cox is a multi-talented artist, producer, and educator, known for her award-winning work in impactful storytelling. She is the founder of TruJuLo Productions, a media company dedicated to promoting stories that speak truth in pursuit of justice in service of love. She currently serves as the DEIA Manager for the California Film Commission\u2019s Tax Credit Program. She is also a co-author of the Inclusion Rider, a powerful tool for promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. The Inclusion Rider was famously announced at the 2018 Oscars by Frances McDormand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fanshen served as the Senior Vice President of Development and Impact at Pearl Street Films, founded by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the development of socially conscious projects with a focus on those by underrepresented writers and directors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fanshen is also the co-creator, producer, and host of the Webby-nominated podcast Sista Brunch. The show highlights the achievements of Black women and gender expansive people in entertainment and media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests connected with like-minded professionals in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. Costumes welcomed, good vibes guaranteed! Cinemagical joy and fierceness is a must! All sales final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please be advised that all events hosted by Women in Media may be recorded and distributed for promotional purposes. Your voluntary participation in such events authorizes and acknowledges Women in Media and their event partner\u2019s exclusive rights of ownership and use of all recordings.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos by Claudia Hoag @claudia.hoag.photography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n