StudioDaily is proud to announce its first roster of Exceptional Women in Production and Post!
The Exceptional Women honorees include power players in the C-suite whose decision-making helps dictate the future of content, as well as the experts and visionaries in the trenches whose hard work and leadership guarantees the success of individual projects. Their contributions drive media-makers to new heights in the era of immersive content, influencer marketing and peak TV. And these exceptional women are mentors and role models who help advance the progress and recognition of all women in production and post.
StudioDaily’s Exceptional Women hail from all corners of the media industry, from creatives and craftspeople to executives and engineers. They create great media, from feature films and episodic programming to cutting-edge VR experiences, branded content and advertising. These powerful women are paving the way for their successors and encouraging gender parity in the industry.
Bryant Frazer
bfrazer@accessintel.com
Mary-Lou French
mfrench@accessintel.com
By day, Zarina Mak is a Managing Partner and Executive Producer at PS 260, a New York and Venice, CA-based, film-editing company that provides award-winning film, commercial and music video post-production to top clients in the industry. Their client roster includes ESPN, Jet Blue, AT&T, Acura, Google and M&M’s. By night (and during every spare moment in between), Mak runs See Spot Rescued — a NY/NJ-based, dog rescue and adoption non-profit that she founded. Since its inception in 2011, the organization has found homes for more than 1500 dogs. Mak challenges and supports the people around her. She always encourages co-workers at PS260 to grow and take on personal challenges outside of the workplace.
Who’s your favorite female character in movies or TV? Charlie's Angels were my favorite characters that I grew up with. Specifically Sabrina Duncan played by Kate Jackson as she was the leader. This was one of the rare shows that highlighted women not only being in charge but also smart,and very capable. I also really liked Mariska Hargitay. She played Olivia Benson, detective from the show Law & Order SVU —she was fearless and compassionate.
What topic do you think will dominate media industry headlines in 2019, and why? Women's fight for equality will continue to make notable headlines in 2019 in all industries. We have a nation of women who are angry, who are frustrated, who are ready to be seen as peers and equals. No matter where you work or live. Until women feel equal we will not rest.
What can people in the industry do, today, to help reduce gender discrimination? People need to be aware of their preconceived notions of how women should or should not act. I think once you become aware you can then manage your expectations. For example, if a woman is too assertive they seem bitchy. If a women is passionate they seem emotional as if that is a negative. Let's just meet women for who they are, judge if they are qualified to do the job, and less what mold they should fit.
What famous women, living or dead, would you like to have dinner with? I'd really like to have dinner with both artists Taryn Simon and Sarah Lucas at the same time.
What have you seen or read recently that inspired you? I recently saw an episode of Top Chef featuring Niki Nakayama and I found her story really inspiring. She didn't let race or gender discrimination stop her from pursuing her art and craft. And she didn't let either of those discriminations stop people from experiencing her food.