“Every pitfall and bump prepares you for where you are. You don’t see it in the moment, but it will be okay.”
Alana mayo
A Day of Learning, Perspective, and Possibility
I’m glad I had the opportunity to enjoy the New York State Creativity Summit for my first time. Usually at events like this, I’m working, photographing, and running around nonstop. Being able to just sit down, listen, and take it all in as part of the audience was a rare and welcomed change of pace.
After opening remarks and some housekeeping, the day with the “Join the Crew: New York’s Diverse Workforce Pipeline” panel, and it really set the tone for the full day of conversations that followed. Hearing how Empire State Development is structuring programs to build real access for young creatives gave me a lot of hope. It reinforced a lot of the same values we push at Frame of Mind Project; opening doors, building skills, and giving new voices a place to grow. The conversations around ESD’s grant programs got me especially excited about the impact this could have on Frame of Mind Projects' programming.
The Spotlight on Female Film & TV Creative Forces panel was another highlight. The honesty, the lived experiences, and the way they spoke about navigating this industry hit home. A lot of what they shared aligned with beliefs I already hold: storytelling is at its best when diverse perspectives are at the center.
The Legal Clinic, Funding Your Story, and Festival Strategy sessions each brought their own gems. I really appreciated hearing how important stills are in packaging a film, something that often gets overlooked. As a photographer, it was great to hear that emphasized so clearly. Strong stills matter, and they can help carry a project long after the shoot is over.
And I truly enjoyed the fireside chat with Alana Mayo. Hearing her talk about her journey, from grabbing coffees and carrying jackets as a PA to leading at Amazon MGM Studios was powerful. I loved hearing how she bet on herself early on, especially when joining Michael B. Jordan’s company. Listening to how she continues to stay grounded in her voice as she moves through spaces that. Seeing a Black woman in that position, owning that responsibility with confidence and intention, was genuinely inspiring.
I walked away from the summit feeling glad that I took the time to be present. I took the early advice of the day and made sure to connect with at least seven people before I left during the cocktail hour. Looking forward to the future and excited to see how I can implement everything I learned into the work I’m doing.
