RACHEL RAIMIST

An English teacher at Middletown High School in New York State gave students video cameras back in the 1990s, and told them to tell compelling stories. Result: They uncovered illegal dumping of toxic wastes tied to the mob, and then made films about it - which shook the community and triggered government investigations. A documentary about their real-life drama, Teenage Wasteland, is making the rounds of film festivals and generating rave reviews. The teacher who guided the project, Fred Isseks, joins us with two of his former student investigators, Rachel Raimist and Jeff Dutemple. And they say the most important outcome was bigger than exposing illegal dumping: They learned how to ask tough questions, challenge government officials, and sort facts from lies. LISTEN HERE.

Teenage Wasteland: New Documentary Revisits Middletown Students Who Exposed Toxic Dumping

A new film from Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine spotlights the Middletown High School class whose dogged investigation into a polluted landfill became a masterclass in democracy. Teenage Wasteland is a documentary about a documentary. The original film, Garbage Gangsters and Greed, was made by Middletown High School teacher Fred Isseks and the students in his English class. That 1996 film documented their dogged investigation of a toxic landfill. Filmmakers Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine first heard about Garbage Gangsters and Greed in 2020. They wanted to document the process of making the original film. Connecting with Isseks confirmed the story’s appeal. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

‘Teenage Wasteland’ Review: Young in Age, Mature in Reporting 

This documentary looks back at a group of teenagers who, in the early 1990s, created a high school video project that ended up breaking real news. 

High school journalists who put their professional counterparts to shame; environmental advocates who push back on polluters; an oddball teacher who leaves an enduring mark on his pupils: “Teenage Wasteland” has them all. This crowd-pleasing documentary, directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss (“Boys State” and “Girls State”), caters to multiple niches of moviegoer who enjoy rooting for the underdog. Even archivally minded cinephiles — the kind who get nostalgia pangs from watching long-shelved VHS tapes played anew — will find an itch scratched. READ THE FULL STORY.

Director Akinola Davies discusses his new film, My Father’s Shadow, with fellow Director Rachel Raimist in a Q&A at the DGA theater in Los Angeles. In the conversation, he discusses shooting on celluloid film to capture the beauty of Lagos, the exhaustive process behind casting the two young leading Actors, and finding ways to show the people of Nigeria in a dignified manner that he felt represented the place as he knew it.    Screened as part of the DGA’s Global Cinema Series, the film tells the story of Aki and Remi, who reconnect with the father who’s been absent for most of their lives. But the reunion quietly unravels into something deeper as they witness both the city’s magnitude and their father’s daily struggles during the political unrest of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. WATCH HERE.

Dr. Rachel Raimist has always understood the power of storytelling to shape lives. Long before she directed episodes for major networks or broke barriers within the Directors Guild of America, she experienced firsthand how filmmaking could uncover truth and inspire change... READ ON.

The first panel, “Latinas Directing From Within,” presented by AWD, will be held Friday, July 25, from 2:00-3:00 PM in Room 23ABC. This discussion will explore how identity, legacy, and personal perspective shape a director’s visual language and storytelling voice. Director and AWD Board Member Melissa Balint (“High Score”) will act as moderator. Read on.

The Disability Committee, Director Rachel Raimist has been elected as the Western Director category representative. Read on.

MIDDLETOWN wins Best Documentary Feature! Read on.

Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine are slowly building a filmography of open-hearted documentaries about young people and civic engagement. Over the course of their last few films — which include Boys State, Girls State and The Mission — the filmmaking duo have become delightfully preoccupied with stories of young adults discovering their voices, and the systems that threaten to limit or manipulate those voices. Their latest documentary, Middletown, about a group of Gen-X high school students collaborating with their teacher on a years-long investigative report, is no different. It may also be their most clear-eyed and empowering movie yet. READ ON.

The upstate New York high schoolers at the heart of “Middletown” hint at what the Breakfast Club crew might have been had they shared a purpose beyond sulky rebellion. READ ON.

AWD invites you to view this intimate conversation between AWD Icon Member Rachel Raimist and Mimi Leder, currently Emmy-nominated for her work on The Morning Show. They discuss what drew Mimi to the series, how the camera and framing can convey emotion, and how experience gives you the confidence to throw your plans away and be open to what's in front of you. WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE.

Girls State was my favorite documentary of Sundance 2024, and I firmly believe that its predecessor, Boys State, is one of the best films Apple TV+ has to offer. Through them, it was clear to see that directors Jesse Moss and Amanda McBaine had a talent for identifying fascinating, inspiring subjects — particularly young ones — and presenting them in compelling and compassionate ways. Needless to say, I had high hopes going into Middletown and am thrilled to report that they have managed a three-peat. There’s no better team in the coming-of-age documentary game right now — and very few on their level in the documentary space in general. READ ON.

