To honor of Women's History Month, Tongal is highlighting the achievements of women Creators in our community. These Creators are leading animated productions, making awesome commercials, and letting us into their worlds - one getaway at a time. Read on to learn more these women.
Sarah de Gaudemar
Say hello to animator and director Sarah de Gaudemar. Sarah has produced television shows, short films, and even commercials, using different kinds of animations including motion graphics, puppetry and stop-motion animation. She’s contributed to projects like Morel Orel, The LEGO Batman Movie and Robot Chicken, for which she was awarded an Emmy in 2006. Sarah was the animation director on Santa Inc. and now is directing a series for kids called Lil Wild. Through Tongal, Sarah has collaborated with NBCUniversal to create content for WWE Monday Night Raw’s 30th Anniversary.
What's your best advice for Creators just starting out?
I guess a good piece of advice would be to plan meticulously. Even for short pieces, Take the time to make an animatic with good timing, and it will take the stress out of the project. A solid road map makes everything easy.
Also, people just starting out might get discouraged that their stuff isn't as good as what they'd like it to be. They shouldn't give up. If you keep constantly producing stuff it will get better.
What's one piece of animation software, hardware, tool, etc. you can't live without?
Just one? That's tough. I would say Dragonframe. It makes my life so much easier.
Shakenia Hill
Next up, get to know Shakenia “Kenia” Hill, who creates content under the name Bella Merlot. Kenia is a filmmaker, model and content creator. A travel and fashion enthusiast, Kenia works with brands, like fast-fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing, to tell their stories and help them reach new audiences on Instagram and TikTok. Kenia has used the Tongal platform to earn the greenlights from Chime, eos, and Orgain.
What's your best advice for Creators just starting out?
I'd say the most important advice is to keep trying. Don't get disappointed if and when your pitch isn't chosen the first time around. There are so many opportunities on Tongal (literally ALL THE TIME). Some brands keep you in mind for better projects so, all of this to say, don't be so hard on yourself.
What's one piece of animation software, hardware, tool, etc. you can't live without?
Final Cut Pro! I started editing using this software back in 2015/16 and haven't looked back yet. I've mastered it! It helps a lot with editing videos quickly and efficiently!
Emily Geraghty
Emilly Geraghty is the founder of GC.NYC, a video production company and studio in New York City. Before starting her company, Emily worked for ten years creating progressive media about identity and women's issues for brands like Glamour, Allure, Teen Vogue, and Bustle. As GC.NYC, Emily and her all-femme team work in Times Square, Manhattan creating mini documentaries, commercial content, social videos, photography spreads and so much more. GC.NYC provides full-service video and photo production services including concept consulting, scripting, art direction, cinematography, and post-production. GC.NYC believes that video can be used as a tool to create positive change, that representation matters, and aims to create paid opportunities for underrepresented workers in the creator economy.
What's your best advice for Creators just starting out?
From a creative standpoint, my advice would be to work with what you have. You don't need the newest camera, the biggest budget or the fanciest computer. The best tools are the ones you have already. Just start creating! From an economical standpoint, I always tell people looking to start a career in media to learn how to edit video. It's a hard skill and it's marketable. Whereas camera operators or production assistants might be hired as freelance day-players, editors are rarely hired for just one day. There is an endless supply of YouTube videos that can teach you what you need to know. Adobe Premiere is industry standard, so I'd start there!
What's one piece of software, hardware, tool, etc you can't live without?
I can easily say that's Adobe Premiere Pro. Post-production is the bread and butter of GC.NYC. I've been editing since I was 14 years old. I love being "the second director" when it comes to editing. The story and overall vibe is really built in post-production. I also love my Sony FX3 camera. It's small and lightweight, so I can bring three of them with me on a plane in a carry-on roller bag. The touch screen autofocus feature is amazing for filmmakers who are working solo or with a small crew, which is almost always the case for me.
Shanae B. Cole
By day, Shanae is a producer on an HGTV show but by night, she's a content creator who loves to tell stories that highlight superheroes, pop culture, and nostalgia!
One thing that Shanae loves about Tongal is that it offers a myriad of opportunities for people in all facets of the entertainment industry - even opportunities that compliment the content that she wants to create. Through the first project on which she earned the green light, Shanae created content for Warner Bros. x DC Comics as a DC Ambassador (which, as you can imagine, she was ecstatic about)! Not only was working on the project a dream come true for Shanae, but it also ignited her passion to create content that reflects her interests.
What's your best advice for Creators just starting out?
As for my advice for creators who are just starting out: be yourself. When you create content that you’re excited and passionate about, it shows! And not only will it bring you joy, but it will also bring joy to others. I’m a firm believer that your gifts and talents will make room for you, so keep mastering what you’re good at and stay consistent with it because the opportunities will surely come!
What's one piece of software, hardware, tool, etc you can't live without?
And as for a tool/software that I can’t live without - I’d have to say Canva! Ever since I discovered it, I use it for all of my one-sheets and pitch decks!
