Ellen Doherty

10/10 in this review of my latest #DoctorWho audio story. Bonus points to the reviewer for including the words “Anghelides elides” in his review. https://lnkd.in/eM8Y84GE

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This post sheds light on the challenges faced in securing union protections for animation writers, fair compensation for writer-producers, and comprehensive coverage for made-for-new-media programs, as highlighted by the WGA East. The unresolved issue of residual payments for reuse on streaming services adds to the complexity of the situation. Drawing from firsthand experience as a former Producer for a PBS kids series, I understand the intricacies of managing writer contracts and hiring the Head Writer/Show Runner. My approach involves sourcing talented writers globally, even those not affiliated with the WGA. Noteworthy writers from our series, who emerged from the Fred Rogers Writers Program, exemplify exceptional skills despite lacking WGA membership or agents. To advocate for fairness, implementing a "Favored Nations" clause is crucial to ensure all writers receive equitable compensation, irrespective of union affiliation. I strongly support either full unionization or non-union status for shows. The Animation union's strict guidelines underscore the importance of clarity in production practices to avoid penalties or expulsion. Embracing a global talent pool for writers enriches the show's vision and audience appeal. Analyzing streaming data reveals the international reach of our content, emphasizing the need for writers to mirror our diverse audience. Prioritizing writers' demands is essential for PBS to uphold its values and navigate the evolving socio-political landscape. Addressing loopholes that could compromise writers' rights is vital for enhancing taxpayer-supported productions. Let's approach these challenges with a dedication to fairness and professionalism, establishing a model of inclusive and ethical production practices that benefit all involved. #WritersRights #FairCompensation #StopExploitation

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A really interesting article by INDEX ON CENSORSHIP on the increasing use of threats of violence to intimidate festivals. This follows the recent decision by the London Film Festival to pull Undercover: Exposing The Far Right and The Toronto International Film Festival pausing screenings of the controversial documentary Russians at War, after staff received threats of violence and sexual violence. Sadly such tactics are by no means new and are often part of the playbook of authoritarian regimes and extremist groups. However, there is a worrying trend that they are now being used by elements of special interest and lobby groups to dictate what is or not acceptable for the public to view. Undoubtedly each incident has a chilling effect on filmmakers, funders and festivals trying to get important stories on social justice, human rights and politics, to the public. Against this background I would highly recommend that anyone working in this area look at the work that DOC SOCIETY is doing at the Democracy Story Unit. https://lnkd.in/g3d_KsNG Creators Counsel

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CITY OF YES CONTINUED: On WBAI Radio's Living for the City, some real truths about, and potential impacts of, Mayor Adams' City of Yes plans--something most in the MSM wont discuss, or have minimized/deliberately ignored, with Alicia Boyd, founder of Movement to Protect the People (MTOPP). City of Yes will fundamentally change the way NYC government will function and guess who will benefit the most? Certainly not the average NYer.... https://lnkd.in/eZ_yDnvX #AliciaBoyd, #MovementtoProtectthePeople, #MTOPP, #EricAdams, #NYC,  #CityofYES, #NYCDCP, #DepartmentofCityPlanning, #zoning, #LandUse,  #manufacturingdistricts, #CommercialUse, #residential, #displacement, #textamendments, #gentrification, #deregulationplan, #conditions, #casinos, #NYCCouncil, #developers, #corporations, #citylaws, #pollution,  #enforcement, #inspections, #businesslocations, #CarbonNeutrality, #EconomicOpportunities, #HousingOpportunities, #wishliist, #fires, #oversight, #existingrestrictions, #safetyproceedures, #REBNY, #noise, #environmentalreview, #protectcommunities, #RealEstateIndustry, #toxicity, #industrialized, #airquality, #waste, #publichealthhazards, #noncompliance, #commercialcorridors, #higherhealthrisks, #waterfront, #traffic, #byproducts, #protectresidents, #competition, #communitiesofcolor, #caveats, #rentregulations, #heavymanufacturingbusinesses, #AsofRight, #lightmanufacturingbusinesses, #standardsofprotection, #rooftops, #tooexpenivetoregulate, #dangerous, #officesppaceglut, #rentregulations, #insideapartmentbuildings, #vacantcommercialproperties, #leases, #separateentrances, #higherrents, #localshops, #cheapland, #outreach, #StatementofLegislativeIntent, #AfforfableforWhom?, #OneSizeFitsAll, #checksandbalances, #mayoralcontrol, #protectingsmallbizcanard, #gearedtowardscommunity, #NYCCommunityBoards, #BoroughBoards, #Councildeferrence, #removesCouncilpower, #commercialoverlays, #lifesciences, #NYCDOB, #DepartmentofBuildings, #incompetence,  #monitordevelopment, #governingbody, #labratories, #FDNY, #NoNewAllocations, #NoNewTrainingmandates, #newresponsibilites

