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We are excited to announce our new mentorship program for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) seeking the executive, producer, or representation track of the industry. This program is a Women Wednesday initiative but is open to BIPOC mentees of all gender identities.
Together, we can change the decision makers of Hollywood. From the Greenlight Committee to the Producers to the Representatives, let’s build the next geneneration of Hollywood.
The Mission
The BIPOC Next Gen Mentorship Program in association with Women Wednesday seeks to bolster Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) of all genders in the decision-making rooms of our industry. We want to focus on the people who will one day make the decision about who gets to make their art: the executives, producers, agents, and managers in film, television, and theater. We will match a BIPOC rising college senior or someone of any age recently entering the industry who is interested in development, production, or representation, with mentors of any identity who have been in the industry between 3 and 6 years. Mentors will serve as an ally and will ensure that their mentee is set up and equipped to succeed in this industry long term.
MEET OUR STEERING COMMITTEE
This program has been made possible through the combined effort and collaboration of our steering committee. As a committee, we will serve as a resource to all mentees and mentors to ensure that mentees are getting the most out of this program and that mentors have resources if they need it. Throughout the year, our steering committee will also provide occasional speakers and web seminars to offer additional tools and tips to succeeding and moving up in our own fields. Our steering committee includes people in both LA and New York.
Carly Kleinbart
LA
is currently the Director of Development for Feature Films at Mandeville. Prior to joining Mandeville in 2019, Carly began her career at WME in the Motion Picture Literary and Business Affairs Department before moving into Development and Production at Pascal Pictures. She founded Women Wednesday and currently runs the Los Angeles chapter.
Gaby McCormick
LA
is currently a Director of Development in Feature Films at Mandeville after working in production and development at Universal Pictures. Prior to her work in feature development, she began her career at WME working in both the Motion Picture Talent and Literary Departments during her tenure.
Halle Mariner
LA
is currently an Agent in the Scripted Literary Department at APA. Previously, she worked in film sales for Shoreline Entertainment and Preferred Content. As a honoree of Colour Associates 2019 Next Up List, Halle’s goal is to advocate for writers and directors who are underrepresented in the film world.
Gabby Shepard
LA
is currently a Creative Executive for feature film and television at Plan B Entertainment. She earned an MFA in Film and Television Producing at Chapman University after studying English Literature with a concentration in Africana Studies at Agnes Scott College. Gabby began her career at WME in the Motion Picture and Television departments.
Maddie Breeland
LA
is currently the Director of Development at Anvil Pictures. Prior to that she was a Development Coordinator in Live Action Features at Walt Disney Studios. She previously worked at Fox 2000 after she graduated from Emerson College. She’s also a passionate Diversity & Inclusion advocate and Group Fitness Instructor/Trainer.