Published: August 4, 2025

Women in Media Reel/Forward Conference On Profitable Sustainable Production

Women in Media presents the Reel/Forward in-person conference. The two-day event features panels and workshops on funding, finding collaborators and eco-friendly practices in film, TV, and new media. Producers, creatives, and crew are invited to explore vendors, watch calling card short projects, attend speed pitching, and build relationships in the dealmakers’ lounge. Reel/Forward is open […]

Women in Media presents the Reel/Forward in-person conference. The two-day event features panels and workshops on funding, finding collaborators and eco-friendly practices in film, TV, and new media. Producers, creatives, and crew are invited to explore vendors, watch calling card short projects, attend speed pitching, and build relationships in the dealmakers’ lounge. Reel/Forward is open to all industry professionals.

When: September 6-7, 2025—10 AM-6 PM
Where: Emerson College LA—5960 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

“This conference will connect filmmakers with investors to jumpstart projects to drive job creation in California, with a focus on financially sound, sustainable production,” says Tema Staig, Women In Media Executive Director. “Clean, green practices improve working conditions, boost production value, and strengthen the bottom line.”

Program partner Women in Clean Tech & Sustainability will present the “Greening The Screen: Eco-Friendly Sets Pay Off” panel moderated by Paige Blankenship (Producer at Blank Paige Films and WiM Events Chair). Expert panelists include Adrienne Pfeiffer (Environmental Sustainability Strategist, Disney Studios), Alex de Valera (Sustainability Strategist & Impact Producer, Director of Ecoscope Ltd., a Film Ireland sustainability partner), and Audrey Gelb (former VP of Production, Disney TV Studios).

Paige Blankenship / Photo by Islean Kirker

Other panel topics include: Fix It In Prep, Navigating Distribution, Monetizing New Media and Building Influence, and Exploring Climate & Sustainability Through Storytelling. Wilhelm Family Foundation is a flagship sponsor.

In addition, the Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification (SPEC) Preview session will offer practical tools to implement sustainability at every stage of production. During this session presented by USGBC California, attendees can earn WiM certification to add to their resumes.

Admission includes breakfast, lunch, and networking after party. Tickets are available at: https://womennmedia.com/event/reel-forward/

Special thanks to Tactic Events for partnering with Women in Media to deliver the event.

Gabriel Mays

AbelCine Director of Rental

As Director of Rental, Gabriel Mays oversees growth of Rental by nurturing business relationships and unifying the customer experience nationwide. In his previous role as the LA Rental Manager, Gabriel worked with producers, cinematographers, and assistant camera operators to provide the highest level of customer service possible. He also ensured that all their equipment needs are met on budget. Before coming to AbelCine in 2015, Gabriel previously worked as a Communications Instructor and Electronic Media Engineer at a private university. He taught various courses in electronic media, including film, broadcasting, and digital arts. Gabriel is an award-winning cinematographer, director, producer, and editor known for his innovative research and implementation of new film techniques. He was also one of the first to implement HDSLR cameras into filmmaking. He has been the cinematographer on dozens of independent films, documentaries, and music videos.