WCM/WIF MIXER: MAKING THE CONNECTION

On 6/20 the vibes were good and the room was packed as more than 200 women from all areas of the biz gathered for the second annual mixer spotlighting women in film, television and music hosted by Warner Chappell Music and Women in Film at the pubco's L.A. HQ—and thanks to a slow-moving catering truck, some carabiners and sheer grip strength—HITS managed to gain entry. Sure, we ate a disproportionate volume of hors-d'oeuvres, but that's not what's important right now.

According to a recent study from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, the music industry still falls short when it comes to gender parity. So, with the goal of leveling the playing field for women, WCM VP, Head of Global Film, TV, and Media Original Music Christine Belden and WIF Senior Director of Programs Maikiko James organized and hosted their recent networking mixer for women working in a broad range of film, television and music-industry roles.

The lively affair featured food (some of it not consumed by us), valuable face time with creators and executives and performances by WCM-signed artists like the enigmatic British singer-songwriter Rose Betts and Spanish indie-rock outfit Hinds.

“There are so many talented women working in film & television and music,” said Belden. "Although there has been a lot of progress, women still make up a small percentage of the jobs in both industries. And many women in the industries didn’t know each other. So the idea was twofold: a reminder to hire, support and promote women but also to connect women in film, television and music.”

For those in attendance, the mixing, mingling and networking continued post-party thanks to an online portal.

Future plans also reportedly include thorough inspections of catering trucks’ undercarriages to keep out the riffraff. To that, we say, “Challenge accepted.”

Seen above girding themselves for the indignity of appearing in our publication are (l-r) WCM's Margo Dorfman, Paula Ruiz and Carlotta Cosials of Hinds, WCM co-Chair/COO Carianne Marshall, Ana Perrote of Hinds, Belden and WCM's Rich Robinson.

Pictured just before a HITS staffer yelled "Dance party!" and everyone pretended not to hear are (l-r) WCM's Rachel Jacobson, Marshall, WCM's Dorfman and Rose Betts.