“I wanted to thank TVC for its ongoing support of Women in Media and for a very awesome Illumination Training in Grip and Electrics. Our member-students are over the moon! Irene and the instructors knocked it out of the park. I sent a survey, and have received amazing responses from all of our member-students!”

Tema Staig

“Illumination training is an absolute must and a game-changer for any member of WIM to attend! As someone with years of photo assisting under my belt, learning from incredibly talented and educated Key Grips helped me to truly bridge some gaps in my knowledge and learn more about the tricks of the trade, as well as what each department actually does. Having the opportunity to try things it out in a safe space with instructors to guide us and with no stakes was also very helpful, as it's something that we don't get the opportunity to do as much when we are working on set. Furthermore, it was an opportunity to connect with other women who are looking to grow in their careers, I definitely plan on reaching out to them and building upon this network. All in all 10/10 recommend to anyone who belongs to WIM or is interested in being part of it. Going to CBS studios was also really fun.”

Amahl Chekh Khalil

“It was an amazing and mind-blowing experience being able to be in the room with women who were eager to learn the same things I wanted. Seeing everyone helping each other and lifting each other up made me very emotional. Also, having the opportunity to learn from such incredible and well renewed people who already are in the industry was incredible. This kind of representation makes a difference and gives us the incentive to follow our dreams. I can't also not talk about the amazing course and the skills leaned in those two weeks. The representation gives us motivation and the course give us the knowledge to be better professionals. I can't thank Women In Media and MBS enough for this opportunity.”

Hannah Hoang

“I learned in 4 days what I wish I had learned in 4 years of film school. Not to throw shade at film school because it has its own advantages and benefits, but this workshop packed in an immense amount of technical and fundamental knowledge that I am so grateful for. Not just knowing the "how"s, but knowing the "why"s is so important in order to be a better employee and this workshop equipped me with the abilities and the knowledge to far better serve as a grip or an electrician going forward. Thank you immensely for holding this workshop.”

Talita Maia

“Being a part of the WIM+MBS Illumination Training helped me alleviate my overwhelming thoughts about getting into the industry. I always questioned myself "if I can really do it" and sometimes the people closest to me were not always my biggest supporters. It was comforting to hear that the industry is quickly changing, prioritizing the health of crew members, and now allowing more women to have larger roles on set. I am also so grateful to have met a community of so many wonderful, multifaceted, and talented women who are in the same boat. I also got perspectives about transitioning from non-union to union productions and hearing the inspiring stories of how our industry legend instructors also started from humble beginnings like us. Most importantly I learned that anything is possible for me and that more than ever, the time for women is now!”

Rachel Rice

“The sense of solidarity with other women and nonbinary folks at the Illumination Training. was incredible! It's so good to know there's so many of us out there dealing with the same challenges. I absolutely loved the inter-generational aspect of learning from from women in their 60s who are powerhouse veteran grip and lighting technicians.”

Krisen Meloche

“I'm feeling very encouraged by the Illumination training / workshop and Women In Media as an organization. I wish there had been a resource like this in the city I started in - glad to be here now connecting with so many enthusiastic and talented up and coming women and non-binary folks.”

Taylor Balfour

“I moved to Los Angeles without knowing anyone. So I talked to a stranger I met in a restroom and said, "It's so rare to find female filmmakers!" She told me to join this group she was a part of, called Women in Media. Within a week of living in Los Angeles, I was immediately on the Cameraderie shoot, where I met many inspiring female filmmakers who genuinely wanted to help me succeed. They still contact me for jobs to this day. I even met one of my closest friends from that shoot!”

Sika Stanton

“Thank you for Illumination training! It was what I was hoping for and more.”

Samantha Ackerman

“I loved the training. I loved the age range of the women involved and I loved the instructors.”

Nicole Valencia

“Fantastic hands-on training, on working stages from union professionals. Felt like such a privilege to be learning on-set skills, especially along side a group of encouraging women.”

Heidi Mirow