About Us: For over 30 years, Women in Film has been building a global community of film, television, advertising, digital and on screen media professionals. With 6800 members in the United States and 12,000 members internationally, Women in Film is the preeminent organization for the advancement of women in these industries.
The Chicago chapter of this dynamic and diverse organization is dedicated to promoting the professional and educational advancement of our members, men and women alike, while contributing to the overall success of Chicago as a provider of high-caliber commercial, television, independent and major film production.
Mission: Women in Film Chicago (WIFC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization for all creative content professionals. With a focus on driving the advancement of women in this industry, WIF Chicago provides a dynamic network to facilitate the exchange of ideas and opportunities and builds a solid educational platform to accelerate the professional development of our members.
Mentorship: http://wifchicago.
Eligibility: Applicants must be current members of Women in Film Chicago at the time of the application and maintain membership through the duration of the program. Additionally, applicants must fall into one of the following categories.
Become a Sponsor: As a WIFC sponsor, there’s more than supporting our efforts to promote the role of creative women in film, television, broadcast and on-screen media. Your business will benefit from our tax-deductible 501(c)(3) status and you’ll have the opportunity to gain both local and international public awareness and brand recognition. Reach thousands of local industry decision-makers through our community relations and multiple promotional opportunities. Additionally, WIFC sponsors are part of our international network of more than 10,000 members via WIFTI.org.
Sponsorship Levels
Gold
- Premiere table of (10) at Focus Awards
- Listing on Focus Awards event invitation & signage
- Recognition at podium the night of Focus Awards
- Logo on step-and- repeat
- Full page in Focus Awards program book
- (10) Ten Professional Memberships
- Company logo on website
- Company logo in e-newsletter
Silver
- Preferred table of (10) at Focus
Awards
- Listing on Focus Awards event invitation and signage
- Full page in Focus Awards program book
- (5) Five Professional Memberships
- Company logo on website
- Company logo in e-newsletter
Bronze
- Table of (10) at Focus Awards
- Listing on Focus Awards event invitation and signage
- Full page in Focus Awards program book
- (2) Two Professional Memberships
- Company logo on website
- Company logo in e- newsletter
Honorary Committee
- (2) VIP tickets to Focus Awards
- Listing on Focus Awards event invitation and signage
- Full page in Focus Awards program book
CONTACT US
Women in Film Chicago
445 E. Illinois, Suite 351
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312.665.0055
info@wifchicago.org
WIFC President Megan Maples is the Executive Producer at Dictionary Films – a production company created from Cutters Studios. The successful company has lent Megan experience in new and traditional methods of production as well as overseeing a diverse directorial roster for the US and Japan markets. Megan began her career as an AICP Midwest Show Coordinator and was a member of the AICP Midwest Show Committee. She has an extensive background and experience in production through her work as a producer at Radar Studios, Airstream Audio, Sol Design (another sister company of Cutters) and as an associate producer with Ebel Productions. Megan is also part of the Illinois Production Alliance.
WIFC Vice-President Kamelya Alexan works at Fletcher, the Midwest’s largest camera rental house and has numerous projects in pre-production. Graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2007, Kamelya has worked on, and completed, over 25 projects including, documentaries, shorts, music videos, and feature films such as THE DARK KNIGHT, PUBLIC ENEMIES, and THE EXPRESS. Her short film ONE SIMPLE LIFE was featured on WGN News, Radio, and in 12 different newspapers. Determined to start her professional career as a Director/Producer Kamelya is currently in post-production of her short film BEFORE THE FALL a fantasy film that takes place during the American Civil War. Kamelya is also the founder of Chicago’s The Northshore Shorts Film Fest.
WIFC Treasurer Megan Guerrant is a Freelance Producer. With her extensive background she has created and shaped ideas for years in this ever changing, never boring business. Guerrant has a degree in Journalism from California State University.
