Women in Film Chicago’s Mentorship Committee hosted its second mentorship-focused event of the year, “Rethink Production,” a panel discussion and hands-on workshop exploring collaboration, craft, and the evolving ways production teams are getting the work done.
Following WIFC’s flagship mentorship event in February, hosted by Picture North and executive producer Neha Schultz, the latest installment took place at Thunderlab Production. Executive creative director Lauren Stegmeyer and executive producer Andy Stegmeyer welcomed attendees into an immersive environment designed to give emerging and established professionals direct access to different areas of the production process.
“Hosting this event was about creating a space where people could connect, learn, and experience the production process from new perspectives,” said Lauren Stegmeyer, executive creative director at Thunderlab. “As our industry continues to evolve, bringing together brands, agencies, production teams, and creators is how we strengthen our community and create better work.”
The event featured interactive stations focused on tabletop photography, editing, camera operation and gear prep, giving participants a closer look at real-world production workflows. The hands-on format allowed attendees to move beyond conversation and engage directly with the tools, processes and people behind commercial production.
A panel moderated by Kala Bradford of Media Maven followed the workshop portion of the event. Panelists included Larissa Berringer, managing director of 1986 Studios at High Dive; Annie Varberg, freelance commercial line producer; Becca Major, freelance producer and former director of production at Nestlé Health; and Jessica Batson, freelance commercial director and producer.
Together, the panelists discussed how producers can adapt to a changing production landscape, from new workflows and shifting client expectations to the continued importance of communication, trust, and team-building.
“Our panelists brought decades of experience across agencies, brands, and production,” said Schultz. “The biggest takeaway is that strong creative work still comes down to strong teams — and mentorship helps build the next generation of producers.”
The event was recorded and will soon be available on the Women in Film Chicago YouTube page, extending access to the broader creative community. The Mentorship Committee is also planning future events.
“The WIFC mentorship program is aimed at educating and connecting women and gender expansive folks at all levels of their careers, whether they are just starting out or seasoned professionals,” said Rachel Oftedahl, mentorship committee chair for Women in Film Chicago.
She added, “While we are working on individual mentor-mentee connections, we are organizing events like these to build and lift up the community as a whole, showcase talented professionals, and foster meaningful connections amongst the industry for those who have traditionally been on the edges. And I am tickled every time I see people engage at the events and make new connections.”
ALSO READ:
BAM Studios records Joan Cusack as Jessie for Toy Story 5