There are times when I come across a great documentary and all I want to do is rave and rave about it and convince everyone else to watch the film. But I must confess – it's always a challenge. How can I convince anyone to watch this time capsule film about high school kids in the 1990s trying out journalism? It's not an easy sell no matter what I say about it. Nonetheless this film needs to be seen and admired and discussed – there's so much to appreciate. Middletown is the latest documentary film creation from the two acclaimed filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss – they're both regulars at Sundance with their doc films Boys States, Girls State, and The Mission previously. They're back again already at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival with another excellent doc. This one really shook me up and has been stuck on my mind ever since. So many moments and conversations hit me hard and have remained on my mind, playing over and over as I think about the state of the world right now, and what's going on in journalism at this moment in history. READ MORE.

A hit at the Sundance Film Festival, the new documentary “Middletown” revisits a group of New York high schoolers who had their very own, shocking Erin Brockovich moment. READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

Panelists: Rachel Raimist and Anya Adams. View the recording.

Thrilled to share my electric convo with a TV director and college professor, Rachel Raimist, Ph.D.. Some of her directing credits include: THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (Disney+), UP HERE (Hulu) and SEX/LIFE (Netflix).    We are opening up the aperture and hearing from other disciplines on what they think makes an exceptional producer, so tune in!   Her journey is a masterclass in rolling with the punches…and her resilience is inspiring to say the least. She’s one of those people you can talk to for hours and never run out of things to say. LISTEN HERE angleonproducers.com spoti.fi/2XwATdT apple.co/3dGscbf

DGA NEWS: An Eastern Diversity Steering Committee Discussion

On October 17, the Eastern Diversity Steering Committee (EDSC) virtual meeting contained a double feature of the short presentation, What's in a name? Understanding the Latino/a/x Diaspora with Director Rachel Raimist; followed by the discussion, A Million Miles Away: Transcending Latino Stereotypes, with Director Alejandra Márquez Abella moderated by Director Carmen Marrón.

Raimist’s presentation explored Latino/a/x identity by breaking down the language used to describe them. The presentation was followed by a robust discussion with attendees.

READ MORE.

The DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) has announced the 2023 class of its WSC Squad Mentorship Program. The latest class, which began in September, pairs 13 mid-career directors with well-established director-mentors. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

DGA President Lesli Linka Glatter recently announced the creation of a new provisional committee to address the concerns of Members with Disabilities. She has appointed Directors David Nutter and Rachel Raimist to serve as co-chairs. READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Hulu’s rom-com musical period piece makes sweet music out of a tiresome subgenre... The directors, including Tom Kail (of the Disney+ broadcast of Hamilton), Kimmy Gatewood (a sitcom journeywoman director who also acted in GLOW), and Rachel Raimist, are similarly solid. READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

On January 25, the Latino Committee meeting was preceded by the interactive workshop, No More Excuses: Go Digital! During the webinar moderated by Committee Co-Chair SJ Main Muñoz, Committee Alternate Co-Chair Rachel Raimist (Fantasy Island, CSI: Vegas) shared her process using Scriptation, a script reading and annotating app that allows Directors, Cinematographers, Producers and Writers to go paperless on set and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Via step-by-step demos and real-world examples, Raimist showed the attendees how such digital tools can help Directors and directorial team members save paper and time on episodic television productions. READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Writer-producer Federica Belletti has been awarded the BAFTA-Yugo Short Film Commissioning Grant for her film “Arya.” The annual prize, now in its fourth year, is awarded to a short film project focusing on wellbeing among 15 to 25-year-olds.

The jury includes Abby Bentley (marketing director at Yugo), Constanza and Doménica Castro (founders of 271 Films), Bryan Dimas (producer and co-founder of LatinX in Animation), producer Marianne Gray, Film Mode Entertainment VP Lydia Ianni, last year’s grant-winner Mishal Mahmud, actors John Pirkis and Danny Ramirez, director Rachel Raimist and TV writer and creator Taneka Stotts. 

READ FULL STORY HERE.

More than 200 DGA members seeking ways to better prepare for their next episodic directing assignment received valuable information on November 10 when the DGA Director Development Initiative (DDI) hosted the conversational lab, Making Your Day While Making a Great Episode. The final DDI lab of 2022 was an online event that featured Directors Norberto Barba, DeMane Davis and Viet Nguyen. In a conversation moderated by Director Rachel Raimist, they shared strategies for how to adapt when things go wrong. READ/WATCH HERE.

Eighty-two media educators from colleges and universities nationwide connected with leaders in the entertainment industry over the weekend (Oct. 27-29) at the Television Academy Foundation’s 2022 Media Educators Conference.

