Latina Executives Leading Hollywood | Roundtable Discussion with Erika Kennair, Sonia Gambaro, and Rocio Melara
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we recorded a special roundtable episode to amplify three powerhouse Latina executives reshaping Hollywood: ✨ Erika Kennair - Head of Scripted for Mediapro Studios. Created NBC's Writers on the Verge, which helped launch many including Lauren LeFranc, showrunner of the Emmy award winning series The Penguin. ✨ Sonia Almanza Gambaro - Producer and President of Pollinate Entertainment. Executive Producer of Acapulco for Apple TV+ ✨ Rocio Melara - Producer. Former executive a Lena Waithe's Hillman Grad. We get into the juicy bits of what it's like to be the only Latina in the room, authentic representation beyond stereotypes, and how #LatinaSquad (shoutout Christine Davila 👏) is changing the game for executives across the industry. Tune in to this crucial conversation about power, persistence, and community. AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ JOIN AOP PATREON https://www.patreon.com/angleonproducers JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L
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Maryam Mehrtash: From Refugee to Hollywood Media Executive
Delighted to share this chat with Maryam Mehrtash, an entertainment executive specializing in global marketing and brand partnerships. Her journey embodies the American dream - from fleeing Iran as a refugee at age two to becoming a key player behind one of the most successful streaming platform launches in recent history. Maryam helped traditional media companies pivot from linear to digital during the early days when digital was still treated as a "stepchild." She was part of the team at CBS Interactive that had the first-mover advantage in streaming with CBS All Access, then led the go-to-market strategy for the rebrand to Paramount Plus - all while pregnant and during one of the most pivotal moments in our industry's history. She brings a unique perspective on everything from the economics of peak TV to what producers should know about brand integration in storytelling. She's also a part of the vibrant Iranian diaspora in Hollywood and is on the board of Waterwell, a non-profit co-founded by Award-winning actor Arian Moayed. Having lived through the streaming wars from the inside, Maryam offers a front-row perspective that's invaluable for understanding where our industry has been and where it's headed. Tune in as we explore her journey and new role leading marketing partnerships at Disney Marvel, the complex world of brand partnerships, her Substack "This Is Not a Memo", and learn how her family’s legacy drives her to greatness. Enjoy xx CG AOP SUBSTACK 📫 Musings, Mixers, Workshops, and Exclusive Content https://angleonproducers.substack.com/ JOIN AOP PATREON https://www.patreon.com/angleonproducers JOIN THE AOP COMMUNITY 📸 Instagram: / https://instagram.com/carolinagroppa | https://instagram.com/angleonproducers 📱 TikTok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina_groppa 👩🏻💻 LinkedIn: / bit.ly/2BqHs8L MORE ON MARYAM https://instagram.com/maryammehrtash https://thisisnotamemo.substack.com/
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Madelaine Petsch Is Here To Push Your Boundaries
Madelaine Petsch has a penchant for divisive female characters.You may know her best as from her role as Cheryl Blossom in the CW’s hit series Riverdale," which ran for 7 seasons. She's recently been evolving into one of Hollywood's most promising young producers. She's currently starring in and producing the next installment of "The Strangers" horror trilogy for Lionsgate, which hits theaters this Friday, September 26th. You can also catch her in the Amazon rom-com "Maintenance Required" on October 8th. In one film she's being chased by masked strangers; in the other, she's running from love. It was exciting to catch Madelaine in these early days of her shift into producing, especially when so many are skeptical of that leap. She's refreshingly candid about the brutal realities of fame—death threats, having her address posted online, and the strategic decision to delete her entire YouTube channel after millions of views. We explore how her South African immigrant parents shaped her work ethic, why she's drawn to complex female characters, and the politics of producer credits. And yes, before you ask—she can change your brake pads. xx CG
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"HIM" Producer Jamal Watson - "I Started Making Films to Figure Out How Not to Die"
Jamal Watson's journey from South Central to Hollywood executive exemplifies the power of storytelling to transform lives. After finding inspiration in film during his youth, he started at Sony Pictures as a tour guide in 2003, building industry connections that would prove invaluable. His career accelerated through roles at Deluxe Film Services and a pivotal 2010 internship at Overbrook Entertainment, where he spent a decade rising from intern to Vice President. During this time, he produced acclaimed projects including "SPRINTER" (ABFF winner, African Academy Award nominee), "HALA" (Sundance and TIFF selection), Disney's "ALADDIN," and Netflix's "AMEND." At Monkeypaw Productions, Watson continued championing diverse voices through projects like the "SCARE TACTICS" reboot and upcoming film "HIM", which opens in theaters on September 19th. He also launched a music label imprint with Interscope Records, expanding his influence across entertainment sectors. Jamal's trajectory demonstrates how passion for storytelling, combined with strategic relationship-building and unwavering dedication, can create pathways to success in Hollywood's competitive landscape. Hope you takeaway as much as I did! xx cg
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Inside FilmLA's Much Needed Permitting Process Reform
This week, we hear from Donna Washington, FilmLA's VP of Permit Operations. After the June 20th Board of Public Works hearing in Los Angeles, I was taken aback by the outrage and frustration permeating the halls of City Hall. So many folks I've grown up on set with voiced their extreme concern with the permitting process and costs in LA - one of the main blockers keeping productions from coming or staying here. Donna has been with FilmLA since its very beginning in 1995. She's witnessed firsthand the evolution from LA's golden era of production - when they were processing nearly 40,000 shoot days a year - to the current reality where production has dropped by 53% in just the last five years. While FilmLA is not the sole cause of the production exodus, it certainly has not helped. I wanted to invite Donna on to address this criticism head-on and discuss the misconceptions about who sets what fees, Film LA's 17-point plan to streamline the permitting process, and how FilmLA actually functions compared to film commissions in other states. This isn't about pointing fingers - it's about understanding the system, identifying the problems, and working together on solutions. Because as Donna puts it, FilmLA doesn't exist if the industry doesn't exist. And right now, with a 400% uptick in applications following California's increased tax incentives, we're at a critical moment that could determine the future of filmmaking in Los Angeles. This impacts all of us and requires all of us to work towards a solution.
À propos de Angle on Producers with Carolina Groppa
ANGLE ON PRODUCERS spotlights producers from all corners of the entertainment industry to demystify the age old question: "What exactly does a producer do?". Join Emmy nominated producer Carolina Groppa as she gives you an honest glimpse into what it's like to walk in our shoes.
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