September 26-27, 2026—10 AM-5 PM 
LOS ANGELES, CA: Women in Media announces that it will host the two-day Reel/Forward in-person conference devoted to navigating today’s production scene. Guests can enjoy panels and workshops on how to get funding, new technology, getting films made, sustainability in storytelling, pitch sessions, a short film/reel showcase, and loads more. Producers, creatives, and crew are invited to explore the vendor expo, watch calling card short projects, attend speed pitching, and build relationships at the meet and greet cocktail party.
All in, WiM’s Reel/Forward is designed to connect people with projects to those in distribution and production looking for new properties and crew. Reel/Forward is open to industry professionals of any gender.
“We are excited to bring critical information about new technology, when and where to use it, getting financing and protecting IP, and sustainability in storytelling for our second year,” says Tema Staig, Women In Media Executive Director. “It’s imperative not to get left behind as the industry evolves, and we are thrilled to bring this stellar lineup to the greater film community.”
The panel selection includes, “Adapting: Remarkably Bright Creatures” featuring Olivia Newman (Director/Screenwriter/Executive Producer), Taylor Rockwell (VFX Producer), Tamara Meem (Editor), and Michelle Rueda (Assistant Editor), moderated by Tema L Staig (WiM Executive Director).
Also, on the roster is “Smarter Workflows for Cross Platform Technology”, featuring Halley Wegryn Gross (TV and Video Games Writer/Actor – The Last of Us Part 2), Jarrell Hall (Senior Manager, Visualization & Performance Capture, The Sphere), and Kathryn Brillhart (Virtual Art Department/VFX Production Manager – Fallout).
Moderated by Katie Guernsey (Head of Programs and Operations: AI LA, Ojai Film Festival Executive Director/President) Reel/Forward presents “Responsible Tech: Protecting Creativity”. Featuring Eric W. Shamlin (Emmy Governor and Emmy Winning VFX Producer), Jennifer Smith (Music Supervisor – Behind the Music, Board member Guild of Music Supervisors), and Lindsey Wagner (Of council, Ramo Law – specializing in ethical integration of AI, data privacy, and employment law).
Other sessions cover, “Own It & Fund It: Protecting and Financing Your Creative Work”, presented by Greenberg Glusker Law Firm. Plus, attendees won’t want to miss the California Film Commission’s seminar on tax credits.
The event takes place September 26-27, 2026—10 AM-5 PM at: California State University Eagle Ballroom, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, California 90032.
Admission includes breakfast, lunch, and a networking after-party. Tickets are available at: https://womennmedia.com/event/reel-forward-2026/
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Reel/Forward Conference Partners
Women In Media is a non-profit organization that promotes gender balance in the film and entertainment industries through networking, professional development, and advocacy for filmmakers above and below the line. https://womennmedia.com/
This event is chaired by Rosa Costanza (award winning cross-platform writer, director, producer Xing, Special Program Director Ojai Film Festival, Television Academy member)
Social Media:
Twitter: @WomenNMedia
Instagram: @womeninmediainc
FB:@WomenNMediaLA
Linked In: @Women In Media
Bluesky: @womeninmedia.bsky.social
Hashtags are: #HireTheseWomen #ParityInAction #ReelForward