The annual three-day conference, designed to update faculty on the latest in production trends and insights on shaping the future of the entertainment industry, was held at the Television Academy’s renowned North Hollywood campus—the prestigious home base for the industry’s television community.

During the “Directing for TV” panel discussion at the conference, director / producer Dr.Rachel Raimist (Queen Sugar; The Sex Lives of College Girls) detailed the process of directing episodic television from the first draft of a script through to editing and advised professors on how to best prepare students for the future. “I recommend coming to Los Angeles, working in the industry through internships,” said Raimist. “The No. 1 internship in this business is the Television Academy internship … hands down. My students who have done the internship through this Foundation have excelled.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

BEST FEMALE RAPPERS: 20 WOMEN IN HIP-HOP WHO DESERVE RECOGNITION

Holding their own against their male rivals, the best female rappers prove that gender is irrelevant when it comes to skill and vision. When it comes to skill and spirit, gender in hip-hop absolutely makes no difference. While most of the artists on this list of the best female rappers of all time have explicitly or implicitly expressed solidarity with their sisters and foremothers in the rap game, they would also likely reject the tag of “female rapper”. As Little Simz said in 2016: “Why does it always have to be about my gender? Why can’t I just do what I want freely without feeling like people are trying to put me in a box all the time? Do you know how annoying that is?” READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

The Television Academy Foundation today announced that its annual Media Educators Conference will be held Oct. 27-29 at the Television Academy's North Hollywood campus. Returning in-person after three years as a virtual event, the program brings college and university media arts educators from across the country together with top Hollywood professionals for an immersive three-day educational event.

"Directing for TV" with director/producer Dr. Rachel Raimist (Queen Sugar; The Sex Lives of College Girls). Raimist will discuss her experience directing for television and share tips to help educators advise students on episodic direction. READ MORE.

The DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) has announced the 2022 class of its WSC Squad Mentorship Program. The latest class, which began in September, pairs twelve mid-career directors with well-established director-mentors.

“The DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee is so proud of the amazing group of mentors and mentees announced for the 2022 class,” said Tara Miele, WSC co-chair and one of the founders of the program. “The WSC Squad believes peer-to-peer support is crucial, thus this program provides frank discussion around the unique issues that female directors face while giving guidance and support.” READ ON

The Summit’s first panel discussion, La Inspiración: A Conversation with Pilot Directors, featured Directors Patricia Cardoso (Shelter), Linda Mendoza (Life by Ella), Rachel Raimist (Wild Life) and Patricia Riggen (Proven Innocent) in an exploration of the unique challenges of pilot production and the world of television pilot directing. During a conversation moderated by Director Eli Gonda (On My Block), they covered the process from pitching and prep to production. READ HERE.

On September 10, DGA members from all over came together online for the second annual DGA Latino Summit, a day dedicated to connecting, advancing, and amplifying Latinx DGA members and increasing representation across categories. Hosted by the Latino Committee (LC), the event was a launching point to discuss important topics in the film and television industry and featured conversations addressing the underrepresentation of Latino Directors and Director’s team members and a mixer devoted to directly addressing that issue. READ HERE.

Watch the videos HERE.

HBO Max has rounded out its cast of series regulars for comedy pilot Wild Life, which is fronted by Izabella Alvarez in the role of Ciara. The cast includes Nadine Velazquez (Queens), Annie Funke (The Offer), Nabeel Muscatwalla (Good Trouble), Ava Lalezarzadeh (The Pursuit), Brielle Barbusca (Scandal), Cyrus Arnold (8-Bit Christmas), Jessi Case (Mother’s Day), Chrystal Campbell, and Beau Minniear. Executive Producer and pilot director is Rachel Raimist. Read full story here.

The single-camera teen comedy Wild Life from Imagine Kids+Family has received a pilot order at HBO Max with rising star Izabella Alvarez (Euphoria, The Casagrandes) set as the show’s lead. Rachel Raimist will executive produce and also direct the pilot.  

Read the full story here.

The DGA Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) announces the second cycle of the WSC Squad mentorship program with its second class of mentees and filmmakers.

Led by WSC Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The WSC Squad is made up of a diverse community with the goal of preparing directors for the next step up, as well as forging a ‘sisterhood’ to create genuine connection, collaboration, and camaraderie within the DGA.

The DGA’s Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) has announced the newest class of its WSC Squad Mentorship Program. The program, which debuted in July of 2021, launched its 2022 session in late January and pairs 11 mid-career Directors with well-established mentors. The new class has been selected and the mentees/mentors are: Kat Coiro mentoring Rachel Raimist. Read brief here.

The DGA Women’s Steering Committee (WSC) announced its second class of WSC Squad mentees and filmmakers. Led by WSC Squad co-chairs Amy J. Aniobi, Maureen Bharoocha, Lena Khan and Amber Sealey, the six-month program supports other working directors to achieve their goals by pairing 10 mid-career directors with well-established mentors. The pairings include Kat Coiro mentoring Rachel Raimist. Read the news brief here.

