Women I Know Making History

March is Women's History Month. I was just informed of this via Facebook. What did we do before Facebook. Oh, right, we got a lot more done and watched a lot less cat videos. But I digress...

In honor of the month to honor women (and, rock on, it's the month with St. Patrick's day so I can salute you all in style), I am going to highlight some of the amazing women I've worked with in film.

Let's start with my mom. While she is not pursuing a career in entertainment, she has helped me on many projects (and has the IMDb page to prove it!). She's a pretty awesome lady.

A picture of my mom at 24 and me at 24. Can you tel we're related?

Ok, on to the ladies I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with in the wonderful world of movie-making. Check out the work these talented women are doing. Follow them on social media, watch their films, support their work. They are truly some fantastic women!

The team of five creators of Baked Goodes, moments after wrapping principal photography.

I'll start with my #trashbones ladies. I worked with four other women to create "Baked Goodes," a web-series in post-production. We had 90% female crew and about 70% female cast. Here's a run-down on the fantastic women who made it possible:

• Anna Mehle (writer/director) - She is such an organized and focused producer and director with great comedic timing. Check out her website to see the work she's done.
• Molly Reynolds (writer/actress) - She is such a funny writer and wonderful actress. I loved working with her. Connect with her on twitter.
• Mackenzie Horras (writer/actress) - As someone who typically writes drama, I learned so much about writing comedy from being in the writers room with her. Find her funny stuff on Funny or Die, and on her website.
• Caryn Ruby (writer/actress) - A comedian and actress, she's the gal who got me involved with this project. Check out her website.
• Aymae Sulick (cinematographer) - When you watch the Baked Goodes (and I know you will, right?) and are wondering who is the talent who shot the series, it was Aymae. We were so lucky to have her on set with us. Look at her other credits on her site.
• Actors on Baked Goodes - We had far too many amazing people join us for me to list them all. Check out our facebook page and find their links on the album of cast pictures.

Beyond the #trashbones crew, I've made some great connections in Los Angeles so far:

• Jennifer Dornbush (writer) - She and her husband gave me a roof over my head for my first two weeks in LA, but that is not why Jen gets a mention. Not only is she an incredible human being, she's a talented writer. Look her up on her site.
• Katy Bodenhamer (actress) - I've enjoyed working with her on a few projects so far. And not just because she'll work for wicker baskets. Follow her on Facebook.
• Parish Rahbar & Tara Moini (director/writer and actress/producer) - I met this duo in the fall and have enjoyed working with them. They are the type of people that make things happen - my kind of women! Check out their website for their projects.

In my previous filmmaking life in Chicago, I worked with a great number of talented women.

• JC Farris (director/writer) - Together we formed ChiFem Filmmaker Collective to help give opportunities for females in the industry. We're a two-woman team, now separated by 2,000 miles. Check out her films and musings on her blog, JC in the Big City. 
• Rebecca Lunn (director/writer)  - A wonderful film-making friend who is always ready with a corny joke. She is hard at work on post-production on her documentary  “Uncertainty.”
• AnnMarie Parker (producer) - Along with her work on films, she runs a business called iVideoParty.
• Liz Schroeder (costumer) - She just relocated to LA from Chicago, so I look forward to working on projects with her. I don't have a link but if you are looking for a costumer, let me know and I'll connect you!
• Kate Howe (script supervisor) - When she asked me to write her a letter of recommendation for a program in London, I did so under protest. While I was happy to write the glowing rec, I was sad that it would mean she'd be out of the country and I couldn't work with her. She's amazing. You're welcome, England.
• Rhonda & Sharee Washington (writers/directors) - I met this duo at a film festival a number of years ago and have kept in touch ever since. They are such go-getters and I always enjoy seeing their latest projects on their site.
• Julie Hurt (actress) - I remember the moment I met her and knew I wanted her in my first film. As they say, the rest is history. She's become a great friend over the many films we've worked on together. Check out her acting and voice over reel on her site.
• Leigh Rose (actress) - I also remember the first time I saw Leigh. She was larger than life on the screen at a festival and I said to myself "She's my Giana." The producer on "Shadows of Death" got her attached to play Giana and I have worked with her on a few projects since. View her work on her website.
• Mimi Sagadin (actress) - It is such a joy to see an actor you've worked with on the big screen. I was so excited to catch her in "Return to the Hiding Place" in LA last summer. Check out her credits online.
• Daniela Sloan (singer/songwriter) - I am basically obsessed with Daniela's music. A song she wrote plays over the credits of my film "Broken & Beautiful." You can check out Daniela's music on her site.
• Amanda Cleary Eastep (writer) - While my dear friend doesn't work in film, she's such a fantastic writer that this list would not be complete without mention of her. You can read her musings on her blog.

Thank you to all the women who have made this world of entertainment a blast to work in. Let's continue to make awesome films together. Remember, boring people don't make history!