WIFC Career Development Chair Julie Ford is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Producing Concentration of the Film & Video department, teaching Producing-1 at Columbia College Chicago. She is also a Creative Industry Liaison in the Portfolio Center at Columbia College Chicago, where she thrives on connecting students with industry professionals, organizes industry events and helps students to not only make sure they’re using best practices, but to also guide them in the preparation for building their portfolios and reels to showcase their best work.
WIFC Sponsorship Chair, Alisha Horton has built strong relationships for WIFC and a solid sponsorship base for the organization. She is an Alumni of Columbia College Chicago earning a bachelor’s degree in Film & Video under some of the best industry professionals around. She completed internships at Red Car and with WIFC where she gained hands on industry experience from well-established professionals. Through her education, experience and passion for the industry, Alisha is considered a valuable production professional. She’s also worked as a freelance Script Supervisor for big names in Chicago such as Second City and Lime Green Productions and part-time with Screen Magazine.
WIFC Focus Awards Chair Amalia (Amy) Dorneanu, originally from Romania, currently works at Fletcher, the Midwest’s largest camera rental house. She has an extensive medical history background and has slowly progressed into the film industry. She was a director’s assistant on the short BEFORE THE FALL and a makeup artist for commercials. She is now passionately learning all about the ins and outs of her industry.
Adina Kwasigroch is our WIFC Membership Chair, bringing with her a fresh outlook and positive attitude. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007, and has worked in production and post-production in the commercial industry in Chicago since. Adina is highly energetic and passionate about growing, and always learning in her field.
WIFC Student Division Chair Cameran H. Battley is from the steel city of Gary, IN where she attended Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts as vocal major. She graduated Columbia College Chicago’s film program with a focus in producing and directing. Since her sophomore year of college she’s worked on several productions ranging from student films to television miniseries. Her projects include The Black Romance Series, an anthology of films about couples and also directing two music videos for Chicago artists; Isaiah Jones and Harmonious Dynasty’s video for the song Make Me Say (ooh) and for musical artist Nelly for her song Stand Up. Cameran also worked as a production assistant on the Discovery’s 3net network for the show Fields of Valor produced by Towers Productions.
Denise Mueller is the WIFC PR Chair. She began her career at some of Chicago’s largest market research firms and advertising agencies, including The Kubo Group, Draft Worldwide and Leo Burnett. After four years of cumulative experience with these companies, Denise decided to pursue other interests and transitioned into a position with production companies Backyard and Transistor Studios, overseeing public relations, sales and marketing for nearly nine years. She was instrumental in the growth and success of Backyard and Transistor, handling all outside communications and organizing events that leveraged the companies’ global presence. Denise worked closely with the partners and sales reps in all territories, strategically integrating and fostering relationships with important industry trades, elevating the companies’ involvement in the market place and increasing billings both nationally and internationally. Building upon her success and connections she developed at Backyard/Transistor, Denise established her own public relations, marketing and branding company, launching Potts Mueller in 2008.
Originally from Chicagoland, WIFC Networking Chair Shannon L. Novak pursued her career in Los Angeles through Make-Up Designory’s Masters Program. She fell in love with LA and remained for almost six years to gain “Hollywood” experience. During her time out west she studied the craft of film and television make-up that included everyday, on-screen and special effects. Shannon was also involved in acting and various film industry related groups regularly volunteering with SAG, participating as an actor in the Young Storytellers program, attending Women In Film and many different social networking events. Also a member of SAG-AFTRA, Shannon has a great deal of set experience working as a make-up artist, an actor, production assistant, casting and craft services.Since returning to her hometown Chicago, Shannon continues taking on opportunities to work as an actor/narrator, promo/spokes model, professional make-up artist, journalist, licensed cosmetologist and esthetician.
WIFC Mentorship Chair Laura Madalinski has been editing in Chicago since 2005. She’s worked with such clients as DraftFCB, Leo Burnett, Cramer-Krasselt, commonground, and 426 Inc. She’s also edited two feature films, The Removed, and Cass. Most recently, she edited and was an assistant director on the documentary Love Under Fire: The Story of Bertha and Potter Palmer.