Join award-winning filmmaker and producer Rachel Raimist (The Sex Lives of College Girls, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, The Big Leap), who has directed shows for HBO MAX, Hulu, DISNEY+, CW, and more, as she unveils her process of directing TV from start to finish. In this three-hour online event, we will define the role of a TV director and how to get hired as one and cover the steps it takes to be successful as an episodic director, from effective meetings with your crew to the prep process to working with actors. WATCH THE RECORDING HERE.

Heads up! This is a 4400 queer recap, and it’s full of delicious spoilers!

So, I’m not really a sci-fi kinda babe. Other than my unreasonably deep love for the show Haven, it’s not really my lane, which is probably why 4400 flew under my radar. Now, what I am a fan of is The Certainly White network a.k.a The CW, they have been giving us wildly addicting shows for quite some time, quite a few of them are queer, and I’m happy to say that this one is too. Read the story here

One of the best things Roswell, New Mexico has done is bring back Rosa Ortecho from the dead. Not only is Rosa one of the best characters on the show, but she’s also portrayed by Amber Midthunder, who imbues Rosa with a lot of strength, sarcasm, comedic timing, and a vulnerability that’s hard to look away from. When she’s not calling out the aliens on their bullshit, Rosa’s offering a steady kind of wisdom to those around her, whether to her own sister Liz, or to Wyatt Long. At other times, Rosa learns how to be gentle with herself. And this is all on top of waking up as a 19 year old who’s been dead for 10 years. Read the story here.

AWD celebrates Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month by hosting a virtual evening with a stellar lineup of Directors in Conversation. Writer / Producer / Comedian / Director Aida Rodriguez (Netflix's They Ready) will chat with Aurora Guerrero, Gloria Calderon Kellett, Rachel Raimist, Patricia Riggens about Directing and their current projects. Watch Event Here

Liz and Sarah reveal what’s most pressing in their work psyches this week — nothing! As Season One of Fantasy Island comes to an end, they are making a conscious effort to take a mental break from the show. In Take Two, they revisit their post Puerto Rico reset plans. Did Sarah find good hiking trails in Ojai? Has Liz stopped eating after 10PM? Have they both managed to focus on their friendship? Then, in Take A Hike, Sarah discusses her recent decision to reframe certain big expenses — an insight which led Liz to feel better about the money she’s spending on making a will. Liz and Sarah also go Behind The Episode, discussing the Fantasy Island season finale, “Dia De Los Vivos,” which was written by Liz’s husband, Adam Fierro, and guest-stars the always fabulous Leslie Jordan. Directed by Rachel Raimist.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

DIZZY – Max (Nathan Dean) investigates the break-in meanwhile, Alex (Tyler Blackburn) continues his research. Rosa (Amber Midthunder) and Isobel (Lily Cowles) team up and Liz (Jeanine Mason) makes a shocking discovery. Also starring Michael Vlamis, Heather Hemmens, and Michael Trevino.

The episode was directed by Rachel Raimist and written by Leah Longoria & Steve Stringer (#306).

READ THE ARTICLE

THE FLOOD GATE ARE OPEN – Greylock faces huge flooding as strangely heat climate melts snow from the new snowstorm. Realizing that Greylock might be underwater inside of hours, Sarah (Stella Baker) should ask for assist from the remaining individual she needs to depend on: Paul (visitor megastar Xander Berkeley). Grover (Ian Duff) is challenged through his therapist to select what makes him glad, whilst Bella (Landry Bender) and Tyler (Forrest Goodluck) take a large step of their courting. Luke Mitchell, Nia Holloway, Hope Lauren and Izabella Alvarez also are featured. Rachel Raimist directed the episode written through Anna Mackey (#110). Authentic broadcast 16-8-2021. Each and every episode of THE REPUBLIC OF SARAH might be to be had to circulation on The CW App and CWTV.com at no cost the day after it airs, with out a subscription, login or authentication required.

