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Each month we will showcase a City agency employee or an industry specialist who helps to facilitate production in New York City.
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Terry Lawler, New York Women in Film and Television
March 1, 2006 – Terry Lawler is the Executive Director of New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT), a non-profit organization that advocates for equity and works to help women attain the highest level positions in the entertainment industry. Lawler began her career at the Film Fund, a non-profit organization that raised money to provide grants for films which explore social issues, and her career has spanned numerous non-profit organizations, many in the media industry, such as the American Film Institute and Women Make Movies. She has also worked as a consultant for the McArthur Foundation.
As Executive Director of NYWIFT, Lawler oversees fundraising and the more than 50 events that the organization produces each year, and works to connect members with one another and with greater opportunities. Part of an alliance of 40 chapters across the globe, NYWIFT has more than 1500 members in New York City. The organization stages regular awards shows to recognize excellence within the industry, offers a health insurance program for its members, and, through the Women’s Film Preservation Fund, provides funding to preserve films in which women have had a major creative role. Through an intern/mentor program, NYWIFT provides individuals interested in breaking into the industry with internships in their office which allows them to interact regularly with the organization’s membership, and next pairs them with a mentor who works in their area of interest within the industry, with whom they meet and correspond over a six month period.
Lawler’s advice to those looking to break into the industry is to gain practical experience in the field. "If you’re looking to break into production, volunteer or take the Mayor’s Office’s Production Assistant training program," she said. "Then do a great job and make yourself indispensable. If you’re looking to break into the executive side, get involved in an organization that you are interested in to make contacts who will help move you along in your career."
For Lawler, who has worked in the industry on both coasts, the best thing about New York City is the support New Yorkers have for one another. "People here are always interested in making the industry stronger, and there’s a cooperative environment that is really a pleasure," she said.
 Click here to learn more about NYWIFT
Click here for more about Women’s History Month events within the industry.
More Industry Stars
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