Hello Vocal! An Introduction

In the past five years, the demand for equality and representation in the screen sector has exploded. A massive wave is coming over the industry, washing out dirty habits and bringing forth lost treasures. We are wading through a time where marginalised filmmakers are finally getting a glimpse of the spotlight - but there are also many who are still afraid to lose their power. Many, who use performative activism and pandering diversity with no heart and soul to ride this wave and cash in on the "trend".

But this is no trend. We will not let this fight for equality be reduced to a "trend".

We are Making It: Women in Film, a media outlet determined to platform viciously passionate change-makers in the industry. Writers, directors, producers, designers, cinematographers, composers, artists, critics, festival curators, consumers, characters; creatives, that are telling invigorating stories with personal touches, honesty, and courage.

Over on our podcast, we host introspective conversations with women in the industry from all over the world. And here on Vocal, you can stay tuned for complex dissections of media tropes and topics, a whirlwind of movies that feature women's stories which you probably haven't heard of, and many more celebrations of the craft and those who are making it.

Making it in this industry despite resistance.

Making it, the art, despite the struggles.

Making it, as women in film.

Pioneer of the French New Cinema Wave, Agnes Varda, once said:

“In my films, I always wanted to make people see deeply. I don’t want to show things, but give people the desire to see.”

We aim to do the same with this programme. Making It: Women in Film is a platform created by Malin Evita and Shania Bethune in July of 2020. From sitting down with leading female filmmakers and talking about their experiences and advice, to discussing stereotypes and the matter of representation, our mission is to bring the voices of those who have been systematically excluded for much too long to the forefront.

Women have played an essential role in cinema since its very conception, and it is about time that the impact from generations and the present is given a spotlight. Not just to honour the work of those before us, but to let every girl out there who aspires to be a filmmaker that she, too, can make it.

Over the years, we have released over sixty interviews with vividly insightful women – from Hollywood to Paris, directors to costume designers. And as of summer 2021, we have also launched the Making It: Women in Film editorial site featuring even more insightful profiles, essays, and reviews. It has truly become a fantastic community of fiery women supporting each other.

The second season of our podcast was produced with Redeeming Features, and we are currently in the middle of production on our third season with the Scottish production companies Bonnie and Braw and L/S Films.

The third season is set to be released every Wednesday from November 30th and will feature ten interviews with guests, including BBC Shetland and Dracula producer Louise V Say, former Marvel lead content creator and now VIU Philippines Head of Entertainment Corinna Vistan, and many more.

Until then, why don't you grab a cuppa, settle in, and listen back to some of our favourite conversations?

All episodes are available wherever you get your podcast.

Sculpting Anatomy and Aliens with Special Effects Makeup Artist Suzie Battersby

Known for her work on movies such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Alien: Covenant, Morbius, and series including Doctor Who and Holby City, Suzi Battersby is an incredible special effects make-up artist, designer, and founder of the women-led company Red Girl FX. This episode includes, amongst other topics: The making of silicone alien babies, BB8, blood spurting, tumours, autopsies, and emotional moments watching actors on set and lessons learned from starting and running a game-changing company.

The Sound of Cinema with Sound Designers Zoë Irvine and Heather Andrews

In this episode, the accomplished Scottish sound designers Zoë Irvine and Heather Andrews talk all about the world of sound design - from their personal connections to the element, the true state of the industry, the barriers for underrepresented artists, and how movies utilise - and forget - sound as part of narration and worldbuilding.

In Conversation with BAFTA-winning Producer Rebecca O'Brien

Rebecca O'Brien is one of Europe's leading producers within independent filmmaking. Some of her credits include the Cannes Palm d'Or winners The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006) and I, Daniel Blake (2016), as well as Land and Freedom (1995) and You Were Never Really Here (2019). In this interview, Rebecca tells host Evita about her career journey, her long term collaboration with writer Paul Laverty and Ken Loach, and how making political movies have changed her views on the world.

Explore Cinematography with Shiva Baby DoP Maria Rusche

Maria Rusche is a Cuban-American, NYC based cinematographer behind the recent indie hit "Shiva Baby," (2021, dir. Emma Seligman.) In this episode, she sat down with Evita to talk about her journey as a DOP, her creative and managerial process and tells us all about the making of Shiva Baby.

Awareness v. Exploitation with Oriane Pick

Best known for her critically acclaimed series 'Call It a Day' and nominated film 'Say Your Name', Actress & Producer Oriane Pick has played many multi-dimensional characters with a unique story, always aiming at subverting taboos, across all topics and genres. In this episode, Oriane sat down with host Evita to talk all about her journey, thoughts on conscious inclusion, educating yourself on topics, and the line between spreading awareness and exploiting said topic.

Be the Change You Want to See with Caris Rianne

Caris Rianne is a British filmmaker and founder of Rianne Pictures - a volunteer-run production house of everything features, shorts, etc. a mentor programme ("Evolve") and a film festival ("Women X")! In this episode, Evita and Caris spoke about everything from her upbringing, (lack of) working-class accessibility in the industry, taking direct action to be the change you want to see, female and queer stereotypes that need to GO, the Women X festival, and so much more. It is an incredibly inspiring, open, and entertaining conversation.

We can't wait to connect with you. Subscribe to our profile and follow us on Instagram @MakingItWomenInFilm for more insight.