FAMILY CHAOS – As Sarah (Stella Baker) and Paul (guest star Xander Berkeley) start to make headway in their relationship, Ellen (Megan Follows) surprises everyone by coming home earlier than expected.  Weston (guest star Daniel di Tomasso) has a big break in his story and turns to Sarah for help.  Danny (Luke Mitchell) accidently makes things harder for Corinne (Hope Lauren), leaving her with a tough choice about some of the people in her life.  Meanwhile, Maya (Izabella Alvarez) struggles with whether to appear at her mom’s parole hearing and turns to her dad and Bella (Landry Bender) for advice.  Ian Duff and Nia Holloway also star.  Rachel Raimist directed the episode written by Franki Butler (#111). Original airdate 8/23/2021.  Every episode of THE REPUBLIC OF SARAH will be available to stream on The CW App and CWTV.com the day after broadcast for free and without a subscription, log-in or authentication required.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

THE FLOOD GATES ARE OPEN – Greylock is threatened with a massive flood as unseasonably warm weather melts the snow from the recent blizzard.  Knowing Greylock will be underwater in hours, Sarah (Stella Baker) must ask for help from the last person she wants to rely on: Paul (guest star Xander Berkeley).  Grover (Ian Duff) is challenged by his therapist to lean into what makes him happy, while Bella (Landry Bender) and Tyler (Forrest Goodluck) take a big step in their relationship.  Luke Mitchell, Nia Holloway, Hope Lauren and Izabella Alvarez also star.  Rachel Raimist directed the episode written by Anna Mackey (#110). Original airdate 8/16/2021.  Every episode of THE REPUBLIC OF SARAH will be available to stream on The CW App and CWTV.com the day after broadcast for free and without a subscription, log-in or authentication required.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

The series Roswell, New Mexico, includes drama, romance, and sci-fi. The series Roswell, New Mexico has received a positive response from the audience. Read the complete article to get all the details about the third season of the series Roswell, New Mexico.

It was directed by Lance Anderson, Aprill Winney, and Rachel Raimist. It was written by Carina Adly Mackenzie, Eva McKenna, Deirdre Mangan, Onalee Hunter-Hughes, Christopher Hollier, Alanna Bennett, Danny Tolli, Steve Stringer, and Leah Longoria.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Since the show's debut in September 2016, every episode of every season has been directed by a woman. Through five seasons, 37 women have directed episodes of "Queen Sugar." Watch as Ava DuVernay shares why she is proud of her history-making female directorial team.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

On May 1, DGA members from all over were able to celebrate and learn during the first-ever Women’s Day at the DGA. Hosted by the Women’s Steering Committee (WSC), the virtual event was a day dedicated to the talented women members of the Guild and featured four separate panel discussions on a variety of subjects.

The day began with a welcome from DGA President Thomas Schlamme, who spoke about the 40-year history of the WSC and the Guild’s commitment to the Committee’s work on the important issues of diversity, inclusion, education and inspiration.

Following Schlamme’s welcome, WSC Activities & Events Committee Co-Coordinators Shaz Bennett and Rachel Raimist explained how the day would proceed and the event kicked off with the day’s first panel.

READ THE ARTICLE HERE

The Elon University junior will participate in the Television Academy Foundation program, fondly dubbed the “Emmy’s internship,” this summer. Associate Professor Rachel Raimist, who serves as the academic director of the Elon in Los Angeles program, mentored Young and first mentioned the program during her Winter Term course, “The Push for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Hollywood.” The program is fondly dubbed the “Emmy’s internship” because, when the internship is held face-to-face, the students often hold an Emmy on their first day, Raimist explained. READ THE ARTICLE HERE.

In 2014, while she was in school, Glaudé met another woman who would help make her dreams possible: DuVernay. Ahead of filming Selma, DuVernay, then an up-and-coming director herself, visited the University of Alabama for its weekend-long campus film festival. Raimist and DuVernay had become friends when they previously worked together on a film, back when DuVernay was a publicist. READ THE ARTICLE HERE

Nancy Drew Season 2, Episode 3 "The Secret of Solitary Scribe": TICK TOCK – With time running out, Nancy (Kennedy McMann) and the Drew Crew come up with a plan that they think might help reverse the curse that the Aglaeca placed on them. Leah Lewis, Alex Saxon, Tunji Kasim, Maddison Jaizani and Riley Smith also star. Rachel Raimist directed the episode written by Alex Taub. READ MORE

Topic: Representation in the Media Both On and Off Camera/ Panelists Include: Writer/Co-Producer: Danny Tolli Director: Rachel Raimist Development Coordinator at the CW Network: Nelson Jimenez Join GFA in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by viewing our discussion about Latinx representation and identity in the Hollywood industry today. WATCH THE EVENT.

Liz and Sarah talk to director Dr. Rachel Raimist (Queen Sugar, Roswell New Mexico) about how she’s shooting safely during the time of Covid-19. What exactly are “color coded pod sets” anyway? Listen to podcast episode 169.

"I had a lot of fun working with Rachel [Raimist], who directed Episode 8. And Jeanine [Mason] is beyond amazing. I felt really welcomed, which is a rare feeling in this business. It's a special show, and I'm so thrilled." READ THE STORY.