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Stopping Election Rigging: The Game Plan Revealed! Join us in this insightful discussion on the crucial efforts to prevent election rigging in pivotal states. Our speakers delve into recent actions taken to ensure fair voting, assessing key statistics and political strategies. Stay informed and empowered as we analyze the integrity of our democratic process! #ElectionIntegrity #VoterFraud #FairElections #VotingRights #PoliticalDiscussion #DemocracyInAction #NorthCarolinaVotes #RiggingPrevention #CivicEngagement #Election2024

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I’d like to dispute this statement… “The headwinds facing local journalism nationwide made it essential to strategically reimagine how we deliver the news for the most impact.” I won’t address how this essential move will strategically reimagine how to deliver the news for the most impact—but I will dispute the first part of that sentence. The headwinds are not facing local journalism nationwide. They are (and have been for many years) facing local journalism JOBS nationwide. Jobs that pay a living wage in some of the most expensive cities in the country—and in some of the smallest towns, where you’d be shocked if you knew how little some of your local reporters are paid. Americans are clamoring for local news. They’re clamoring for national news. They want to know what’s happening in the world and in their neighborhoods. But because the headwinds include an incessant need to help giant companies dig themselves out of financial holes they themselves created, local journalism is disappearing. The AM-FM fight over the radio news space, and the role of radio in general is a story for another day. For now, let’s just say that WCBS 880 is (was) a great station full of award-winning broadcasters who know how to tell a story. They’ll take their talents elsewhere, hopefully. But it won’t be the same as turning on 880 in my car or at home or on my app and listening to all that local journalism in one place. NYC is less because of this decision. https://lnkd.in/eFxhDfrU

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These iconic media brands need something akin to historical preservation. Just as owners of historic homes are legally required to maintain the integrity of their properties, media outlets like WCBS radio (even amy former newspaper, The Record) deserve similar protections. Legislation in this area is urgently needed. Preserving these vital media outlets is essential for the betterment of communities, large and small. They should be safeguarded under historical preservation laws to protect them from being raided and degraded by hedge funds, which often prioritize profits over serving the public good. Many of these companies show little interest in fulfilling their responsibility to communities or upholding the public trust. The lack of local media coverage is a widespread issue, and I believe most would agree that this is harmful. So, how can we stop this trend? I’ve never heard this topic discussed, and I wonder if such a solution would be feasible—or even constitutional. https://lnkd.in/ecMbhGMn

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Let’s talk about AI and filmmaking. There are a myriad of directions we could take this, all valid. Today, however, I want to focus on collaboration… or the apparent interest in removing collaboration in lieu of AI tools amongst ‘AI filmmakers’ (I don’t know why ‘filmmaker’ needs a qualifier). Let’s first start with the premise and belief that AI can be a useful tool for storytelling. What I’ve noticed with a lot of AI generated films is a lack of collaboration. I’ve never thought of filmmaking as a solo act. Even the greatest auteurs have/had incredible relationships with fellow artists. Spielberg and…. Michael Kahn, John Williams, Kathleen Kennedy, Janusz Kaminski, Rick Carter, Tom Hanks, Tony Kushner, etc, etc, etc… Scorsese and Schoonmaker, and DeNiro, and DiCaprio, and etc, etc, etc. There are tons more. I'm not just cherry picking. So why are filmmakers avoiding this with AI? I understand that AI is capable of doing all of the jobs, but why would you want it to? I kind of get it if you don’t have a network of artists to collaborate with, but that begs another question… Why don’t you have a network of artists to collaborate with? What I find most valuable about AI filmmaking tools is it allows me to create images and worlds that I wouldn’t otherwise have the BUDGET to create. But I have a network of incredibly talented filmmaking friends who I can call on to help with voice talent, motion capture, video editing, sound editing, and sound mixing, scoring, etc. In fact, in most cases, they’re thrilled to help. Storytellers want to be part of telling stories! AI filmmaking tools can be industry changing in the way they can democratize storytelling, but please, don’t let it be something to eliminate one of the most unique and crucial elements of filmmaking: collaboration. Build your network. Use your network. They’re part of your community and we need community!  Use AI tools to blow past gatekeepers, not to eliminate the iron we need to sharpen our craft. #ai #AIFilmmaking #storytelling #filmmaking #community #network

