I have had the good fortune of working with Reel Women for several years. They are a very important part of Austin's film community.
Reel Women is an organization that supports and empowers women. Women actors, filmmakers and producers, etc . . . I have been a member unable to attend not knowing the function until last week. I was impressed. So much talent and information is available to all of us at Reel Women. I look forward to becoming more available to this group and their work.
I feel so fortunate that this organization exists and does what it does. Top-quality speakers educate the community about every aspect of film-making, from production planning to distribution. The monthly mixers provide amazing opportunities to network, learn from, and support colleagues at all levels. This group really makes the Austin film-making community a COMMUNITY.
Storytelling is the most powerful communication tool on the planet. Filmmaking is quickly becoming the primary way in which people create and consume stories. Reel Women is a terrific group dedicated to promoting Austin, Texas area filmmakers. Though ostensibly focused on women filmmakers, everyone benefits from Reel Women- male and female, young and old alike. Sherry Mills, the organizer of RW, works tirelessly to promote local artists, connect them with resources, inform and inspire them with expert guests. She also organizes Luna Fest, which gives filmmakers an opportunity to create, present, and promote work to a huge base of fans. The types of stories that are told with Reel Women's help include important documentaries, and cutting-edge narrative drama, plus short films of all types, aimed at both entertaining, and cutting the teeth of the next generation of storytellers. Reel Women is a valuable resource for the Austin arts community.
This is a fantastic place to meet other people passionate about making films without the discomfort of 'networking' strangers. The format of the monthly meetings gives everyone a chance to list what they're doing and want to be doing and because of that I use Reel Women as a great resource for finding crew members on my feature films.
I LOVE the Reel Women organization. Ive been involved with them ever since I moved to Austin. They offer wonderful workshops with top talent in the industry and at a great, affordable price.
As a newcomer to the Austin film scene, this organization provides a great resource for networking and educational resources for filmmakers. I've met only wonderful, professional people through their events, and always recommend their resources to others in need.
Over ten years ago when I moved to Austin, Reel Women was the first organization I joined as a budding filmmaker. They were extremely influential and supportive as I was starting out. They gave me the push I needed to believe in myself and my work. I've since been involved helping with give workshops, as a speaker and an overall supporter of the work they do. I wouldn't be where I am in my career without them.
I am in the process of relocating to the Austin area. I dropped in on a couple of Reel Women events to network and learn about the professional community in the area.more I was very encouraged by the presentations as well as the welcoming and supportive environment.
The Reel Women film networking organization is one of Austin's most effective and active networking, film training, inspirational, and inclusionary film-oriented organizations not just in the Austin entertainment area but probably in the world. Sherry Mills and the board of directors, constantly support and put on industry related, dynamic events that showcase women's work and accomplishments in the cinema arts, while supporting a multitude of socially important organizations for women and the community purely out of pure heart and caring. Always there to help boost women's & all filmmakers' success and careers with low cost or free training programs, great speakers, screenings of important films that would never be seen in the traditional distribution systems, the organization truly lifts everyone it touches in a powerful positive way. And unlike many other women's organizations, all event are inclusionary, where men are welcome to join and participate on an equal basis. Kudos for years of dedication and good works that support and encourage women and men in a direct and effective way that benefits the entire community and the world beyond through the films that it's members are empowered to create and put out into the universe with messages that reach far beyond any borders.
Like many of Reel Women’s board members, I am at an age and a point in my career where I am secure in my professional strengths. By joining the board, I have forced myself to exist in new environments and encounter different challenges. I found myself soliciting money, time, and talent from people I did not know. I did this because I believe in Reel Women’s mission of using film and video to educate, support, and mentor. It is a concept I try to make real for other members by recruiting speakers from the local film community who share their stories of professional development.
Reel Women has been a driving force in opening the doors for opportunities in film for women in Austin, Texas and beyond. So often the woman's story is bypassed by mainstream media. Not only does Reel Women offer viable opportunities to showcase the work of women, but they are a cohesive, unifying and empowering force in the film scene here in Austin for all who participate.
Reel Women is more than a networking organization for women in film, to me it's an organization that empowers women and encourages them to express their unique point of view.Whilst working with Reel Woman first as a volunteer and later as a Board member I've witnessed the amazing transformation effect this organization has had on it's members. Film, still a very male dominated field is a difficult environment for women. Even as a 20 year vetran to this industry, I still get turned down for jobs simply because I am a woman. It's fustrating and difficult when your on your own. Reel women reaches out to women in our community who seek a career in film and lends them support, training and unique networking opportunities. Enouraging women to go where few women have gone before not only gives our members an entry to a first or second career, but gives them the confidence to do anything they set their minds to. It's empowering to work on a set in the camera or grip electric department and be the only woman. You feel like one of the first astronauts who walked the moon. A trail blazer. It makes you feel like you can do anything. Women young and old still need this encouragement, we need to pass this message along to our daughters and their daughters. Reel Women is'ant just about film...it's also about giving women confidence and strength to reach beyond themselves. The organization gives women support and encouragement to find their voice, and tell their story.
Reel Women is a great asset to men and women in Austin, Texas. Their meet and greets gave me a place to network with other professionals and gain insight into the film business. Their workshops teach a wide range of information dealing with film production. If you are in the film industry, I highly reccommend you be a part of Reel Women.
When I retired from the film/TV industry, Reel Women provided me with a new application for my energy, knowledge and skills, by providing opportunities for me to train, mentor, and advise young or inexperienced women trying to enter the film/TV workforce here in a city that has become a movie-making mecca. I knew firsthand how difficult it could be to break in and sustain a career as a woman in the entertainment business, and it has been gratifying to be able to help others prepare for that world. This organization provides a tremendous service to the filmmaking community (women and men) as a networking organization, showcasing platform, and community lobbying effort, as well. I treasure the camaraderie I've discovered among my fellow advisors and our membership.
I have lived in Austin Tx since 1999 and joined Reel Women in the years since I have been here. They continue to offer workshops and information that inspires me to keep making films. A difficult task in itself, but the support of ongoing guest speakers and resources is a huge benefit to this community of creative women and men.