The CW has released photos for "Say It Ain't So" the upcoming eighth episode of Roswell, New Mexico's second season. With Max back to life, the focus begins to shift in earnest to the mysterious disappearances around Roswell. Earlier in the season, Maria's (Heather Hemmens) mother went missing only to show up inexplicably several weeks later and now Jenna Cameron (Riley Voelkel) has also disappeared. It's the mystery of Jenna's disappearance that will send Max (Nathan Parsons) looking for her and, from the looks of the photos, has him cross paths with Jamie Clayton's character. READ THE STORY.

“Say It Ain’t So” is the title of the May 4 episode of Roswell New Mexico and The CW has released a description to promote it!  VISIT THE SITE.

JAMIE CLAYTON GUEST STARS - Despite promising Liz (Jeanine Mason) that he'll take things easy with his new heart, Max (Nathan Dean) sets out to find Cameron after learning that she's gone missing. Michael (Michael Vlamis) grows concerned about Maria (Heather Hemmens) after a surprising discovery about her family history leaves her vulnerable. Elsewhere, ready to move on, Alex (Tyler Blackburn) goes on a date with Forrest (guest star Christian Antidormi), and Rosa (Amber Midthunder) makes a decision about her future. Rachel Raimist directed the episode written by Eva McKenna & Christopher Hollier (#208). Original airdate 5/4/2020. READ THE STORY.

We all have an origin story but pitching yourself and your work is harder than it seems. The guest, director Rachel Raimist, has some great tips for standing out that she honed while on her own amazing journey. LISTEN HERE.

22 years ago, Rachel Raimist was a film student at UCLA, following her dreams of being a film director. Then, in one fell swoop, her life was turned upside down. In a very short period of time, Rachel not only found out that she was pregnant with her first child, but that both of her parents had been diagnosed with cancer. Her life changed course at that point and her Hollywood dreams were put to the side. But 22 years later, she got another chance. LISTEN HERE.

In the 90s, an inspirational teacher and his students uncovered corruption and illegal dumping in their backyard. Nearly 30 years on, is Middletown still at risk? READ THE STORY.

Host Frank Stasio talks with popular culture experts Mark Anthony Neal, chair of the department of African and African American studies at Duke University and Natalie Bullock Brown, filmmaker and teaching assistant professor at North Carolina State University for this episode of #BackChannel. They are joined by Rachel Raimist, a professor at the University of Alabama who directed season three episode 311 of the series 'Queen Sugar.' LISTEN HERE.

Queen Sugar' showrunner Kat Candler and producing director DeMane Davis focus their conversation on responsibility and accountability in Episode 311. WATCH HERE.

For more on #QueenSugar, visit http://bit.ly/2sxhnyI

The Bordelon family Sugar Cane Farm is about to get a taste of Alabama.
 

Dr. Rachel Raimist, a Journalism and Creative Media professor at the University of Alabama, has been tapped to direct an episode of the ground-breaking series “Queen Sugar.” READ HERE.

Welcome to your go-to guide of some of the most impressive female directors in the world right now.

It’s a fact proven by industry statistics and dwindling awards nominations; there are not enough female directors in Hollywood, or the film industry in general. READ HERE.

Raimist is directing episode 311, ” Your Passages Have Been Paid.” “Queen Sugar” stars Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe. Directing the episode means Raimist will become a member of the Directors Guild of America, which represents 17,000 members worldwide. READ  HERE.

A University of Alabama professor will soon direct an episode of the popular drama series "Queen Sugar." Rachel Raimist, a professor of journalism and creative media at UA, will shoot the episode in New Orleans this month. READ HERE.

“Queen Sugar,” the OWN drama series  from Ava DuVernay, announced the remaining directors to complete the season three all-female directorial line-up. The ladies include first time television directors Nijla Mu’min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of “Queen Sugar” showrunner Kat Candler. These directors join the previously announced line-up including “Queen Sugar” producing director DeMane Davis, Patricia Cardoso, Shaz Bennett, Maria Govan and Lauren Wolkstein. READ HERE.

Journalism and creative media professor, Dr. Rachel Raimist, will direct an episode of Queen Sugar in New Orleans during the month of June. The invitation comes from notable film writer, director and producer, Ava DuVernay of Selma, 13th and A Wrinkle in Time. Directing this episode will place Raimist in the Directors Guild of America, the preeminent organization of more than 17,000 members representing directors and members of the directorial worldwide. READ HERE.

Director, producer, and writer Ava DuVernay has some advice for Hollywood: say “yes.” Specifically, say yes to women. In a heartfelt Twitter thread, DuVernay expanded on an ongoing message about the necessity of consciously creating opportunities for women in the film and television industry. “Here are the 25 women directors who helmed #QUEENSUGAR over our three seasons,” she wrote, attaching a photo with all 25 women’s headshots lined up. READ HERE.