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"Does it matter how I write?" Nobody has ever asked me this question, yet I feel, on many occasions, it's a question that lingers in the mind of many working professionals. 👀 When I talk about being mindful of who you are writing to, some would furrow their brows and narrow their eyes. 👀 When I pull up a chart on why it's important to simplify your written language, some would pout or lean back in their seats, arms crossed. 👀 When I point out the necessity of making an outline before drafting a report, or any written document, some would shake their heads in silence -- quietly disagreeing with this particular approach. 👀 And when I dive a little deeper into a specific use of tone and voice in writing to create engagement -- some would sigh. I don't mind these responses. Because by the end of the workshop, through exercises and discussions, I would almost always see a shift in mindset. Eyes would light up. And some even looked like they had discovered something within themselves they didn't know they had. 🌟 That good and effective writing takes discipline. Skills. A learning journey. It's not something you're born with. And it is definitely not magical. ❤️ This is the reason I continue to make time to deliver these effective writing workshops to the general public. I love this sense of discovery and self-empowerment from the participants. And I believe good writing can deliver results. 🟢 My next workshop "Introduction to Effective Writing" is coming up on Saturday: June 1, 2024. A collaboration between The Jakarta Post and B/NDL Studios. Check out the syllabus and schedule below. ⚡️ Let's have a little fun while we're at it. #writingworkshop #effectivewriting #whywrite #doesitmatter #itmatters #writebetter #elevateyourskills #upskilling #jakpost #bndlstudios

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It has been a great pleasure to talk to Sarah Malanowski and Nicholas R. Baima about their new book "Why It's Ok to Be a Gamer" (Routledge) for the #NewBooksNetwork. So, please check out our new "Game Studies" podcast conversation right here: https://lnkd.in/df4zV4XF Listen, like, subscribe! 😍 #gamestudies #podcast #conversation #digitalspielforschung

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Some of my clients are wondering if today's new SAG-AFTRA strike affects us. Quick answer: We're still good to work on most projects! The strike impacts certain video games ONLY. We can keep working on all other projects, including commercials, corporate/educational content, audiobooks, other video games, and more. If you have any questions, let me know!

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Fascinating to see how VR and AR are being used nowadays. Thanks to Howard McCabe for being a panelist and Dream Syndicate, Inc for being a sponsor of Philly Ad Club's Impact and Innovation Summit. #augmentedreality #XR #voiceover

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If you have been struggling to keep up with the approaches and negotiations to buy Paramount, or the internal machinations, then this is probably the definitive article for you... #paramount #redstone #nationalamusements #skydance #sony #apollo #bobbakish #ceo #stocks #shares #acquisitions #entertainmentindustry

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The notion of the "starving artist" has been around for decades. This idea perpetuates the perspective that artists must suffer and leads our society to view much of #art and creative pursuit in the same way - unworthy of profit and value. This notion lies at the heart of the many issues we face in #documentaryfilmmaking. We joke about low pay, lack of resources, and limited funding, but in reality, these issues have wide-ranging repercussions on the industry's future. Maybe the reason for these issues is that we've taught ourselves to believe that we must be starving #artists destined to work in an underpaying and unsustainable industry. The time has come to eradicate these notions and kill the starving artist trope. In this way, we can start building an abundant, accessible, and sustainable industry that uplifts docmakers for generations to come.

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Post Two in my series explaining who's who on a film shoot, and ever wonder who oversees the entire production process? Meet the Executive Producer. The Executive Producer, or EP, is more senior than a Producer and is the person behind the scenes ensuring a film gets made on time, on budget, and at the highest quality. Here’s what they do: 1️⃣ Secure Funding The EP’s first mission is often to find the money. Whether it’s from studios, investors, or brands, they make sure the project has the financial backing it needs to get off the ground. 2️⃣ Assemble the Team The EP hires the director, key crew members, and often the main cast. They bring together the right mix of talent to make the film or video shine. 3️⃣ Manage the Budget Once the money is secured, the EP keeps a close eye on the budget. They ensure that every penny is spent wisely and that there are no nasty financial surprises during the production. 4️⃣ Creative Oversight While they might not be involved in the day-to-day creative decisions, EPs have the final say on major creative aspects. They're there to ensure the film stays true to its vision and appeals to its target audience. 5️⃣ Problem Solver in Chief Every production hits a snag or two. The EP is the go-to person for solving problems, smoothing over conflicts, and keeping everything on track. 6️⃣ Marketing and Distribution After the film is made, the EP often plays a role in its marketing and distribution. They work to get the film seen by as many people as possible. Of course, roles and responsibilities can vary due to the type of project. In short though, the Executive Producer is the glue that holds the entire production together. They make tough decisions, manage finances, and ensure the project stays on course. I’m clearly biased (because I am one!), but having a strong EP is key to any successful production. Looking to hire an elite production crew to shoot a video for your business? Drop me a message! #VideoProduction #FilmMaking #ExecutiveProducer #ProductionCrew #BehindTheScenes #208Films

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