By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/1/25 – From the soundstages of NBCUniversal to the mentoring sessions of Hollywood’s most seasoned creatives, Tema Staig, Executive Director of Women in Media (WiM), has been leading a movement that is reshaping the face of film and television production. In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Times and Aspiring Magazine, Tema shared the remarkable journey of WiM—from its humble beginnings as a networking spreadsheet to becoming a nationally recognized nonprofit driving gender equity and diversity across the entertainment industry.
Staig, a scenic artist and production designer by trade, founded Women in Media in 2010 to address a glaring gap in Hollywood’s inclusivity narrative: while discussions about gender parity often focused on directors and producers, few were talking about the women below the line.
“I come from below the line,” she explained. “People kept saying that if we just hired more women directors, it would change everything, but directing is a department of one. The real change happens when you flood the industry with women in all departments: cinematography, art, editing, production design. Those are the people who hire.”
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Her solution was ingenious in its simplicity: a Google Doc that allowed women and gender non-conforming crew members to list their skills and contact information. When more than 2,000 people joined, “we literally broke the Google machine,” Staig laughed. That moment sparked the launch of the official WiM Crew List, now a vital tool used by studios including Netflix, HBO, and countless independent filmmakers seeking vetted, experienced women to hire.
Since becoming a nonprofit in 2017, Women in Media has grown into a force for systemic change. Through its Camaraderie Initiative, the organization connects members with top-tier mentors and advanced production resources, helping women move from indie-level work to studio-quality projects.
“We shot 10-page projects with high-end equipment—ARRI cameras, Zeiss and Atlas lenses—and post-produced at NBCUniversal,” Staig said. “Our members worked with mentors like Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World), Mike Sale (Bridesmaids), and Jermaine Franco (Coco). The results were phenomenal.”
These mentorships have already led to concrete success stories: participants have gone on to write for major network shows, direct greenlit films, and win festival awards. “One of our members was even funded by Spike Lee after he saw her work,” Staig shared proudly.
WiM also champions visibility through its annual Holiday Toast, a festive fundraiser that honors trailblazing women in the industry. Past honorees include Nancy Schreiber, ASC, and Jermaine Franco, with their toasts delivered by luminaries like Caleb Deschanel.
“We want to celebrate these legends while they’re still here,” Staig said. “People act like women are just entering the industry now, but women have been here from the beginning, Dorothy Arzner, for example, directed Paramount’s first talkie and invented the boom mic! Let’s honor that legacy in real time.”
This year’s honoree, Ashley Nicole Black (A Black Lady Sketch Show, Shrinking), embodies WiM’s intersectional mission. “She’s brilliant,” Staig added. “Tickets go on sale Monday, and they sell out fast!”
Staig believes that equity starts with education. WiM hosts hands-on training sessions on everything from green certification to lens filtration, ensuring women stay ahead in a rapidly changing technical landscape.
Her advice to aspiring filmmakers? “You need community. Join an organization like Women in Media, nobody does this alone. Show up early, keep a positive attitude, and be reliable. People like to work with people they like. And never be afraid to walk away from an unsafe situation.”
She added, “We’re a no-troll zone. Good vibes only. There’s a big enough piece of the pie for everyone.”
For her leadership, Staig has been honored as LA County Woman of the Year and featured in Forbes and Emmy Magazine, distinctions she accepts with humility. “You just put your head down and do the work,” she said. “People don’t always see the advocacy happening behind the scenes, like meeting with Netflix or working with the American Society of Cinematographers, but it matters. Change is happening.”
As WiM continues to expand, Staig remains laser-focused on dismantling barriers for women and gender non-conforming professionals in every technical and creative department. “If you’re not learning, you’re going backward,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure no one is left behind when technology or opportunity evolves.”
Women in Media welcomes new members, allies, and donors to join their mission of building an equitable, inclusive entertainment industry.
Visit womenNmedia.com to learn more, sign up for the mailing list, or donate to support their initiatives.
Tickets for the WiM Holiday Toast, honoring Ashley Nicole Black on December 6th, go live Monday. Don’t wait, they sell out quickly!
Here are links to some of the initiatives:
CAMERAderie shorts and New Tech Initiative music video: https://womennmedia.