“Queen Sugar,” the critically acclaimed OWN drama series from Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay (“Wrinkle in Time,” “13th,” “Selma”), executive producer Oprah Winfrey and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, announced today the remaining directors to complete the season three all-female directorial line-up to include first time television directors Nijla Mu’min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of “Queen Sugar” showrunner Kat Candler.  READ HERE.

"Queen Sugar," the critically acclaimed OWN drama series from Academy award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay ("Wrinkle in Time," "13th," "Selma"), executive producer Oprah Winfrey and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, announced today the remaining directors to complete the season three all-female directorial line-up to include first time television directors Nijla Mu'min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of "Queen Sugar" showrunner Kat Candler. READ HERE.

“Queen Sugar,” the OWN drama series  from Ava DuVernay, announced the remaining directors to complete the season three all-female directorial line-up. The ladies include first time television directors Nijla Mu’min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of “Queen Sugar” showrunner Kat Candler. READ HERE.

EXCLUSIVE: One week after Queen Sugar‘s two-part Season 3 debut on OWN, the drama executive produced by Oprah Winfrey and Ava DuVernay has announced the final set of directors for the all-female-helmed series and widened its inclusion scope with new castings. The new directors are Nijla Mu’min, Christina Choe, Ayoka Chenzira and Rachel Raimist, along with the return of Queen Sugar Season 3 showrunner Kat Candler. READ HERE.

In today’s roundup, “Queen Sugar” added new cast members and directors to its third season, and “American Idol” announced dates and cities for its summer auditions. READ HERE.

OWN'S "QUEEN SUGAR" ANNOUNCES REMAINING DIRECTORIAL LINE-UP IN ALL FEMALE TEAM HELMING SEASON THREE INCLUDING NIJLA MU'MIN, CHRISTINA CHOE, AYOKA CHENZIRA AND RACHEL RAIMIST. READ HERE.

The Queen Sugar, OWN drama series in the US from Academy award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay, executive producer Oprah Winfrey and Warner Horizon Scripted Television, has announced the remaining directors for season three. READ HERE.

Raised in Prichard, Alabama, 26-year-old Cierra Glaude, says she never could imagine taking her passion for filmmaking from Alabama to television and film sets, working on large-budget projects... READ HERE.

Three College of Communication and Information Sciences students and one recent alumna are working as Television Academy Foundation Interns. Each year, the Television Academy Foundation’s Internship Program provides approximately 50 students from across the nation with hands-on experience in the entertainment industry, mentorships and opportunities for accelerated career development in more than 30 categories. READ HERE.

Dr. Rachel Raimist, faculty-in-residence in Ridgecrest West and associate professor of Telecommunication and Film, said she made the decision to live in the dorms with Honors students because a friend of hers was faculty-in-residence and loved it. READ HERE.

The day had finally arrived. The sun was shining, the people were dancing, and the kids were laughing. After running around for months planning and perfecting Tuscaloosa’s first Yellowhammer Festival, Alyx Chandler was finally able to stand still long enough to look around and see what she had a hand in creating. READ HERE.

Cars drive up intermittently, some of the passengers local but others are from hours away. All are turned away by a boy in a gray shirt standing next to a white mini-van. He explains to them each time that the festival has been canceled. He commiserates with each group, wishes things were different, that the weather had been more forgiving. READ HERE.

Alternative rock band Sister Hazel will headline a free concert at the Yellowhammer Festival from 2 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 3, at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Other acts include Wray, Shaheed & DJ Supreme, Looksy and the Doctors and the Lawyers. READ HERE.

Late in the evening on Easter Sunday, Brandon Izor, a junior majoring in computer science, stood in the middle of the Creative Campus offices in Maxwell Hall and checked his mathematics work one last time. He and Francis Ittenbach, a senior majoring in English, stared at the table saw and PVC pipes in front of them and worried, not for the first time, if they miscalculated something along the way and if their careful plans would work. They lifted the saw and started cutting as their fellow interns continued their own frantic work around them. READ HERE.

Two girls sit on a couch discussing adult life, lights are shining on them, and a camera is rolling. They're part of a small group of film students who meet to put on their own web series, writing their comedy based on their own life experiences.“Subtle Adulthood with Red and Bangs” is a YouTube show that consists of four episodes around five minutes long. This project was a team effort, consisting of two stars, a director, a sound technician, an editor, and a camera operator, just to name a handful. READ HERE.

The students become the teachers, and "Key and Peele" get a run for their money. A group of middle school and high school students at the Capitol School, in the Center for Digital Literacies class, have been working all semester on parodying a "Key and Peele" sketch, “Teaching Center,” under the mentorship of telecommunication and film students from The University of Alabama. 

The University of Alabama was one of only two schools in the nation with multiple students who earned internships in 2015 through the Television Academy Foundation’s highly competitive internship program. Telecommunication and film majors Tanner Robbins, of Hoover, Dillon Owen, of Moulton, and Christina Irion, of Spanish Fort, were selected for the prestigious program. READ HERE.

