The networking initiative welcomed prospective students and hosted a discussion about Beyonce虂鈥檚 new movie, 鈥淏lack Is King,鈥 examining the impact of representation in the media industry.
The Women of the 黑料不打烊 Entertainment Empire initiative hosted its first virtual event of the semester via Zoom on Sept. 5, welcoming new members and discussing the film “Black Is King,” written, directed and executive produced by singer Beyonc茅.
More widely known by the acronym WEEE, the initiative was originally started in Los Angeles and serves as a support network for women in the entertainment industry, promoting collaboration among alumnae, as well as creating a network for undergraduate students interested in entertainment careers. The initiative was brought to 黑料不打烊鈥檚 campus in 2019 by alumna Joyce Choi 鈥19, who serves as an officer in the Los Angeles-based affinity group.
Nell Geer 鈥21 and Cameron Wolfslayer 鈥21, WEEE lead team members, told prospective new members that WEEE is not only a space to support women creators, but also a place where students can find other women to collaborate with and a place to share their work.
鈥淲e want to connect you with women and female identifiers in your field of interest,鈥 Wolfslayer said. 鈥淭his can be a really good place for us to have resources for each other.鈥
Geer spoke about the aspirations of the program, envisioning that members graduate and bring WEEE to places like New York and New Orleans. Naeemah Clark, professor of cinema and television arts and WEEE adviser, commended the student-run organization and said she looks forward to seeing its planned programming.
鈥淭he ideas they have for this year are really fantastic,鈥 Clark said. 鈥淭he group is in good hands.鈥
Following the informational meeting, the group discussed 鈥淏lack is King,鈥 lack of diversity in creative fields, and how a lack of representation shapes how women and people with marginalized identities see themselves in the film industry.
WEEE programming continues next week with an event called 鈥淏reaking the Ice,鈥 a virtual meeting hosted by the Los Angeles WEEE group. Attendees will hear from panelists Rachel Raimist of the Directors Guild of America, Nneka Enurah 鈥11, head of FBE鈥檚 development and partnerships, and Netflix producer Taja Perkins. The event will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m. EST.