Hallmark Media Announces Female Director Mentoring Program
Hallmark is launching a female-forward initiative called Make Her Mark. This mentorship program is Ashley Williams’ (Two Tickets To Paradise, Never Kiss A Man In A Christmas Sweater) “passion project.”
Hallmark Media announced this at the Television Critics Association. Lisa Hamilton Daly, the Executive Vice President of Programming at Hallmark Media led this discussion.
Ready to learn how Hallmark is giving new opportunities to emerging women directors?
What Is Hallmark’s Make Her Mark About?
Hallmark has just announced their new mentorship program called Make Her Mark. According to The Futon Critic, this new program helps new female directors to get that experience that is hard for women to get in this male-dominated industry.
Moreover, this is a project that Ashley Williams has been working on for two years to make it happen.
Make Her Mark is working to mentor women directors, like herself. Her directorial debut was Lifetime’s Circle Of Deception.
Make Her Mark will include a mentorship to help the new director work with an experienced director to gain knowledge that only mentorship can give. They have steps in helping a new director gain all the experience and tools.
Lisa Hamilton Daly revealed that “I am where I am today because of the women and men who mentored me and lifted me up along the way.”
And now we will pay it forward as an organization and help arm aspiring women filmmakers with the tools and experience they need and want to take their careers to new heights. I cannot wait to see the incredible work that will result from this new program.
Ashley Williams shared a statement to the press, thanking those at Hallmark Media that made this happen.
My gratitude to Hallmark Channel for the years of supporting me as a storyteller runs deep. And now, to work in concert with Wonya Lucas, Lisa Hamilton Daly, Randy Pope and the executive leadership team to create this same support for other female storytellers is some of the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.
This new program is one of several ways Hallmark is committed to diversifying its stories AND its storytellers.
What did Ashley Williams Have To Say About Make Her Mark?
Unfortunately, Ashley Williams was unable to be with the Hallmark executives at the TCA22. That is because she is currently filming another project. However, she went into a production room to film a short film about Make Her Mark.
First, she talked about the commitment of the current Hallmark Media regime.
I have loved working with the Hallmark channel the past few years because of their commitment to female forward storytelling. It’s the kind of storytelling our viewership keeps coming back to, keeps resonating with.
Next, she revealed that she was “not surprised” that the current executive leadership team was receptive to her “out of the box” idea to put more women behind the cameras.
She shared that “After several years of development, I am finally ready to share this with you.” She then discussed how important “boots on the ground” training was for a new director. Moreover, she shared how it makes a huge difference.
Next, she explained how they will help set up these directors to succeed.
Once we have trained our women as directors, we will not only employ them as directors at the helm of their very own project. But we will surround them with empowering mentors who are going to ensure that they succeed.
A female director is born.
Lastly, the HIMYM star revealed, “Our first crop will be out in the upcoming months.”
It’s finally happening!!! I love this network so much and I’m so excited to give more women the opportunity to shine! #makehermark @hallmarkchannel https://t.co/NhaTXEYtzD
— ashley williams (@imthesmash) August 11, 2022
Ashley Williams Excited About Hallmark’s Make Her Mark
On Twitter, Ashley Williams wrote, “It’s finally happening!!! I love this network so much and I’m so excited to give more women the opportunity to shine! #makehermark @hallmarkchannel”
I would love to know more and join!!