Hollywood, the glittering epicenter of the American film industry, is home to the Campus MovieFest, an exhibition that honors the best young auteurs in the country. This year, three University of Alabama alumni took home awards. Kevin and Calvin Ross, two twin-brothers who create movies together, won a Lifetime Achievement award for making seven films during their college career. Their most recent picture, “A Terrible Thing,” also won second prize in the Elfenworks Social Justice category. Michael Thomas’s film “Traces” was chosen for the CMF’s award for Best Picture from The University of Alabama. READ HERE.

Add News Story heUniversity of Alabama telecommunication and film student Michael Thomas will enjoy an international spotlight when his short film “Traces” screens at the Cannes Film Festival this summer.Thomas, a senior from Birmingham, originally created the film for UA’s Campus MovieFest, where it won a Jury Award. The film tells the story of a young boy searching for his mother after a storm.“My passion is cinematography,” Thomas said. “I love visuals, painting with light, conveying a story through imagery. I love directing, but my passion is cinematography.” READ HERE.

Maxwell Hall is the oldest building on campus and only one of a few buildings to make it through the Civil War. At one point, it was a celestial observatory, explaining the dome that rises above the front room. The pedestal the telescope once sat on is still intact. Today Maxwell Hall is the home of 40 student interns who make up the Creative Campus team. READ HERE.

For Chris Swart, a junior majoring in telecommunication and film, filmmaking is all about telling stories. His documentary “Apartment B4” received the Audience Award at the Black Warrior Film Festival last month. READ HERE.

The third annual Black Warrior Film Festival takes place Feb. 13- 15 on The University of Alabama campus and in downtown Tuscaloosa, showcasing student films from across the Southeast and those of award-winning industry professionals. READ HERE.

Every seat was filled in theatre 16 at Cobb Theatres on Monday night. University of Alabama students were there to see a free screening of “Selma,” a recently released movie that details the life of Martin Luther King Junior and his efforts to secure equal voting rights for black Americans. omas Herwig of the Honors College and Robin Boylorn of the communication studies department. READ HERE.

The Black Warrior Film Festival and the University of Alabama Honors College Assembly will present a screening and panel discussion of the Oscar-nominated film “Selma” today. “We really want to give students on campus an opportunity to see the film,” said Katie Howard, executive director of the student-run Black Warrior Film Festival. READ HERE.

The “TCF in LA” class is bringing Bama to Hollywood with the opportunity for students to intern in Los Angeles during the winter interim or summer session. Through the program, students meet producers, cinematographers and industry executives, all while learning on the job. This year the class is available to 
all majors. READ HERE.

The pros behind the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards mentor both high school and college student job shadowers, while prepping for the regional awards gala. READ HERE.

Not many people get to work at their dream jobs immediately after college, but in between going to “Chelsea Lately” show tapings and book signings with Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Daniel Barnes is doing just that. This summer, Barnes will complete an internship with the Emmys in Los Angeles, California. He’s one of 12 University of Alabama Telecommunication and Film students who have been placed around the Los Angeles area for a once-in-a-lifetime internship program for the next two months. READ HERE.

The second annual Black Warrior Film Festival will take place April 11-13, 2014, on The University of Alabama campus. The three-day festival will include a showcase of student films from across the South and events with industry professionals. All events are free and open to the public. READ HERE.

I can’t claim to be a film enthusiastic or even a fan of award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay. But after seeing Middle of Nowhere Saturday night and hearing the first African American woman to win the Best Director award at Sundance Film Festival in January 2013, I am convinced there is so much to be learned about the intersection of race, gender and motion pictures. READ HERE.

Since 1974, the Telluride Film Festival has brought filmmakers and moviegoers to the Colorado Mountains to screen new films and pay tribute to Hollywood superstars and unknowns alike. Kristen Warner, assistant professor of the telecommunication and film department, is jump-starting a new travel course to take students to the festival. Warner, along with Rachel Raimist, a professor in the TCF department and co-director of Creative Campus, have run a number of film festival courses over the past few years. Warner said she plans to take some students to the Atlanta Film Festival, which lasts from March 28 to April 16. READ HERE.

When talking about film, students might think of festivals like Cannes or Sundance, living in L.A. or New York, or large-scale Hollywood productions. Tuscaloosa’s film scene may be the last thing to come to mind, but students, faculty and community members are working to change that. READ HERE.

For one week every January, filmmakers and filmgoers alike converge on the small town of Park City, Utah, nestled in the mountains east of Salt Lake City, for the Sundance Film Festival. For 10 students in the telecommunication and film department at The University of Alabama, this year’s festival was course credit and more. READ HERE.